8 Sept 2008 Informational Notice California Department of Fish and Game

New California Spiny Lobster Brochure Available

Starting in Fall 2008, persons fishing for or taking spiny lobster must have a spiny lobster report card. To provide information concerning the new regulations, an informational brochure featuring a description of current spiny lobster regulations and life history information has been developed the California Department of Fish and Game in collaboration with California Sea Grant.

The new brochure is currently available online at www.dfg.ca.gov/marine/pdfs/lobsterbrochure.pdf. To order print copies of the brochure once they become available, contact DFG marine biologist Travis Buck at tbuck@dfg.ca.gov or mail a request to:

California Department of Fish and Game Attention Travis Buck 4949 Viewridge Ave. San Diego, CA 92123

About the new regulations: The purpose of the new reporting requirement is to monitor the recreational catch, effort and gear used in the recreational spiny lobster fishery.

Regulations require that prior to beginning fishing activity the cardholder must record the month, day, location, and gear code on the first available line on the report card. When the cardholder moves to another location, or finishes fishing for the day, he or she must immediately record on the card the number of lobster kept from that location.

Unlike abalone report cards, an additional card may be purchased in the event an individual fills in all lines and returns a spiny lobster report card. Report cards are now required for everyone taking or trying to take spiny lobster, including but not limited to persons under 16 years of age and persons fishing from a public pier. Lifetime fishing license holders, and persons fishing on free fishing days must also possess a spiny lobster report card to take, or try to take, spiny lobster.

For more information about spiny lobster, visit the DFG Marine Region FAQ concerning spiny lobster, located online at www.dfg.ca.gov/marine/faqindx.asp#spinylobster