Foraging in Tidepools

February 13, 2020

Question: I would like to know if foraging in tidepools, specifically in the Bay Area and surrounding coastal counties, is legal. I’d like to forage for invertebrates – mussels, goose neck barnacles and the like. Do I need a special fishing license to harvest? (Jerry)

Answer: There is a specific list of “tidepool” or “tidal” invertebrates that can be taken between the high tide mark and 1000 feet seaward. This list is described in California Code of Regulations (CCR) Title 14, section 29.05(b)(1). Animals that are not included on this list — including barnacles — may not be harvested.

In order to forage for any of the invertebrates on this list, you will need a fishing license, and you may need a measuring device if the species you’re after has a size limit (see CCR Title 14, section 29.05(c)).

Be aware that there are additional regulations that apply in specific foraging areas. Most notably, the take of invertebrates is prohibited in state marine reserves and may be prohibited in areas described in CCR Title 14, section 632(b).

How do I find out if I can forage in the areas of Pacific Grove/Asilomar?

You can't

https://nrm.dfg.ca.gov/FileHandler.ashx?DocumentID=117410&inline

https://wildlife.ca.gov/Conservation/Marine/MPAs

There is also a mobile app that tells you if you are in an MPA

http://www.dfg.ca.gov/m/MPA/

You can't

https://nrm.dfg.ca.gov/FileHandler.ashx?DocumentID=117410&inline

https://wildlife.ca.gov/Conservation/Marine/MPAs

There is also a mobile app that tells you if you are in an MPA

http://www.dfg.ca.gov/m/MPA/

great info.  thank you for sharing