Re-adopt Emergency Amendment to Section 28.55, Title 14, CCR, Re: Recreational Sub-Bag Limits for Vermilion, Copper and Quillback Rockfishes
Summary
SCH Number
2022080561
Public Agency
California Fish and Game Commission
(CDFGC)
Document Title
Re-adopt Emergency Amendment to Section 28.55, Title 14, CCR, Re: Recreational Sub-Bag Limits for Vermilion, Copper and Quillback Rockfishes
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
8/25/2022
Document Description
The California Fish and Game Commission regularly adopts recreational groundfish fishing regulations to conform to federal regulations. New information in 2021 indicated significant declines in some rockfish stocks offshore California. On November 21, 2021, the Pacific Fishery Management Council (PFMC) recommended precautionary changes to reduce the then-current sub-bag limit for vermilion rockfish (Sebastes miniatus), and to implement new sub-bag limits for both quillback rockfish (Sebastes maliger) and copper rockfish (Sebastes caurinus), which went into effect in federal regulation on January 1, 2022. The objective of this emergency amendment is to keep in place existing sub-bag limits for these species put in place through emergency regulation to ensure state regulations are consistent with PFMC recommendations and federal regulations.
Contact Information
Name
Melissa Miller-Henson
Agency Name
California Fish and Game Commission
Job Title
Executive Director
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency
Phone
Email
Location
Regions
Statewide
Other Location Info
California coastal waters where groundfish, in particular rockfish (Genus: Sebastes), may be fished
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
14 CCR 15307 & 15308
Reasons for Exemption
The emergency regulation would maintain reduced allowable take levels of certain rockfish species in response to new information including either a stock decline, or that current harvest levels are too high. Federal regulation which went into effect 1/1/2022 similarly reduced take. The Commission routinely adopts regulations for recreational groundfish for consistency with federal regulations. This project will have the overall effect of maintaining reduced take of these species, consistent with federal regulations, and is protective of those rockfish species at issue. Therefore, it is the proper subject of CEQA Class 7 and 8 categorical exemptions.