August 22, 2024

The California Fish and Game Commission (Commission) has adopted regulations to reopen sport fishing for white sturgeon on a catch-and-release basis while the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) conducts a status review to determine if listing the species as “threatened” under the California Endangered Species Act (CESA) is warranted.

The white sturgeon sport fishing season is expected to reopen Oct. 1, pending approval of the new regulations by the state Office of Administrative Law. All fishing for white sturgeon was closed in June when the Commission approved the species as a candidate for listing. Candidate species are afforded full protection under CESA while the candidacy review process plays out.

California Fish and Game Code Section 2084 allows the Commission to authorize take by hook and line for any sport fish that is listed as endangered, threatened or a candidate species under CESA. At its Aug. 14-15 meeting, the Commission adopted regulations proposed by CDFW to reopen the fishery on a catch-and-release basis.

“We’re pleased the Commission has agreed to return a sport fishing opportunity for this amazing fish,” said Jay Rowan, Chief of CDFW’s Fisheries Branch. “Sturgeon were swimming in the waters of what is now California 100 million years before Tyrannosaurus rex roamed the planet. They’re living dinosaurs. Catching a sturgeon, being able to see one up close, and watching it swim away to contribute to future generations is a really unique and humbling experience.”

In submitting the proposed new regulations to the Commission, CDFW stated that a complete fishing closure represented a “financial crisis to Californians who rely on this fishery as part of their business. This includes boat captains, fishing guides and businesses that rely on anglers such as bait and tackle store and suppliers, marinas and other boat services.”

CDFW also stated: “The best available science suggests that non-lethal take via a catch-and-release fishery would not harm the long-term viability of white sturgeon in California.” Catch-and-release fishing for white sturgeon has proven popular and lucrative elsewhere, including in Oregon, Washington, Idaho and British Columbia, Canada, where catch and release fisheries were implemented decades ago to protect declining populations.

The new white sturgeon sport fishing regulations specify two seasons to protect spawning and migrating fish and to reduce stress during warmer times of the year:

(1) From Oct. 1 through June 30: For ocean waters and San Francisco Bay east to downstream of the confluence of the Feather River on the Sacramento River and downstream of the I-5 bridge on the San Joaquin River.

(2) Anglers are still required to have a valid Sturgeon Fishing Report Card in their possession.

The new regulations also specify expanded handling requirements: Any sturgeon greater than 60 inches fork length may not be removed from the water and shall be released immediately. Previously this requirement was set at any sturgeon greater than 68 inches. Additionally, sturgeon of any size shall not be held out of the water suspended by the gills, gill plates, mouth or solely by the tail, and shall not be dragged across the ground, boat decks or piers.

The regulations approved by the Commission are available online as part of a staff summary at the Commission’s website.

As part of the candidacy process, CDFW is tasked with developing a comprehensive status report of the species and is collecting scientific data and public comments on the listing proposal to help inform the Commission’s ultimate decision. Public comments and outside scientific data are due to CDFW by Oct. 31, 2024, and should be submitted to sturgeon@willidfe.ca.gov and include “White Sturgeon CESA” in the subject line.

August 9, 2024

The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) is advising consumers not to eat sport-harvested mussels, clams, or scallops from Humboldt County.   

Dangerous levels of domoic acid, also referred to as amnesic shellfish poisoning, have been detected in mussels from Humboldt County. The naturally occurring domoic acid toxin can cause illness or death in humans. Cooking does not destroy the toxin. 

This shellfish safety notification is in addition to the warnings against eating sport-harvested bivalve shellfish in Humboldt County due to paralytic shellfish poisoning toxins and sport-harvested razor clams from Humboldt County due to domoic acid. The annual mussel quarantine is also in effect. The annual quarantine applies to all species of mussels harvested for human consumption along the California coast, as well as all bays and estuaries, and will continue through at least October 31.

Symptoms of amnesic shellfish poisoning can occur within 30 minutes to 24 hours after eating toxic seafood. In mild cases, symptoms may include vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, headache, and dizziness. These symptoms disappear within several days. In severe cases, the victim may experience trouble breathing, confusion, disorientation, cardiovascular instability, seizures, excessive bronchial secretions, permanent loss of short-term memory, coma, or death. 

This warning does not apply to commercially sold clams, mussels, scallops, or oysters from approved sources. State law permits only state-certified commercial shellfish harvesters or dealers to sell these products. Shellfish sold by certified harvesters and dealers are subject to frequent mandatory testing to monitor for toxins. ​

You can get current information on shellfish advisories and quarantines by calling CDPH’s toll-free Shellfish Information Line at (800) 553-4133 or viewing the recreational bivalve shellfish advisory interactive map. For additional ​information, please visit the CDPH Marine Biotoxin Monitoring web page.

August 2, 2024

CDFW is asking recreational anglers to begin "Hoot Owl" practices when fishing - voluntarily changing how, when and where they fish to minimize stress and mortality among fish populations suffering from drought conditions. "Hoot Owl" recommendations reference being active during times of day when owls can be heard hooting. These times are typically earlier in the day when weather conditions are cooler. As conditions change, CDFW will post updates on the "Hoot Owl" information page.

Overview

Environmental conditions brought on by drought can affect fish in many ways. Biologically, fish experiencing elevated water temperatures and associated lower oxygen levels will be highly stressed and, in some situations, have elevated levels of mortality or disease. Low water conditions may also limit fish abilities to naturally migrate for spawning or to seek cooler water refuge. Fish species that rely on migration and rearing as part of their life cycle are especially at risk. These degraded environmental conditions brought on by drought are not just affecting coastal waters, but inland fish populations are also at significant risk. Coldwater species such as trout and salmon have the greatest likelihood of being affected by the drought this year, but low water levels and high water temperatures can potentially affect all inland aquatic species.

What are Hoot Owl recommendations?

CDFW is requesting that anglers voluntarily avoid fishing after 12:00 p.m. on select waters throughout California. This approach directs anglers to focus their angling during the cooler “hoot owl” periods of the day when water temperatures are lowest. These voluntary angling recommendations will be triggered by ongoing monitoring of select fisheries across California. When these select fisheries begin to achieve sustained afternoon water temperatures exceeding 67° Fahrenheit, CDFW will add the water(s) to a “Hoot Owl” watchlist below and will work with local stakeholders and CDFW staff to help with outreach to inform anglers. Although these are not legal angling closures, CDFW strongly recommends adhering to the recommendations for the specific waters listed until removed when conditions for those waters improve.

Note: this list is not static and will be updated as conditions change with waters being added and removed.

Current Hoot Owl Waters:

1. Bridgeport Reservoir  in Mono County

2. Crowley Lake  in Mono County

3. Deep Creek  in San Bernardino County

4. Hot Creek  in Mono County

5. Lower Owens River  (Pleasant Valley Dam downstream to Five Bridges) in Mono County

6. Lower Rush Creek  (Grant Lake to Mono Lake) in Mono County

7. Middle Piru Creek  (Frenchman’s Flat Area)

8. Mill Creek  (Walker Basin) in Mono County

9. Truckee River  (Lake Tahoe to the Nevada state line) in Nevada, Placer and Sierra counties

10. Upper Truckee River  in El Dorado County

What else can anglers do to help our fisheries during a drought year?

Many fish species will often search out cold water refuges during elevated temperatures, which could include deeper water, spring seeps or cold-water tributaries. Anglers should avoid fishing these refuge areas if fishing results in moving fish across a temperature gradient greater than 10° Fahrenheit, as this can result in increased angling-based mortality. Although this may not be an issue for anglers interested in harvesting fish, the resulting mortality may affect non-targeted species or fish outside of the legal size limits.

Angling Tips for Decreasing Fish Stress:

1. Minimize the time you spend "fighting" the fish and any hands-on handling.

2. Use rubber or coated nylon nets to protect a fish's slime layer and fins.

3. Quickly remove the hook with forceps or needle-nosed pliers.

4. Minimize the amount of time the fish is exposed to air, especially when the weather is warm. Keep your hands wet when handling the fish.

5. If the fish is deeply hooked, do not pull on the line. Instead, cut the line as close as possible to where it is hooked and leave the hook.

6. Allow the fish to recover in the net before you release it.

7. If the fish does not stay upright when you release it, gently move it back and forth.

8. Avoid fighting fish from deeper, cooler waters and bringing them into warmer waters at the surface.

9. Target fisheries that have stable water levels or species that are more resilient to elevated temperatures.

July 19, 2024

The Pacific bluefin tuna stock has reached international rebuilding targets a decade ahead of schedule! While commercial landings of different tuna species are available year-round in local California markets, this unique and highly desirable fish is most found in the markets from May through October. 
Due to its higher fat content, Pacific bluefin tuna is generally considered a higher-quality product than other tuna species. Its flesh is the darkest and fattiest of any tuna and has the firmness and appearance of beef steaks. It is typically served as sushi and sashimi and makes amazing poke. When cooked, it is usually seared and served rare to preserve its flavor and texture.

You can check out the seafood profile through NOAA Fisheries to learn more about the nutrition information for this California delicacy (https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/.../pacific.../seafood).
CDFW will work with NOAA Fisheries to consider the latest Pacific bluefin tuna status information during the Pacific Fishery Management Council’s September meeting to determine that the stock is no longer in an overfished condition.

Eating fresh, locally caught, seafood is a great way to support California’s ocean economy and recognize sustainable fisheries. 

For more information on the science and management history of this tasty fish, check out the CDFW Marine Species Portal: https://marinespecies.wildlife.ca.gov/pacific.../false/.

For more information on the stock rebuilding success, see NOAA Fisheries’ feature story: https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/.../overfished-sustainable....

The last post was on May 3, 2024. CDFW decided there was not enough interest even though I told them that I provide all their posts to groups like NCKA. Their reaction was that they never considered distribution like ours. They are changing to QUARTERLY reports which will be sent through a newsletter via the license portal.

May 24, 2024

With the 2024 closure of ocean salmon fisheries in California, California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) officials are reminding anglers of important rules relating to transport of salmon taken from Oregon into California.

In ocean waters any salmon taken in Oregon fisheries may not be brought to shore in California. However, it is legal for Californians to trailer their vessels to launch and fish from Oregon ports under applicable Oregon fishing licenses, regulations and reporting requirements. Salmon harvested in Oregon may be brought into California over land if also accompanied by a California Declaration for Entry Form. The declaration must be completed at or prior to the time of entry. After the time of entry, a copy of the completed declaration shall be submitted to CDFW within 24 hours.

On May 16, 2024, the National Marine Fisheries Service on advice from the Pacific Fishery Management Council and West Coast fisheries agencies, including CDFW, took in season action to implement a landing boundary at the Oregon/California border for recreational ocean salmon fisheries in Oregon waters just north of California. The new requirement states that any salmon taken under Oregon sportfishing regulations in the area between Humbug Mountain and the Oregon/California border, also known as the Oregon Klamath Management Zone, must be landed north of the Oregon/California border for the 2024 fishing season.

Regulations for ocean salmon fisheries off the West Coast were published May 21, 2024, in the  Federal Register under citation 89 FR 44553 and went into effect May 16, 2024. The regulations implement the closure of California’s ocean salmon fisheries for the remainder of 2024 as recommended last month by the Pacific Fishery Management Council. Pursuant to California Code of Regulations Title 14, Section 1.95, ocean salmon sport fishing regulations in state waters automatically conform to federal regulations. More information about ocean salmon season closures and regulations can be found on CDFW’s ocean salmon web page at wildlife.ca.gov/Fishing/Ocean/Regulations/Salmon.

May 7, 2024

Chronic wasting disease (CWD) has been detected for the first time in California’s deer and elk. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) received confirmation on May 6 samples collected from two deer, one in Madera County near Yosemite Lakes and the other in Inyo County, near Bishop. The deer in Madera County was found dead due to unknown causes and the Inyo County deer was found dead after a vehicle collision. 

CWD is a fatal neurologic disease in cervid animals such as deer, elk, moose and reindeer that has been detected in free-ranging cervids from 34 states, including California, and five Canadian provinces as well as Scandinavia. It affects the brain, causing progressive damage and eventually, death. There is no effective treatment or vaccine to combat this disease.

There appears to be no known link between CWD and human disease, although a similar prion animal disease, bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) or mad cow disease in cattle, has been linked to fatal disease in humans through the consumption of infected beef. As a result the World Health Organization and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend keeping the agents of all known prion diseases from entering the human food chain (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Chronic Wasting Disease). 

CDFW has been monitoring California elk and deer populations for CWD through lymph node sampling and testing since 2000, testing over 6,500 deer and elk, and has been working to increase surveillance efforts, with the help of hunters, taxidermists and meat processors since 2018.  

Clinical signs of the disease include progressive weight loss, clumsy movements and lack of coordination, listlessness, drooling, excessive thirst or urination and behavioral changes. Once these symptoms develop death occurs quickly. 

The disparate locations of these two detections indicates that CWD has probably been present in California for some time, since the incubation period can be months to years. 

“CWD infected animals can excrete infectious prions before clinical signs appear and these prions can persist in the environment for years, making it very difficult to prevent or control the spread once it has been introduced,” says, Dr. Brandon Munk, CDFW’s wildlife veterinarian who oversees CWD surveillance and response efforts. “The public can help limit the spread of CWD by reporting any signs of illness in deer and elk populations, and hunters should strongly consider testing their harvested deer or elk.”   

CDFW continues to provide surveillance, response, long-term management plans and public outreach and education through their “No Time to Waste” campaign to limit the spread. Hunters can assist in the efforts by voluntarily participating in CDFW’s statewide CWD surveillance and sampling efforts and encouraging other hunters to participate.

To report a sick deer or elk, go to https://wildlife.ca.gov/Conservation/Laboratories/Wildlife-Health/Monitoring/Mortality-Report?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery

To learn more and find out how to get your cervid harvest tested, go to https://wildlife.ca.gov/Conservation/Laboratories/Wildlife-Health/Monitoring/CWD?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery