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 180.5 - Trap Buoy Identification

Universal Citation: 14 CA Code of Regs 180.5

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

(a) Pursuant to the provisions of Section 9005 of the Fish and Game Code, every trap or string of traps placed in waters of the state to take fin fish, mollusks or crustaceans for commercial purposes shall be marked with a buoy.

(b) Notwithstanding requirements set forth in Fish and Game Code Section 9006, starting May 1, 2020:

(1) Every buoy marking a commercial trap used in a fishery described below shall be marked exclusively with the Identification Letter specific to that fishery.

(2) At least one buoy marking each trap, or each end of a string of traps, shall be marked with the Identification Number followed by an Identification Letter.

(3) Identification Numbers and Identification Letters shall be as follows:

Fishery & Gear TypeIdentification NumberIdentification Letter
Lobster Trapoperator's commercial fishing license identification numberP
Rock Crab Trapoperator's commercial fishing license identification numberX
Tanner Crab Trapvessel's commercial boat registration numberT
Spot Prawn Trapoperator's commercial fishing license identification numberS
Coonstripe Shrimp Trapoperator's commercial fishing license identification numberC
Nearshore Finfish Trapoperator's commercial fishing license identification numberZ

(c) All Identification Numbers shall be at least one and one-half (1.5) inches in height and drawn with a line no less than 1/4 (0.25) inch thick.

(d) Identification Letters shall be at least three (3) inches in height and drawn with a line no less than 1/4 (0.25) inch thick. Every buoy shall be marked as follows:

(1) Buoys that are four (4) inches in diameter or greater shall have Identification Letters marked on four opposing sides; and

(2) Buoys that are smaller than four (4) inches in diameter shall have Identification Letters marked on two opposing sides.

(e) All Identification Numbers and Identification Letters on a buoy shall be clearly and distinctly marked, and in a color that contrasts with the buoy; the numbers and letters shall be applied and maintained so that they are visible and legible.

1. New section filed 9-19-85; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 85, No. 40).
2. Amendment filed 10-28-2019; operative 10-28-2019 pursuant to Government Code section 11343.4(b)(3) (Register 2019, No. 44).

Note: Authority cited: Sections 9003, 9005 and 9006, Fish and Game Code. Reference: Sections 9002, 9003, 9005, 9006, 9007 and 9008, Fish and Game Code.

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