Article 8. Reduction Permits of California Fish And Game Code >> Division 6. >> Part 3. >> Chapter 1. >> Article 8.

The commission may grant a permit, subject to such regulations as it may prescribe, to take and use fish by a reduction or extraction process.

No reduction of fish shall be permitted which may tend to deplete the species, or result in waste or deterioration of fish.

No permit shall be issued except after a public hearing and a finding by the commission that the granting thereof would promote the economic utilization of the fish resources of the State in the public interest. In making such finding the commission shall take into consideration the interest of the people of the State in the utilization and conservation of the fish supply and all economic and other factors relating thereto, including the efficient and economical operation of reduction plants.

A hearing pursuant to this article shall be held within 30 days after application for a permit, upon such notice as the commission shall prescribe. The commission may extend such a hearing from time to time for a total period of not more than 30 days.

The commission shall, whenever necessary to prevent overexpansion, to insure the efficient and economical operation of reduction plants, or to otherwise carry out the provisions of this article, limit the total number of permits which are granted.

Notwithstanding any other provision of this code or regulation adopted pursuant to this code, the director or a representative appointed by the director, may, without notice or a hearing, grant a license to a fish reduction plant to dispose of dead or dying fish. The license may be immediately issued by the director or the director's representative whenever that person determines, in that person's discretion, that an emergency situation exists. The estimated tonnage to be reduced shall be specified as a limit in the license.

Nothing in this article restricts the power of any court in any proceeding relating to any matter arising out of the provisions of this article.