Free Diving for Sea Urchins

April 2, 2015

Question: As a free diver, am I legally allowed to harvest sea urchins? If so, do I need a permit? Also, where in San Diego County can I legally dive from shore for sea urchins? (Derek G.)
April 2, 2015

Answer: Sea urchins are legal to take in California with a sport fishing license. The season is open year-round for all species of urchin and the limit is 35 urchins (CCR Title 14, section 29.05). These regulations can be found in the Ocean Sport Fishing regulation booklet, along with coordinates and regulation summaries for marine protected areas in Southern California that are closed to the take of sea urchins.

I can't find anything about leaving them in the shell.

Is it legal to take the gonads out and put in Tupperware I take home? No way to count limit if you did, but don't see anything prohibiting it?

I can't find anything about leaving them in the shell.

Is it legal to take the gonads out and put in Tupperware I take home? No way to count limit if you did, but don't see anything prohibiting it?

Why can't you count the limit?  There are 5 gonads in each urchin.  5*35=175.

I can't find anything about leaving them in the shell.

Is it legal to take the gonads out and put in Tupperware I take home? No way to count limit if you did, but don't see anything prohibiting it?

Why can't you count the limit?  There are 5 gonads in each urchin.  5*35=175.

I don't know how slick you are with it, but normally at least a few of mine come out in pieces or mushed. I don't think a warden is going to want to sit there and play puzzle pieces and counting. Just sounds like trouble. Curious if there was anything that addressed it.

I think most wardens would take a guess that if you have a small plastic container full that you are within limits as opposed if you carry a couple of 5 gallons buckets full of them...

I think most wardens would take a guess that if you have a small plastic container full that you are within limits as opposed if you carry a couple of 5 gallons buckets full of them...

You know what happen when we ASSUME right?