What Does it Mean to Take Urchins “by Hand”?

January 3, 2019

Question: The regulations state that sea urchins “may be taken only on hook-and-line or with the hands.”  Does “with the hands” mean that I can use pliers, a knife or any hand-plying tool to help in gathering the urchins, or do I have to do this bare-handed? I am allowed to wear gloves? (Kin)

Answer: You may be incorrectly referring to the California Code of Regulations (CCR) Title 14, section 29.10, which applies to mollusks. It states that mollusks “may be taken only on hook-and-line or with the hands.” Sea urchins are not mollusks. They fall into the general category of invertebrates, for which there is no specified method of take. You may use tools to assist in your harvest of sea urchins if you like. You will find that urchins do not attach themselves strongly to the substrate the way abalone do. With some caution, they are fairly easy to pick up by hand and put into your dive bag. But we strongly suggest that you wear protective gloves when urchin diving/picking, as their spines are very sharp and painful if they poke you.

Hi Hojoman,

where is a good spot to harvest Sea Urchins in the bay area? Is Pillar Point tide pool a legal spot? outside of MPA or CMCA boundries with a valid fishing license.  thanks.