Contacts:

Capt. Angel Raton, Enforcement, (949) 289-3757
Assistant Chief Mike McBride, Enforcement (909) 484-0167
Carrie Wilson, DFG Communications, (831) 649-7191

DFG Announces Two Public Meetings to Discuss Lobster Hoop Net Regulation Changes
The Department of Fish and Game (DFG) will hold two public meetings in Southern California to review options for potential hoop net regulation changes. Hoop nets are commonly used along the Southern California coast by sport fishermen to catch California spiny lobster.

The two meetings, to be held next week in San Diego and Newport Beach, will allow the public an opportunity to provide comment on potential regulation changes related to the to the physical dimensions of hoop nets and how many hoop nets may be used at a given time. The changes are under consideration by the Fish and Game Commission.

The first meeting will be held Tuesday, Sept. 22 at 7 p.m. at the Outboard Boating Club at the Shelter Island Boat Ramp facility, 2210 Shelter Island Drive in San Diego. This is an outdoor venue. Parking is available at the boat ramp facility and along Shelter Island Drive.

The second meeting will be held Thursday, Sept. 24 at 6:30 p.m. at the Upper Newport Bay Ecological Reserve, 600 Shellmaker Road in Newport Beach. Parking is available on the premises and adjoining streets, and participants are encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs.

Participants are encouraged to bring their hoop nets to both events.

The specific changes under consideration can be found online at www.fgc.ca.gov/regulations/new/2009/29_80isor.pdf.