Crab trap regulation change

From my understanding this new regulation of license and red buoy is for crab traps only, not needed for hoop nets (including the ambush hoop nets)?

Correct.  The ambush type hoop nets are "Type B Hoop Nets" per Title 14 CCR, § 29.80(b) and not a "crab trap" per Title 14 CCR, § 29.80(c).  The regulations around the validation fee and the add'l red 3x5 marker buoy are applicable under Title 14 CCR, § 29.80(c).  You can read the approved changes and the specific language here: https://nrm.dfg.ca.gov/FileHandler.ashx?DocumentID=195187&inline

From my understanding this new regulation of license and red buoy is for crab traps only, not needed for hoop nets (including the ambush hoop nets)?

Correct.  The ambush type hoop nets are "Type B Hoop Nets" per Title 14 CCR, § 29.80(b) and not a "crab trap" per Title 14 CCR, § 29.80(c).  The regulations around the validation fee and the add'l red 3x5 marker buoy are applicable under Title 14 CCR, § 29.80(c).  You can read the approved changes and the specific language here: https://nrm.dfg.ca.gov/FileHandler.ashx?DocumentID=195187&inline

Am I interpreting it correctly that we could still use hoop nets even when they close waters to the use of crabs traps due to risk of wildlife entanglement?

From my understanding this new regulation of license and red buoy is for crab traps only, not needed for hoop nets (including the ambush hoop nets)?

Correct.  The ambush type hoop nets are "Type B Hoop Nets" per Title 14 CCR, § 29.80(b) and not a "crab trap" per Title 14 CCR, § 29.80(c).  The regulations around the validation fee and the add'l red 3x5 marker buoy are applicable under Title 14 CCR, § 29.80(c).  You can read the approved changes and the specific language here: https://nrm.dfg.ca.gov/FileHandler.ashx?DocumentID=195187&inline

Am I interpreting it correctly that we could still use hoop nets even when they close waters to the use of crabs traps due to risk of wildlife entanglement?

That's how I read it with one exception: if the season is closed, I imagine it'll be closed for all methods of take.  So, I guess it depends on how they word the closure, which might be covered in the referenced sections.  I'll give them a read later.  It makes sense that hoops are subject to looser regulations since they're generally too light for deep, offshore waters and they're frequently checked -- i.e. not left out for the entire season to soak like some pots.

Thanks for that link Tedski!

Trap Gear Identification: Every crab trap shall be marked with only a
main buoy and a marker buoy, except as noted under subsection 29.80(c)(3)(C)
below.
(A) A main buoy is a surface buoy that is at least 5 inches in diameter and 11
inches in length.
1. The main buoy for traps deployed by an individual shall be legibly marked
with the operator’s assigned GO ID number. 
2. The main buoy for traps deployed from a commercial passenger fishing
vessel shall be legibly marked to identify the commercial boat registration
number of that vessel.
(B) A marker buoy is a red buoy 3 inches in diameter and 5 inches in length
attached no more than 3 feet from the main buoy. 
(C) In addition to marking the buoy pursuant to subsection (c)(3)(A)2., traps
deployed by commercial passenger fishing vessels shall be legibly marked to
identify the commercial boat registration number of the vessel.
(4) Crab traps shall not be deployed and used in ocean waters seven days prior to
the opening of the Dungeness crab season. 
(5) Every crab trap shall be raised, cleaned, and emptied (serviced) at intervals not
to exceed 9 days, weather conditions at sea permitting, and no crab trap shall be
abandoned in the waters of this state. 
(6) Trap Limits:
(A) An individual shall not operate more than 10 deployed traps, except an
individual may service up to 10 additional traps if the individual has in
possession written permission from the operator(s) of the additional traps
whose gear are identified in accordance with subsection (c)(3)(A)1.
(B) A commercial passenger fishing vessel shall not deploy more than 60 traps
per vessel. 
(7) Starting at least 5 days in advance of the opening of the recreational Dungeness
crab fishing season pursuant to Section 29.85, the director shall, on at least a
monthly basis until the season opens statewide and March 1 through June 15,
evaluate and respond to risk of humpback whales, blue whales, and/or Pacific
leatherback sea turtle entanglement with recreational crab fishing gear as
follows: 
(A) The director shall evaluate entanglement risk based on marine life
concentrations as defined in subsection 132.8(a)(10), Title 14, CCR, and
consistent with the acceptable data and numerical triggers outlined in
subsection 132.8(c)(2). 

Coming up next, fishing pole, line, reel, and kayak registration.
In 2023, lures, baits, swim baits, plastics, spoons, and all fishing equipment registration. 2024 kayak fishing fee of $5.00

SMDH California! Fuck off!!!

I still don’t understand the trap validation requirement. Is it simply a fee like an enhancement that is paid in addition to our general license? Validation makes it sound like we need to have the trap checked by an authority but I don’t see any language like that.

I still don’t understand the trap validation requirement. Is it simply a fee like an enhancement that is paid in addition to our general license? Validation makes it sound like we need to have the trap checked by an authority but I don’t see any language like that.

It seems like a "you read and understand the new rules" checkmark requirement when I went through the purchase flow. Kinda silly since you learn about the need for that purchase by reading the rules. *shrug*

Can you only have two buoys on your crab trap. One main (5x11) and the 3x5 marker. Could you attach another 3x5 or larger buoy for identification? I was wanting two put on an extra small buoy and paint it a weird color so I could tell it was mine. I always have a hard time deciphering fish and wildlife’s regs.

I still don’t understand the trap validation requirement. Is it simply a fee like an enhancement that is paid in addition to our general license? Validation makes it sound like we need to have the trap checked by an authority but I don’t see any language like that.

It seems like a "you read and understand the new rules" checkmark requirement when I went through the purchase flow. Kinda silly since you learn about the need for that purchase by reading the rules. *shrug*

And it's only good until December 31st!

Here's how I read it: you owe 2.25 if you are a fisherman and you recreationally fill a crap trap.  I prefer a toilet at 5am prior to going on the water.   

Can you only have two buoys on your crab trap. One main (5x11) and the 3x5 marker. Could you attach another 3x5 or larger buoy for identification? I was wanting two put on an extra small buoy and paint it a weird color so I could tell it was mine. I always have a hard time deciphering fish and wildlife’s regs.

Besides everyone's pots looking like, and with the added buoyancy (except for the GOID number), now we'll be wondering how far our traps may have drifted. Nope, that's not mine, nope that's not mine, nope that's not mine.......
We need smaller buoys, not larger ones! Don't most sports have smart phones with GPS capabilities?

Can you only have two buoys on your crab trap. One main (5x11) and the 3x5 marker. Could you attach another 3x5 or larger buoy for identification? I was wanting two put on an extra small buoy and paint it a weird color so I could tell it was mine. I always have a hard time deciphering fish and wildlife’s regs.

Nothing in the regs suggests those are the only buoys.  You must meet the buoy requirements... from there you can attach any additional you want. 

Can you only have two buoys on your crab trap. One main (5x11) and the 3x5 marker. Could you attach another 3x5 or larger buoy for identification? I was wanting two put on an extra small buoy and paint it a weird color so I could tell it was mine. I always have a hard time deciphering fish and wildlife’s regs.

Nothing in the regs suggests those are the only buoys.  You must meet the buoy requirements... from there you can attach any additional you want.

The FAQ Section explicitly states no other buoys may be on the rope. cant find it right now-  its not very easy to find but its there

Found it: https://wildlife.ca.gov/News/new-recreational-dungeness-crab-fishery-regulations-adopted-to-manage-entanglement-risk-for-whales-and-sea-turtles
"Crabbers should be aware that the new regulations require recreational crab traps to have a single standardized main buoy which measures at least 5 inches by 11 inches and a single red marker buoy that measures 3 inches by 5 inches. No additional buoys or trailer buoys may be used. There is also a 10-trap limit, and all traps must be serviced at least every nine days. Each recreational crabber who uses traps must also have a Recreational Crab Trap Validation, which is available for purchase online from CDFW's online License Sales and Services website(opens in new tab) or at licensed retailers."

Oh, wow.  I don't know how I missed that.  Thanks for the correction!