Section 8841 Of Article 10. Trawl Nets From California Fish And Game Code >> Division 6. >> Part 3. >> Chapter 3. >> Article 10.
8841
. (a) The commission is hereby granted authority over all
state-managed bottom trawl fisheries not managed under a federal
fishery management plan pursuant to the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery
Conservation and Management Act (16 U.S.C. Sec. 1801 et seq.) or a
state fishery management plan pursuant to Part 1.7 (commencing with
Section 7050), to ensure that resources are sustainably managed, to
protect the health of ecosystems, and to provide for an orderly
transition to sustainable gear types in situations where bottom
trawling may not be compatible with these goals.
(b) The commission is hereby granted authority to manage all of
the following fisheries in a manner that is consistent with this
section and Part 1.7 (commencing with Section 7050):
(1) California halibut.
(2) Sea cucumber.
(3) Ridge-back, spot, and golden prawn.
(4) Pink shrimp.
(c) The commission is also granted authority over other types of
gear targeting the same species as the bottom trawl fisheries
referenced in subdivision (a) to manage in a manner that is
consistent with the requirements of Part 1.7 (commencing with Section
7050).
(d) Every commercial bottom trawl vessel issued a state permit is
subject to the requirements and policies of the federal groundfish
observer program (50 C.F.R. 660.360).
(e) The commission may only authorize additional fishing areas for
bottom trawls after it determines, based on the best available
scientific information, that bottom trawling in those areas is
sustainable, does not harm bottom habitat, and does not unreasonably
conflict with other users.
(f) It is unlawful to use roller gear more than eight inches in
diameter.
(g) Commencing April 1, 2006, it is unlawful to fish commercially
for prawns or pink shrimp, unless an approved bycatch reduction
device is used with each net. On or before April 1, 2006, the
commission shall approve one or more bycatch reduction devices for
use in the bottom trawl fishery. For purposes of this subdivision, a
rigid grate fish excluder device is the approved type of bycatch
reduction device unless the commission, the Pacific Marine Fishery
Management Council, or the National Marine Fisheries Service
determines that a different type of fish excluder device has an equal
or greater effectiveness at reducing bycatch. If the commission does
not approve a bycatch reduction device prior to April 1, 2006, then
a device that is approved by the Pacific Marine Fishery Management
Council or the National Marine Fisheries Service shall be deemed
approved by the commission.
(h) Except as provided in Section 8495 or 8842, it is unlawful to
engage in bottom trawling in ocean waters of the state.
(i) This section does not apply to the use of trawl nets pursuant
to a scientific research permit.
(j) The commission shall facilitate the conversion of bottom
trawlers to gear that is more sustainable if the commission
determines that conversion will not contribute to overcapacity or
overfishing. The commission may participate in, and encourage
programs that support, conversion to low-impact gear or capacity
reduction by trawl fleets. The department may not issue new permits
to bottom trawlers to replace those retired through a conversion
program.
(k) As soon as practicable, but not later than May 1, 2005, the
commission and the department shall submit to the Pacific Fishery
Management Council and the National Marine Fisheries Service a
request for federal management measures for the pink shrimp fishery
that the commission and the department determine are needed to reduce
bycatch or protect habitat, to account for uncertainty, or to
otherwise ensure consistency with federal groundfish management.
(l) No vessel may utilize bottom trawling gear without a state or
federal permit.