Emergency amendment to Section 28.55, Title 14, CCR, Re: recreational sub-bag limits for vermilion, copper and quillback rockfishes
Summary
SCH Number
2021120512
Public Agency
California Fish and Game Commission
(CDFGC)
Document Title
Emergency amendment to Section 28.55, Title 14, CCR, Re: recreational sub-bag limits for vermilion, copper and quillback rockfishes
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
12/22/2021
Document Description
The California Fish and Game Commission regularly adopts recreational groundfish fishing regulations to conform to federal regulations. New information in 2021 indicated significant declines in some rockfish stocks off California. On November 21, 2021, the Pacific Fishery Management Council (PFMC) recommended precautionary changes to reduce the current sub-bag limit for vermilion rockfish (Sebastes miniatus), and to implement new sub-bag limits for both quillback rockfish (Sebastes maliger) and copper rockfish (Sebastes caurinus), which are expected to go into effect in federal regulation on or around January 1, 2022. The objective of the proposed emergency amendment is to adjust the sub-bag limits for these species to ensure the state regulations are consistent with PFMC recommendations and federal regulations.
Contact Information
Name
Melissa Miller-Henson
Agency Name
California Fish and Game Commission
Job Title
Executive Director
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency
Phone
Email
Location
Cities
multiple
Regions
Statewide
Waterways
Pacific ocean
Other Location Info
California coastal waters where groundfish, in particular rockfish (Genus Sebastes) may be fished.
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
14 CCR 15307 & 15308
Reasons for Exemption
Class 7 CEQA Guidelines Section 15307, consists of actions taken by regulatory agencies as authorized by state law or local ordinance to assure the maintenance, restoration, or enhancement of a natural resource where the regulatory process involves procedures for protection of the environment. Examples include but are not limited to wildlife preservation activities of the State Department of Fish and Wildlife. Class 8 CEQA Guidelines Section 15308, consists of actions taken by regulatory agencies, as authorized by state or local ordinance, to assure the maintenance, restoration, enhancement, or protection of the environment where the regulatory process involves procedures for protection of the environment.
The proposed emergency regulation would reduce allowable take levels of certain rockfish species in response to new information indicating either a stock decline, or that current harvest levels are too high. Federal regulation expected to go into effect on or around January 1 would similarly reduce take. The Commission routinely adopts regulations for recreational groundfish for consistency with federal regulations. This project will have the overall effect of reducing take of these species, consistent with federal regulations, and is protective of those rockfish species at issue. Therefore, it is the proper subject of CEQA’s Class 7 and 8 categorical exemptions.
Attachments
Notice of Exemption
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