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 132.2 - Retrieval of Commercial Dungeness Crab Traps

Universal Citation: 14 CA Code of Regs 132.2

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

(a) Permitted Dungeness crab vessels shall not possess, use, control, or operate any commercial Dungeness crab trap without a buoy tag assigned to that vessel except:

(1) To set gear as allowed under Section 8280.7 of the Fish and Game Code; or

(2) Notwithstanding Fish and Game Code Section 9002, to retrieve from the ocean and transport to shore another permitted Dungeness crab vessel's commercial Dungeness crab trap that is lost, damaged, abandoned, or otherwise derelict, provided that:
(A) No more than six (6) derelict commercial Dungeness crab traps may be retrieved per fishing trip.

(B) The retrieving vessel shall return to the ocean waters immediately any crab found in a retrieved commercial Dungeness crab trap.

(C) Immediately upon retrieval of a commercial Dungeness crab trap the retrieving vessel operator shall document in the retrieving vessel's log the date and time of the trap retrieval, number of retrieved Dungeness crab traps, the location of the retrieval, and any tag information or buoy markings present on the retrieved trap.

(D) Any retrieved commercial Dungeness crab trap shall be transported to shore during the same fishing trip that retrieval took place.

(E) Notwithstanding subsection (a)(2)(A), from July 16 through October 31 or as authorized by the Director during a fishery closure pursuant to Section 132.8, an unlimited number of commercial Dungeness crab traps may be retrieved per fishing trip and transported to shore during the same fishing trip.

(b) Waiver

(1) Any vessel may retrieve to shore commercial Dungeness crab traps without a buoy tag assigned to that vessel if;
(A) The holder of the Dungeness crab vessel permit to which the traps are assigned cannot retrieve the traps because the permitted vessel is incapacitated due to a major mechanical failure or destroyed due to fire, capsizing, or sinking, or due to undue hardship resulting from circumstances beyond the control of the permit holder.

(B) The permit holder makes a request for a waiver in writing to the department's License and Revenue Branch.

(C) The department approves the waiver request.

(2) A copy of the waiver approved by the department shall be on board the retrieving vessel.

(3) The waiver may include conditions such as time restrictions, landing prohibitions, or any other conditions the department deems necessary.

(c) Notwithstanding this section, any vessel may retrieve lost or abandoned gear under Section 132.7 of these regulations.

Note: Authority cited: Sections 8276.5 and 9002.5, Fish and Game Code. Reference: Sections 8276.5 and 9002.5, Fish and Game Code.

Note: Authority cited: Sections 8276.5 and 9002.5, Fish and Game Code. Reference: Sections 8276.5 and 9002.5, Fish and Game Code.

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