Questions and Answers

California Spiny Lobster Fishery Management Plan

Q. What is a "fishery management plan"?

A. It is a planning document that contains all the necessary information to make informed decisions to sustainably manage a species while allowing harvest opportunities. Under the Marine Life Management Act (MLMA), fishery management plans will evaluate and consider:

• Biological information about the marine resources under consideration
• Habitat needs and issues
• Economic and social factors related to the fishery
• An account of fishing activity
• Conservation and management measures already in place
• The ecological role of the resource
• The environmental effects that may have to be considered
• Fishery research protocols
• The most appropriate management tools for a sustainable fishery
• Procedures for amending the FMP to allow for possible adaptation in the future

Q. What is the "Master Plan"?

A. The Master Plan is literally a "road map" of how California fisheries will be managed. Specifically, the Master Plan includes:

• A prioritized list of fisheries in need of fishery management plans
• A process for involving the public in developing fishery management and research plans
• A description of the essential fishery information that will be needed to effectively manage the top priority fisheries
• A process for amending or revising the various plans.

The Master Plan is a first step in making clear and explicit, the complex process of fisheries management. View the Master Plan.

Q. What is the format of a fishery management plan?

A. View this sample format.

Submit Questions and Written Comment

Additional questions can be can be submitted via email to Travis Buck at travis.buck@wildlife.ca.gov.