The Department of Fish and Game (DFG) has released an initial study and proposed negative declaration for the Ocean Resources Enhancement and Hatchery Program (OREHP). The documents will be available for public comment and review through May 9, 2012, as required by Fish and Game Code, section 6590 et. seq.

The initial study analyzes the potential environmental impacts of the continued operation of the OREHP, which conducts basic and applied research into the artificial propagation, rearing and stocking of important marine finfish species occurring in ocean waters off Southern California. Established by the California Legislature in 1983, the program has been administered by DFG with the assistance of the 10-member Ocean Resources Enhancement Advisory Panel.

OREHP includes a marine fish hatchery operated by a contractor, Hubbs-SeaWorld Research Institute (HSWRI), and 13 grow-out pens operated by volunteer organizations throughout Southern California. The marine fish hatchery raises and provides juvenile white seabass to the grow-out pens for their eventual release along the coastline. The hatchery and the grow-out pens have been in operation for more than 15 years.

The initial study and proposed negative declaration can be found on DFGs website at Department of Fish & Game Website. For an electronic copy of the documents on compact disc, please send a self-addressed, stamped envelope to Valerie Taylor at DFGs Los Alamitos address listed below. Copies of the documents are also available for review at select local libraries and the following DFG field offices:

California Department of Fish and Game
4665 Lampson Ave., Suite C
Los Alamitos, CA 90720
(562) 342-7100

California Department of Fish and Game
1933 Cliff Dr., Suite 9
Santa Barbara, CA 93109
(805) 568-1231

California Department of Fish and Game
3883 Ruffin Road
San Diego, CA 92123
(858) 467-4201

All comments must include the commenters name, address and daytime telephone number. Comments may be submitted by mail to:

OREHP CEQA
Department of Fish and Game
4665 Lampson Ave, Suite C
Los Alamitos, CA 90720

Comments may also be submitted via e-mail attachment (in Microsoft Word or Adobe PDF format only) to vtaylor@dfg.ca.gov. E-mailed comments must include OREHP CEQA Comments in the subject line.