This fall, DFG initiated the planning process to begin development of a state Spiny Lobster Fishery Management Plan (FMP). DFG decided to move forward with development of an FMP for California spiny lobster as required by the Marine Life Management Act, because the spiny lobster supports important commercial and recreational fisheries, and because it plays a key role in the southern California kelp forest ecosystem.

"The Department is committed to making this process transparent, objective and accessible to all, with the ultimate goal of completing an adaptable FMP that will ensure a sustainable lobster resource and healthy fisheries," said DFG's Kristine Barsky, who will coordinate the FMP process. Barsky, a senior biologist, has worked predominantly with invertebrate species such as lobster during her 37 years with DFG's Marine Region.

"The spiny lobster is a prime candidate for an FMP," said Barsky. "With the implementation of new marine protected areas in Southern California on the first of the year, the FMP will evaluate integration of MPA's into the management of the lobster fisheries, along with the increasing popularity of hoop nets in the recreational fishery."

In May of this year, the state Ocean Protection Council (OPC) approved a $990,000 grant to the non-profit California Wildlife Foundation (CWF) to support the lobster FMP process. The grant will allow the DFG to fund completion of FMP development tasks that are unable to be undertaken by DFG staff, and provide for significant public involvement in the FMP process.

In essence, this FMP will be a planning document that gathers the best available scientific information on spiny lobster, its fisheries (both recreational and commercial), the economic conditions under which they operate, and the habitat and food species lobster depend upon. Fishery management plans review current fishery management methods and examine any other conservation and management measures that should be considered for the sustainability of the resource and its fisheries. The state's Marine Life Management Act requires FMPs to form the primary basis for managing the state's marine fisheries.

A Spiny Lobster FMP home page has been established on the DFG website at Spiney Lobster Website. The new website will contain extensive information about spiny lobster and the FMP process, eventually including a question and answer page and contact information for sending comments and suggestions regarding the FMP to DFG staff.

The website will also feature a newly completed spiny lobster stock assessment, which serves as the basis for this FMP. The stock assessment describes the past and current status of the lobster population off the Southern California coast. DFG's lobster stock assessment underwent technical review in August; the final assessment and the Technical Review Panel's report will be made available on the website soon.

Though the site is still under construction, interested parties can go to the home page and register to receive electronic updates on the lobster FMP process. Interested parties without Internet access may contact Rosalyn McFarland at (805) 568-1231 to sign up for periodic updates through an FMP (snail) mailing list.

Later this year, DFG will issue a call for volunteers to participate on a Lobster Advisory Panel, which will have a major role in the FMP process. Public scoping meetings on the lobster FMP will likely be held in Spring 2012. In the meantime, DFG will add background material to the website, and CWF will be soliciting bids for the tasks that others will undertake.

DFG staff participating in the spiny lobster FMP process includes Marine Region biologists Doug Neilson and Travis Buck who are both deeply involved in lobster management and research. Neilson and Buck helped to complete the recent lobster stock assessment, have analyzed lobster report card data, and participate in collaborative baseline monitoring of lobster populations in San Diego and Orange counties with researchers at the University of California at San Diego and Scripps Institute of Oceanography. DFG biologist Kai Lampson will assist Kristine Barsky in keeping the project on track and will coordinate the formation of the Lobster Advisory Panel.

The DFG began exploring partnership options to assist in the development of the lobster FMP over two years ago (see the October, 2009 issue of the Marine Management News). With the help and commitment of the Environmental Defense Fund and the California Lobster and Trap Fishermen's Association, DFG was able to submit a grant proposal to the OPC. This body is charged with improving and coordinating the management and conservation of California's marine resources. CWF provides project management and fund administration for DFG projects.

For more information about the California spiny lobster FMP process, visit the spiny lobster FMP Web page.