Saturday, February 15, 2025

Commercial Bull Kelp Harvesting Prohibited in Mendocino and Sonoma Counties, Fish and Wildlife Commision Declares

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The following is a press release issued by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife:

BullkelpandRockFish
Bull kelp and rockfish swimming through [Photograph from CDFW]

At its February meeting, the California Fish and Game Commission acted on several issues affecting California’s natural resources. The following are just a few items of interest from this week’s meeting.

The Commission readopted emergency regulation prohibiting the use of hydraulic pumps to take clams, sand crabs and shrimp.

The Commission adopted regulations to protect bull kelp that include a prohibition of commercial harvest in Sonoma and Mendocino counties, an annual limit of 8,000 lbs. in Humboldt and Del Norte counties and other measures to protect kelp.

The Commission adopted regulations to protect California’s iconic grunion populations by implementing a bag limit of 30 fish per person and extending the closed season by additional month to include the month of June.

The Commission voted unanimously to list San Bernardino kangaroo rat as endangered under the California Endangered Species Act (CESA).

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Western Vegetation Control - Weed Abatement, Mosquito/Tick Control, Fire Safety
Western Vegetation Control - Weed Abatement, Mosquito/Tick Control, Fire Safety
Western Vegetation Control - Weed Abatement, Mosquito/Tick Control, Fire Safety
Western Vegetation Control - Weed Abatement, Mosquito/Tick Control, Fire Safety

The Commission continued the decision to determine whether or not listing southern California steelhead as endangered under CESA may be warranted.

The Commission continued the decision to ratify findings for the decision to list northern California summer steelhead as endangered under CSEA.

The Commission determined that listing Lime Ridge eriastrum as endangered under CESA may be warranted. This commences a one-year status review to be completed by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) and Lime Ridge eriastrum is protected as a candidate species during that time.

The Commission voted unanimously to list Shasta snow-wreath as threatened under CESA.

The Commission adopted amendments to big game regulations to include preference points reinstatement and tag refunds due to public land closures. More information on how to apply for reinstatement will be available at CDFW’s licensing website.

The Commission received a petition (begins on page 44) from the Humane Society of the United States to eliminate open hunting season for black bear until CDFW updates its bear management plan including a census of the California black bear population. The Commission referred the petition to CDFW.

The full commission was present. At the meeting, the Commission elected Commissioner Samantha Murray as president, replacing outgoing President Peter Silva who is stepping down from the Commission effective Friday, Feb. 18. The Commission elected Commissioner Erika Zavaleta as vice president, a position previously held by President Murray. The Commission assigned chairs for its three committees. Commissioner Jacque Hostler-Carmesin was selected to continue as chair of the Tribal Committee. President Murray and Commissioner Erik Sklar will continue as co-chairs of the Marine Resources Committee. Vice President Erika Zavaleta will continue to serve on the Wildlife Resources Committee as chair.

The agenda for this meeting along with supporting information is available on the Commission website. An archived audio file will be available in coming days. The next meeting of the full Commission is scheduled for April 20-21, 2022. Please see the Commission website for details.

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1 COMMENT

  1. The homeless are not a protected species in Califonia
    Poaching is encouraged
    Loss of habitat and migration are being studied.

    Trailer for sale or rent
    Two thousand dead presidents
    No phone no pool no pets
    And you can’t smoke cigarets
    I spend eighty hours pushing brooms
    Can’t afford a tiny room
    I’m a man without means
    In torn jeans
    Please hit the road

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Matt LaFever
Matt LaFeverhttps://mendofever.com/
For the past seven years, Matt LaFever has covered the North Coast of California in both print and radio news. A Humboldt State graduate, he has lived in the Emerald Triangle for nearly 20 years. His reporting spans local issues like crime and wildfires. When not writing, Matt is an avid outdoorsman, exploring Northern California’s rugged landscapes. Reach out to him at matthewplafever@gmail.com.

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