What are the rules about smashing sea urchins? (And other questions)

We have a low tide day coming up. I am planning to go visit a spot in Mendocino that is outside any protected or reserved areas. A lot of purple urchins will be exposed. Can I hammer those to help with the infestation problem?  If so, what are the rules? Is there a limit on how many I can smash? (Not harvest)

If I harvest some, what’s the limit?  Just want to verify against what I researched.

I see a few red ones in the mix. Are they a problem too to be eliminated?

Finally, I heard that a puncture by a small pointy hammer will kill the urchin ; doesn’t need to be completely crushed. Is this true?

We have a low tide day coming up. I am planning to go visit a spot in Mendocino that is outside any protected or reserved areas. A lot of purple urchins will be exposed. Can I hammer those to help with the infestation problem?  If so, what are the rules? Is there a limit on how many I can smash? (Not harvest)

If I harvest some, what’s the limit?  Just want to verify against what I researched.

I see a few red ones in the mix. Are they a problem too to be eliminated?

Finally, I heard that a puncture by a small pointy hammer will kill the urchin ; doesn’t need to be completely crushed. Is this true?

I say you didn't read the regulations, because it's clearly stated.

Ok, strait from the  docent/scientist at bodega marine lab (2 weeks ago) "When crushed as a species survival strategy, eggs/sperm are released compounding the problem". Removal from the water and smashed above the waterline would be the best method to reduce populations in an area. (feeds the land bound critters too)

….and then risk a ticket for wanton waste?!?!.  How about harvest your limit.  Try to eat em….if they’re barren inside, chuck em. 

For your purposes, my interpretation of section 29.06 is this

Red:35
Purple: 35
No smashy smashy.

This is based upon rock picking at low tide in Mendocino county.

If you were diving then purple: 40 gals.

Not sure if the difference between diving and rock picking is on purpose or just an oversight. You could always call DFG and ask.

We have a low tide day coming up. I am planning to go visit a spot in Mendocino that is outside any protected or reserved areas. A lot of purple urchins will be exposed. Can I hammer those to help with the infestation problem?  If so, what are the rules? Is there a limit on how many I can smash? (Not harvest)

If I harvest some, what’s the limit?  Just want to verify against what I researched.

I see a few red ones in the mix. Are they a problem too to be eliminated?

Finally, I heard that a puncture by a small pointy hammer will kill the urchin ; doesn’t need to be completely crushed. Is this true?

I say you didn't read the regulations, because it's clearly stated.

As ThreemoneyJ pointed out, it's not so clear! The rules book does not cover shorepicking, nor smashing. A bit too much to assume.  And in general I just want to double or triple check.  Changes can come mid season in a separate document.

after reading 'no smashy smashy' I really want to smashy some!

guess you could always bring home 35, eat what you want, and put all the waste in the garden - should make good fertilizer....maybe smashy smashy a few at home when no-one is looking.

You can smash as many as you want in Caspar Cove per Title 14 § 29.06 (d)(1). And no one really cares if you smash your 35 else where. Call it chumming/baiting for greenlings or something. No warden is gonna cite you for that. They've got more important stuff to do.

I say you didn't read the regulations, because it's clearly stated.

As ThreemoneyJ pointed out, it's not so clear! The rules book does not cover shorepicking, nor smashing. A bit too much to assume.  And in general I just want to double or triple check.  Changes can come mid season in a separate document.

When you have a question about regulations, it would help if you shared the part of the regulations your having trouble interpreting.  Cite the text you are having trouble understanding and what questions you have about it.