California Code of Regulations
Title 14 - Natural Resources
Division 1 - Fish and Game Commission-Department of Fish and Game
Subdivision 1 - Fish, Amphibians and Reptiles
Chapter 6 - Fish, Commercial
Section 125.1 - Commercial Take of Rock Crab; Size Limit; Use of Rock Crab as Bait; Incidental Take Provisions

Universal Citation: 14 CA Code of Regs 125.1

Current through Register 2024 Notice Reg. No. 38, September 20, 2024

(a) Rock crab, as defined in Fish and Game Code section 8275(c), less than 4 1/4 inches, measured across the carapace in a straight line through the body, from edge of shell to edge of shell at the widest part, shall not be taken, possessed, bought, sold, or used as bait.

(b) Measuring requirements. Any person taking rock crab for any commercial purpose or for use as bait shall carry a measuring device and shall measure any rock crab immediately. Undersized rock crab shall be immediately returned to the water.

(c) Incidental take. Only the following species may be taken incidentally in rock crab traps being used to take rock crab under authority of a permit issued pursuant to Section 125. All other invertebrates and finfish shall be immediately released to the water.

(1) Kellet's whelk.

(2) Octopus.

(3) Crabs, other than the genus Cancer, subject to limits provided in subsection 126 (b).

(d) Pursuant to Fish and Game Code Section 9001.7, rock crab may be used as bait in finfish traps. However, consistent with Fish and Game Code Section 5508, rock crab may not be possessed or maintained in such a condition that their size cannot be determined. Additionally, consistent with Fish and Game Code Section 5509, rock crab may not be possessed or maintained in such a condition that the species cannot be readily identified.

(1) All rock crabs shall be brought ashore and accounted for on a landing receipt pursuant to Fish and Game Code Sections 8043 and 8047 prior to being used as bait. The total pounds of all three species of rock crab to be used as bait from each landing shall be recorded in the space marked "Note Pad" on the landing receipt.

(2) Rock crabs used as bait in finfish traps as described in subsection (d) above shall be documented on board the fishing vessel by a copy of the landing receipt pursuant to Fish and Game Code Sections 8043 and 8047 demonstrating that the crab to be used as bait has been landed prior to being used as bait. Copies of all landing receipts which document the catch of rock crabs that are used as bait shall be kept onboard the fishing vessel for a minimum period of 30 calendar days from the date of landing as listed on the landing receipt.

1. New section filed 5-3-2007; operative 6-2-2007 (Register 2007, No. 18).
2. New subsections (d)(1)-(2) and amendment of NOTE filed 10-5-2010; operative 11-4-2010 (Register 2010, No. 41).
3. Amendment of subsection (c)(3) filed 12-10-2018; operative 1-1-2019 pursuant to Government Code section 11343.4(b)(3) (Register 2018, No. 50).

Note: Authority cited: Section 8282, Fish and Game Code. Reference: Sections 8043, 8047, 8250.5, 8275, 8281, 8284, 9001.7 and 9011, Fish and Game Code.

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