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HomeMy WebLinkAboutF&G Commission - Notice of Proposed Changes in Regulations Relating to Freshwater Sport Fishing Regulations BU I'Tii C;OUN11'Y AI],MINISTRXi'fON SEP 0 8 2017 Commissioners STATE OF CALIFORNIA Valerie Termini,Executive director Eric Sklar,President Edmund G.Brown Jr.,GoverMOVILLE,CALIFORNIA 1416!Ninth Street,Room 1320 Saint Helena Sacramento,CA 95814 Jacque Hostler-Carmesin,Vice President (916)653-4899 McKinleyville Fish and Game Commission www.fgc.ca.gov Anthony C.Williams,Member Huntington Beach Russell Burns,Member Napa til: . Peter Silva,Member Chula Vista Wildlife Heritage and Conservation Since 1570 September 8, 2017 This is to provide you with a copy of the notice of proposed regulatory action relative to Amending sections 1.05, 1.11, 1.18, 1.61, 1.74, 2.10, 2.25, 5.35, 5.41, 5.88, 7.00, 7.50; and Add Section 2.05; and Repeal Section 1.60, Title 14, California Code of Regulations, relating to freshwater sport fishing regulations. Please note the dates of the public hearings related to this matter and associated deadlines for receipt of written comments. Additional information and all associated documents may be found on the Fish and Game Commission website at.hftp:/Iwww.fqc.ca.gov/reg u latio ns/2017/i ndex.asp . Kevin Shaffer, Chief, Fisheries Branch, Department of Fish and Wildlife at (916) 327-8841, has been designated to respond to questions on the substance of the proposed regulations. Sincerely, 1 on D. S trom Associate Govern ental Program Analyst Attachment TITLE 14. Fish and Game Commission Notice of Proposed Changes in Regulations NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Fish and Game'Commission (Commission), pursuant to the authority vested by sections 200, 205, 219, 265, 270, 315, 316.5, 399, 1050, 1053.1, 10.55.1, 7380 and 8491, of the Fish and Game Code and to implement, interpret or make specific sections 110, 200, 205, 206, 255, 265, 270, 316.5, 399, 713, 1050, 1053.1, 1055.1, 7149.8, 7380, 7381, 7382, 8490 and 8491, of said Code; proposes to amend Sections 1.05, 1.11, 1.18, 1.61, 1.74, 2.10, 2.25, 5.35, 6.41, 5.88, Subsection (b)of Section 7.00, Subsection (b) of Section 7,50, and Subsection (b)of Section 8.00; Repeal Section 1.60; and Add Section 2,05, Title 14, California Code of Regulations (CCR), relating to sport fishing. Informative Diciest/Policy,Statement Overview This California Department of Fish and Wildlife (Department) proposal combines Department and public requests for changes to Title 14, California Code of Regulations (CCR), for the 2017 Sport Fishing Regulations Review Cycle. This proposal will reduce foul-hooking of salmon, protect Shasta crayfish, protect salmon released above Shasta Dam, clarify regulations for artificial lures and bait, increase protection for Chinook Salmon and steelhead in the lower American River, increasing bow fishing opportunities, update the sport fishing report card requirements, and make needed corrections to existing regulations. The proposed regulatory changes are needed to reduce public confusion and improve regulatory enforcement. The Department is proposing the following changes to current regulations: ROCK CREEK(SHASTA COUNTY) CLOSURE TO.PROTECT SHASTA CRAYFISH Shasta crayfish (Pacifasfacus fortis) is listed as an Endangered Speaies.pursuant to the. California Endangered Species Act(Fish & G. Code, § 2050 et seq.)(Cal. Code Regs., tit. 14, § 670.5(B)) and the federal Endangered Species Act(16 U.S.C. § 1531 et seq.)(53 Federal Register 38460-38465 (1988)). The current distribution for Shasta crayfish includes small and isolated spring fed areas in the.Fall and Pit River drainages (Shasta County). Rock Creek, in the Hat Creek Drainage, was historically occupied by Shasta crayfish and was recently'restored to provide refuge for and aid in the survival of the species. The Department is proposing to close Rock Creek to all fishing all year from Rock Creek spring downstream to Baum Lake. The proposed closure will protect Shasta crayfish and its habitat. Proposal: Add subsection (b)(1 51.5to Section 7.50 Special Fishing Regulations Add Rock Creek, in the Hat Creek Drainage, to the Special Fishing Regulations with an all year fishing closure to protect Shasta crayfish. CLARIFICATION OF NO TAKE OF SALMON IN THE SACRAMENTO AND MCCLOUD RIVERS AND TRIBUTARIES ABOVE SHASTA LAKE The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS)and the US Bureau of Reclamation (BOR) are conducting feasibility studies for the reintroduction of winter and spring-run Chinook Salmon into the McCloud and Sacramento rivers. As part of a Fish Passage Pilot Project, federal agencies will be introducing an experimental release of Chinook Salmon into the Sacramento and McCloud drainages starting in 2017 or 2018 and continuing indefinitely. It is imperative-that these rivers and their tributaries•above Shasta Lake are closed to salmon fishing to reduce salmon loss and increase the success of the Fish Passage Project. Proposal: Add new language to Subsection (b)of Section 7.00 District General Regulations, and to_subsection(bX115), McCloud RNer,_in Section 7.50, Special Fishing Regulations. Amend the Sierra District Regulations to clarify that all rivers and associated tributaries above Shasta Lake are closed to the take of salmon, and amend subsection (b)(115) of Section 7.50 to direct readers to the District General Regulations. These changes will protect Chinook Salmon when they are reintroduced into the upper Sacramento and McCloud rivers above the Shasta Lake. AMERICAN RIVER (NIMBUS BASIN).FISHING.CLOSURE Under current regulations, the American River(in Sacramento County)from Nimbus Dam to the Hazel Avenue bridge piers is open to fishing all year(Section 7.50 (b)(5)(A)), and from the Hazel Avenue bridge piers to the U.S. Geological Survey gauging station cable crossing about 300 yards downstream from the Nimbus Hatchery fish weir is open to fishing ,January 1 through August 15 (Section 7.50(b)(5)(13)). The current request for closure is designed to protect Chinook Salmon and,Central Valley steelhead trout, which will utilize this section of the river for both in-river spawning and rearing along with essential hatchery operations. The BOR and the Department have completed a joint EISIEIR for the Nimbus.Hatchery Fish Passage Project(Project). The primary goal of the Project is to maintain a fully functional system of collecting adult Chinook Salmon and Central Valley steelhead trout sufficient to meet the hatchery's mitigation goals. Phase 1 of the Project extends the Nimbus Hatchery fish.ladder 1500 feet(.30 miles) upstream into the Nimbus Basin. With the completion of the new fish ladder, Phase 2 of the Project will permanently remove the existing Nimbus Hatchery fish weir, and spawning gravel injections will be completed within the section of river associated with section 7.50(b)(5)(B). A gravel restoration and side channel creation project to create spawning and rearing habitat in the Nimbus Basin was completed in 2014. However, the Project has the potential to affect Chinook Salmon and Central Valley steelhead trout holding, spawning, and rearing in this section of the lower American River. Additionally, under current hatchery.operations, large numbers of adult Chinook Salmon and Central Valley steelhead trout hold below the existing fish weir located below the Hazel Avenue bridge before being routed_ to the fish ladder located at the south end of weir. Fish that enter the hatchery that are not ripe for spawning are released back into the river through the outfall, located approximately 100 feet below the existing fish ladder. As a result, current hatchery operations utilize a small portion of the river below the weir to cycle fish in and out of the hatchery. However, once the existing fish ladder is moved upstream into the Nimbus Basin, the length of river utilized for hatchery operations will increase by approximately 1,500 feet. With completion of the Project, holding, spawning, and rearing Chinook Salmon and Central Valley steelhead trout will distribute throughout the hatchery operations area. As a result, the entire section of river should be close to fishing all year to ensure successful hatchery operations. Consequently, if the regulations are not changed by the Fall of 2018, anglers will continue fishing in the Nimbus Basin downstream to the USGS gauging station and target holding and spawning Chinook Salmon and Central Valley steelhead trout. Although Section 2.35 states that fishing shall not take place within 250 feet of a fish ladder, this would have little effect in protecting salmon and steelhead under the new configuration. The new ladder entrance would be greater than 250 feet from where salmon are expected to hold until the ladder is opened to allow salmon and steelhead into the Nimbus Hatchery. The regulation change would also provide the American River Trout Hatchery and Nimbus Hatchery with greater protection from contamination by the New Zealand Mud Snail (NZMS), which have been documented adjacent to the hatchery in Section 7.50(b)(5)(B). Proposal: Amend subsections (b)(5)(A) and (b)(5)(B) of Section 7.50, Special Fishing Regulations 2 Combine subsections 7.50(b)(5)(A) and 7.50(b)(5)(B) and close this section of river to fishing all year. ARTIFICIAL LURE AND BAIT DEFINITION CHANGES The purpose of the regulation change is to clarify that no scents or flavors shall be used on lures on waters where only artificial lures with barbless hooks may be used. After consulting with wildlife officers on this subject, it has become clear'there is some subjectivity in interpreting the current regulation which has resulted in inconsistency and confusion. By clarifying this definition, enforcement will have a lesser problem enforcing this rule and the public will have a clearer description of this rule. The definition of a lure (Section 1.60)would be removed from the Freshwater Sport Fishing Regulations and only"artificial lure"would be used. With this change, three substitutions in the current regulations would need to be made: (1) Section 1.05 Angling; (2) Section 1.61, Non- buoyant Lure; and (3) Section 2.10(3), Hook and Weight Restrictions. In all three sections lure would be changed to artificial lure. In.addition, the definition of artificial lure would be amended to.clarify that only non-scented and non-flavored lures may be used. Lastly, there is currently no definition of bait in Title 14. A definition of bait.is needed to help clarify when scents and flavors can be used. Proposal: Repeal Section 1.60 Amend Section 1.11 Artificial Lure and add Section 1.18 Bait Amend the current definition of artificial lure and add a definition of bait. ALLOW BOW AND ARROW FISHING FOR CATFISH The bow and arrow fishing community has requested the opportunity to fish for catfish in certain waters in the state. Bowfishers have expressed that they often encounter catfish in their pursuit for carp and would like to be able to take catfish as well. This request was considered by CDFVV law enforcement and regional biologists who determined that bowfishing for bullhead and catfish could be allowed on waters with large carp populations and that are popular for bowfishing. These waters include the Sacramento San-Joaquin Delta, Lake Isabella in Kern County and Big Bear Lake in San Bernardino County. Allowing bowfishing for catfish on these waters will increase fishing opportunities for bowfishers. Proposal: Amend Section 2.25, Bow and Arrow Fishing Amend Section 2.25 to allow bowfishing for bullhead and catfish in the Delta, Big Bear Lake, and Lake Isabel. REVISION OF MENDOCINO, SONOMA, AND MARIN COUNTIES LOW FLOW CLOSURE TIME PERIOD TO AILING WITH THE ADULT STEELHEAD SEASON Section 8.00(b) established a season for special low flow conditions for Mendocino, Sonoma, and Marin County coastal streams; however, the current end date extends the length of the low flow season past the adult steelhead fishing season on.most coastal stream (except Russian River)which provides an unnecessary protection and may potentially confuse anglers. The current sport fishing regulations provides fishing in coastal streams of Mendocino, Sonoma, and Marin counties from the fourth Saturday in May through March 31, except for the Russian River which is open all year. Gear restrictions change from November 1 through March 31, to accommodate fishing for adult steelhead on all Mendocino, Sonoma, and Marin County coastal streams. There is no need for the season of special low flow conditions to extend beyond March 31, as most streams (except Russian River)are closed to any fishing from April 1 until the fourth Saturday in May, which is prior to.the end of the current low flow season. The Russian River is the exception because it is open year round due to other sport fisheries such as American shad and smallmouth bass. For consistency, the Russian River should be included in this change, but it would result in the potential reduction of protected days under a low flow closure between April 3 1 and the fourth Saturday in May(52-57 days depending upon the calendar year). The loss of this additional protection on the Russian River is not likely to be significant as the bulk of the steelhead will have spawned and angler effort targeting steelhead will be low in the months of April and May, The steelhead population on the Russian River is also unlike other coastal streams because it is supplemented with hatchery steelhead. Additionally, the Russian River is a flow regulated stream and flows are likely to be higher.in April and May than other coastal streams and less likely to be subject to a low flow closure due to water.releases. Conforming the low flow closure season with the end of the adult steelhead fishing season on Mendocino, Sonoma, and Marin County coastal streams helps simplify regulations and reduces confusion between the fishing season and,low flow closure season and it would not significantly impact the Russian River steelhead population in the event of low flow conditions in the.months of April.and May. Proposal: Amend Subsection b of Section 8.00 Low-Flow Restrictions Revise Section 8.00 (b)to redefine the season of the Special Low Flow Conditions to'coincide with the end of the adult steelhead fishing season on March 31, CRAYFISH In alignment with the proposal to close Rock Creek to fishing to protect Shasta crayfish, Section 5,35 would need to be amended to add Rock Creek to the list of waters where take of crayfish is prohibited. Rock Creek is-in the Hat Creek Drainage in Shasta County. Proposal: Amend Section 5.35 Cra ish Amend Section.5.35 to add Rock Creek to the list of waters where fishing for crayfish is prohibited. STEELHEAD REPORT AND RESTORATION CARD REQUIREMENTS Department staff reassessed the fisheries management objectives of the Steelhead Report and Restoration Card and determined that the data being collected, location codes, and reporting instructions and requirements can be simplified. In order to accomplish this, verbiage within . Section 5:88 must be changed. Proposal: Amend Section 5.88 Steelhead Report and Restoration Card Requirements Remove reference to "wild" steelhead because it is not legal to retain a wild steelhead, and remove the requirement to report the number of hours that were fished for steelhead: SPORT (FISHING REPORT CARD REQUIREMENTS CCR Section 1.74 establishes guidelines for report card regulations including reporting harvest authorized by a report card; however, this section does not include a mechanism for confirmation that data from a report card has been,reported. This proposal requires report card holders who submit data online to write the provided confirmation number on their report card and retain the report card until for 90 days after the reporting deadline. When a report card is lost, a licensee may wish to obtain a duplicate, or may simply need to fulfill the harvest reporting requirement before the reporting deadline. Section 1.74 does not currently provide guidelines for licensees who have lost their report card.and need to report their harvest, but do not need to obtain a duplicate report card•. This proposal updates procedures regarding lost report cards to provide guidelines for obtaining a duplicate report card, and also for reporting harvest from a lost report card without obtaining a duplicate report card.. Proposal.--Amend Section 1.74 Sb ort Fishing Report Card Requirements Amend Section 1.74 to update procedures for reporting online and for lost report cards. 4 RESTRICT LEADER LENGTH TO LESS THAN SIX FEET TO REDUCE POTENTIAL FOUL. HOOKING (SNAGGING) OF SALMON AND STEELHEAD The Department and the Fish and Game Commission (Commission) have struggled for years to eliminate and/or regulate snagging salmon. This has proven difficult given some of the spawning aggregations, habitat, and creative snagging techniques that have evolved overtime. Water operations, changes in angling ethics, and population growth likely have also contributed to this ongoing problem. After struggling with these issues statewide, the Commission directed the Department to find a solution. In 2014, the Department-formulated a snagging working group to help evaluate the issue through a structured decision making process. Department staff and angling stakeholders participated in multiple meetings. One action resulting from this effort was a directed study to assess the efficacy of a reduced leader length in relation to the"flossing"fishing techniques ba9ed'81n9ling7sn80ging ri'g:'Although this technigUelrig is riot the onIg gear that can'be used to purposefully foul-hook salmon, it is currently legal and very effective when used in the right habitat(Feather, American, Sacramento, Yuba, and Klamath rivers)with high densities of spawning/migrating salmon. The results of the study showed a significant correlation with foul- hooking (82-94%) regardless of the leader length and a reduction in landing rates for the shortest leader. Proposal: Add Section 205 to Title 14, LeaderLengthRestriction Add the leader length restriction to Title 14, Chapter 2, Article 1, to reduce foul-hooking of salmon and steelhead in anadromous waters. Minor Editorial Corrections for Clarity In addition to the above proposals, minor editorial corrections are proposed to correct typographical errors and to improve regulation clarity. Benefits of the-Proposed Regulations It is the policy of this state to encourage the conservation, maintenance, and utilization of the living resources of the ocean and inland waters under the jurisdiction and influence'oi the state for the benefit of all the citizens of the State. In addition, it is the policy of this state to promote the development of local California fisheries in harmony with federal law respecting fishing and the conservation of the living resources of the ocean and inland waters under the jurisdiction and influence of the State. The objectives of this policy include, but are not limited to, the maintenance of sufficient populations of all species of aquatic organisms to ensure their continued existence and the maintenance of a sufficient resource to support a reasonable sport use. Adoption of scientifically-based trout and salmon seasons, size limits, and bag and possession limits provides for the maintenance of sufficient populations of trout and salmon to ensure their continued existence. The benefits of the proposed regulations are concurrence with Federal law, sustainable management of California's trout and salmon resources, and promotion of businesses that rely on recreational sport fishing in California. Consistency and Compatibility with Existing Regulations The proposed regulations are neither inconsistent nor incompatible with existing state regulations. Section 20, Article IV, of the State Constitution specifies that the Legislature may delegate to the Fish and Game Commission such powers relating to the protection and propagation of fish and game as the Legislature sees fit. The Legislature has delegated to the Commission the power to adopt sport fishing regulations (sections 206, 202 and 205, Fish and 5 Game Code). The Commission has reviewed its own regulations and finds that the proposed regulations are neither inconsistent nor incompatible with existing state regulations. The Commission has searched the California Code of Regulations and finds no other state agency regulations pertaining to sport fishing. NOTICE IS GIVEN that any person interested may present statements, orally or in writing, relevant to this action at a hearing to be held in Spring Hill Suites by Marriott, 900 EI Camino Real, Atascadero, CA, on Wednesday, October 11, 2017, at 8:00 a.m., or as soon thereafter as the matter may be heard. NOTICE IS ALSO GIVEN that any person interested may present statements, orally or in writing, relevant to this action at a hearing to be held at the Handlery Hotel, 950 Hotel Circle, North San Diego, CA, on Wednesday December 6, 2017, at 8:00 a.m., or as soon thereafter as the matter may be heard. It is requested, but not required, that written comments be submitted on or before 5:00 p.m., November-22, 2017 at the address given below, or by email to FGC .fac.ca.gov. Written comments mailed, or emailed to the Commission office, must be received before 12:00 noon on December 1, 2017. All comments must be received no later than December 6, 2017, at the hearing in San Diego, CA. If you would like copies of any modifications-to this proposal, please include your name and mailing address. Availability of Documents Copies of the Notice of Proposed Action, the Initial Statement of Reasons, and the text of the regulation in underline and strikeout format can be accessed through the Commission's website at www.fgc.ca.gov. The regulations as well as all related documents upon which the proposal is based (rulemaking file), are on file and available for public review from the agency representative, Valerie Termini, Executive Director, Fish and Game Commission, 1416 Ninth Street, Box 944209, Sacramento, California 94244-2090, phone (916)653-4899. Please direct requests for the above mentioned documents and inquiries concerning the regulatory process to Valerie Termini or Sheri Tiemann at the preceding address or phone number. Kevin Shaffer, Chief, Fisheries Branch, Department of Fish and Wildlife, [(916 327-8841) or kevin.shaffer@wildlife.ca.gov], has been designated to respond to questions on the substance of the proposed regulations. Availability of Modified Text If the regulations adopted by the Commission differ from but are sufficiently related to the action proposed, they will be available to the public for at least 15 days prior to the date of adoption. Circumstances beyond the control of the Commission (e.g., timing of Federal regulation adoption, timing of resource data collection, timelines do not allow, etc.)or changes made to be responsive to public recommendation and comments during the regulatory process may preclude full compliance with the 15-day comment period, and the Commission will exercise its powers under Section 265 of the Fish and Game Code. Regulations adopted pursuant to this section are not subject to the time periods for adoption, amendment or repeal of regulations prescribed in Sections 11343.4, 11346.4 and 11346.8 of the Government Code. Any person interested may obtain a copy of said regulations prior to the date of adoption by contacting the agency representative named herein. If the regulatory proposal is adopted, the final statement of reasons may be obtained from the address above when-it has been received from the agency program staff. Impact of Re ulato Action/Results of the Economic Impact Assessment 6 The Department assessed the potential for significant statewide adverse economic impacts that might result from the proposed regulatory action, and made the following initial determinations relative to the required statutory categories: (a) Significant Statewide Adverse Economic Impact Directly Affecting Businesses, Including the Ability of California Businesses to Compete with Businesses in Other States: The proposed action is not anticipated to have a significant statewide adverse economic impact directly affecting business, including the ability of California businesses to compete with businesses in other states because the expected impact of the proposed regulations on the amount of fishing activity is anticipated to be minimal relative to recreational angling effort statewide. (b) Impact.on the Creation or Elimination of Jobs Within the State, the Creation of New Businesses,or the Elimination of"Existing Businesses, or-the Expansion of Businesses in California; Benefits of the Regulation to the Health and Welfare of California Residents, Worker Safety, and the State's Environment: The expected 'impact of the proposed regulations on the amount of fishing activity is anticipated to be minimal relative to recreational angling effort statewide. Therefore, the Commission does not anticipate any impacts on the creation or elimination of jobs, the creation of new business, the elimination of existing business or the expansion of businesses in California. The Commission anticipates benefits to the health and welfare of California residents. Providing opportunities for a salmon and trout sport fishery encourages consumption of a nutritious food. The Commission does not anticipate any non-monetary benefits to worker safety.. The Commission anticipates benefits to the environment by the sustainable management.of California's sport fishing resources. (c) Cost Impacts on a Representative Private Person or Business: The agency is not aware of any cost impacts that a representative private person or business would necessarily'incur in reasonable compliance with the proposed action. (d) Costs or Savings to State Agencies or Costs/Savings in Federal Funding to the State: None. (e) Nondiscretionary Costs/Savings to Local Agencies: None. (f) Programs Mandated on Local Agencies or School Districts: None. (g) Costs Imposed on Any Local Agency or School District that is Required to be Reimbursed Under Part 7 (commencing with Section 17500) of Division 4, Government Code: 7 None. (h) Effect on Housing Costs: None. Effect on Small Business It has been determined that the adoption of these regulations may affect small business. The Commission has drafted the regulations in Plain English pursuant'to Government Code Sections 11.342.580 and 11346.2(a)(1). Consideration of Alternatives In view of information currently possessed, no reasonable alternative considered would be more effective in carrying out the purpose for which the regulation is proposed, would be as effective and less burdensome to affected private persons than the proposed regulation, or would be more cost effective to affected private persons and equally effective in implementing the statutory policy or other provision of law. FISH AND GAME COMMISSION Valerie Termini Dated: September 1, 2017 Executive Director 8