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HomeMy WebLinkAboutFish and Game notice 01-29-10 J COMMISSIONERS ARNOLD SCHWARZENEGGER JOHN CARLSON,JR. Jim Kellogg,President EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Concord 1416 Ninth Street Richard Rogers,Vice President Box 944209 Carpinteria Sacramento,CA 94244-2090 Michael Sutton,Member (916)653-4899 Monterey — (916)653-5040 Fax Daniel W.Richards,Member ' Upland Governor fgc@fgc.ca.gov Donald Senninghoven,Member Santa Barbara STATE OF CALIFORNIA Fish and Game Commission BOARD OF SUPERVISORS January 29, 2010 JAN 2 9 2090 0ROVILLE,CALIFORNIA TO ALL AFFECTED AND INTERESTED PARTIES: This is to provide you with a copy of the notice of proposed regulatory action relative to amend Sections 671, 671.1 and 671.7 and Add Section 703, Title 14, California Code of Regulations, and relating to New Restricted Species Permits and Requirements, which was originally published in the California Regulatory Notice Register on June 12, 2009, and where the continuation notice will be published in the California Regulatory Notice Register on January 29, 2010. Mr. Scott Barrow, Fisheries Programs Branch, Department of Fish and Game, phone (916) 445-7600, has been designated to respond to questions on the substance of the proposed regulations. Documents relating to the proposed action shall be posted on the Fish and Game Commission website at http://www.fac.ca.gov or may be obtained by writing to our office at the above address. Please note the dates and locations of related discussion hearings found on page 8 of the attached notice. re , son ssoclate overnment Program Analyst Attachment '� i 4 TITLE 14. Fish and Game Commission Notice of Proposed Changes in Regulations (Continuation of California Notice Register 2009, No.24-Z, and Meetings of May 14,2009, June 25,2009 and August 6,2009.) (NOTE:See Amended Informative Digest changes shown with"bold"print indicating changes.) NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Fish and Game Commission (Commission), pursuant to the authority vested by sections 200, 202, 205, 220, 713, 1002, 1050, 1053, 2118, 2120, 2122, 2150, 2150.2, 7701, 7708, 15005, 15102, 15200, 15202 and 15600, Fish and Game Code and to implement, interpret or make specific sections 200, 202, 205, 206, 220, 713, 1050, 1053, 1055, 2116, 2116, 2116.5, 2117, 2118, 2118.5, 2119, 2120,2121, 2122, 2123, 2125, 2150, 2150.1, 2150.2, 2150.3, 2150.4, 2150.5, 2151, 2152, 2153, 2155, 2156, 2157, 2185, 2186, 2187, 2188, 2189, 2190, 2271, 7700, 7701, 7702, 7702.1, 7703, 8371, 8431, 15200, 15201, 15202, 15400 15505, and 15600, of said Code, proposes to amend Sections 671, 671.1 and 671.7 and Add Section 703,Title 14, California Code of Regulations, relating to New Restricted Species Permits and Requirements. AMENDED Informative Digest/Policy Digest/PolicyStatement Overview In December 2007, the Commission added barramundi, Lates calcarffer, to the Restricted Species List in Section 671, Title 14, California Code of Regulations(CCR). The placement of barramundi on the Restricted Species List addressed the potential for escaped barramundi to adapt to California conditions, compete with or prey upon native fish, and act as a vector for a virus found in juvenile barramundi that was not fully understood at the time. Although the Commission agreed that barramundi posed a threat to California's wildlife resources, the Department was directed to continue working with the aquaculture industry on a reasonable approach to support aquaculture and sales of barramundi in California. Since 2007, the Department has held discussions with California aquaculture industry representatives on reasonable measures that could be implemented to allow the development of aquaculture of barramundi with facilities and practices that would ensure minimal risk to California wildlife resources. In late 2008, the Department was also approached by a California seafood importer who is seeking to import live farmed barramundi for human consumption. The seafood importer wants to import live barramundi into retail commercial establishments where they will be maintained alive until purchased for human consumption when they will be killed and packaged for consumer use. The California aquaculture industry has continued to express strong interest in farming barramundi in appropriate areas, e.g. in the desert and isolated from suitable barramundi habitat, and the use of effective recirculation and containment to minimize disease risks. Proposal Overview With a broader understanding of the risks associated with importation of live barramundi, and development of adequate control procedures to address the risks to the natural environment, the Department is proposing to allow importation, aquaculture and sales of live barramundi under controlled conditions as follows: 1. Importation of live barramundi from an approved distributor under controlled conditions specified on the permit. 2. Aquaculture farming purposes by a registered aquaculturist under controlled conditions specified on the permit. 3. Retail sales for human consumption of live barramundi from 1 to 3 pounds where it will be sold dead and packaged before leaving the commercial establishment. The Department's proposal will allow transportation of all life stages of barramundi, including broodstock, between permitted aquaculture facilities for aquaculture farming purposes. Also permitted importers, wholesalers, and aquaculturists will be allowed to transport live barramundi that are 300 mm to 500 mm in total length or weigh 1 to 3 pounds for retail sales at terminal markets in approved geographic regions. Narrow size and weight ranges coupled with strict geographic distribution ensures low probability of surviving to sexual maturity, if there is any accidental or illegal release into the natural environment. This size/weight requirement also ensures that the fish are out of the juvenile life stage to facilitate disease 1 detection and management. All activities will be required to maintain effective biosecurity conditions at all times. Additionally, passage of AB 820(Strickland, Chapter 689, Statutes of 2005)resulted in substantial modification and/or addition to existing laws(sections 2116-2196 of the Fish and Game Code(FGC)) related to possession of wild animals in California. Also recent events involving captive restricted wildlife species(a human fatality incident and separate escaped animal incidents) have necessitated reconsideration, modification, and/or addition to the existing regulations to address emerging issues. The Department proposal achieves a balance between the Department's mission to protect California's natural resources and the strong demand for new marketing opportunities and growth by California's aquaculture and seafood industries. The changes related to capture of restricted wildlife are combined with the proposed aquaculture and seafood changes to reduce Commission workload and regulatory rulemakings. The Department proposal achieves a balance between the Department's mission to protect California's natural resources and the strong demand for new marketing opportunities and growth by California's aquaculture and seafood industries. The wildlife related changes are combined with the proposed aquaculture and seafood changes to reduce Commission workload and regulatory rulemakings. This proposal complies with the Aquaculture Development Committee recommendation for support of the aquaculture industry's desire to farm new aquaculture products that are sustainable and economically viable. The following proposed changes will amend the Restricted Species List for barramundi and add four new Restricted Species permits and associated permitting requirements as follows: Aquaculture and Seafood 1) Allow live importation, possession, transportation, and sales of barramundi under an authorized permit. 2) Allow live retail sales of barramundi for human consumption that are 300 mm (11.8 inches)to 500 mm (19.6 inches) in total length, or weigh 1 to 3 pounds. 3) Allow live retail sales of barramundi in all counties except Santa Barbara,Ventura, San Bernardino, Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Diego, and Imperial. 4) Establish a new permit and requirements for live importation, possession, transportations and sales of a restricted aquatic species for aquaculture farming purposes by a registered aquaculturist. 5) Establish a new permit and requirements for live importation, possession, transportation and sales of a restricted species for retail sales from a commercial establishment where it will be maintained alive for human consumption until purchased,when it will be killed and packaged before leaving the establishment. 6) Propose regulations to address emergency contingency planning and cost recovery in the event of an escape or a containment failure involving a restricted species. In addition,the restricted species aquaculture permit portion of this proposal is structured with four options to facilitate Commission discussion as shown below: Option 1 —Live sales of restricted aquaculture product to the public to be restricted to Northern California areas and all importers, producers and sellers must be permitted. Option 2—No geographic restriction and all importers, producers and sellers must be permitted. Option 3—Live sales of restricted aquaculture product to the public to be restricted to Northern California areas and terminal markets that purchase from a permitted source and only sell restricted aquaculture product to the public are not required to be permitted. Option 4—No geographic restriction and terminal markets that purchase from a permitted source and only sell restricted aquaculture product to the public are not required to be permitted. Wildlife 7) Establish a new permit and requirements for a person who is in the business of exhibiting animals, and clarify the qualifications to transport and possess a restricted species. 2 8) Establish a new permit and requirements for a person who is a resident or nonresident, is in the business of using birds to abate nuisance birds, and possesses the qualifications to import,transport, and possess a restricted species. 9) New and revised regulations to address issues such as breeding, escape and emergency contingency planning, public safety, identification of restricted animals,and cost recovery for escape or emergency searches involving a restricted species. Regulatory Sim Rlification 10) Move all restricted permit fees and add application form numbers into a new proposed Section 703 to facilitate annual fee updates pursuant to FGC Section 713 and 699, Title 14, CCR, and necessary form-revisions. 11) Propose additional minor changes to align and clarify the regulations and reduce public confusion. Present Regulations Section 671,Title 14, CCR, contains the list of restricted species that are unlawful for any person to import, export, transport, maintain, dispose or use except as authorized in a permit issued by the department. Section 671.1, Title 14, CCR, establishes the categories of permits that allow a.person to import, export, transport, maintain, dispose of, or use for any purpose animals restricted by Section 671 to protect native wildlife, agriculture interests, animal welfare, and/or human health and safety. 671.7, Title 14, CCR, states the Department may issue permits for importation,,possession, transportation and sales of aquatic animals listed in Section 671 for aquaculture purposes. Proposed Regulations For public notice purposes to facilitate Commission discussion,the Department is proposing four options with the following changes to current regulations: Option 1 -Geographic restrictions and everyone must be permitted Section 671 will be revised to allow for an exception for barramundi importation and sales under certain conditions with an authorized permit. 1) Subsection 671(c)(2)(K)2J.will be removed since any wolf hybrid whelped before February 5, 1998 is now deceased. Additional changes were added for clarity. 2) Subsection 671(c)(2)(B) is proposed to updated with a recent Order name change to Xenarthra. 3) Subsection 671(c)(3)(B)1.will be updated to add the common name clawed frog to the genus Xenopus. 4) Subsections 671(c)(5)(J), (0)and (R)are proposed to be updated with recent scientific name changes by the American Fisheries.Society. Additional name changes for tilapia are proposed to provide the correct scientific name. 5) Subsection 671(c)(5)(U)is proposed to be modified to include an exception for importation, transportation, possession,or sales of barramundi. Live sales for human consumption of barramundi that range from 1 to 3 pounds in weight or 300 mm (11.8 inches)to 500 mm (19.6 inches)in total length will be allowed in all counties except for Santa Barbara,Ventura,San Bernardino, Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Diego, and Imperial, under the conditions set forth in Section 671.7. a. These narrow size and weight ranges coupled with strict geographic distribution ensures low probability of surviving to sexual maturity, if there is any accidental or illegal release into the natural environment. b. This size/weight requirement also ensures that the fish are out of the juvenile life stage to facilitate disease detection and management. c. These proposed changes will ensure barramundi are not sold alive for human consumption unless they are within the appropriate size/weight range and from a location out of the southern area of California. d. These restrictions only apply to live sales for human consumption and do not apply to shipments for aquaculture farming purposes. e. Two additional counties, Santa Barbara and Ventura,are proposed to be added to the barramundi "live sales" exclusion area due to their proximity and easy access to live markets in the Los Angeles area. f. The proposed size criteria is proposed to be moved into a new subsection 671(c)(5)(U)(2),the county restriction is proposed to be moved in a new subsection 3 671(c)(5)(U)(3), and the requirement of adhering to Section 671.7 conditions is proposed to be moved into a new subsection 671(c)(5)(U)(1)for clarity. 6) Subsection 671(c)(7)(g)will be revised to apply to all Gila monsters in the genus Heloderma to strengthen enforcement measures and increase public safety from venomous reptiles. 7) Subsection 671(c)(9)((D)will be revised to correct the species name for pink abalone. 8) Subsection 671(c)(10)will be revised to add the common name quagga mussel to the genus Dreissena. 9) Additional minor changes are proposed to align and clarify the regulations and reduce public confusion. Section 671.1 will be revised to establish four new Restricted Species Permits for Aquaculture, Native Species Exhibiting, Nuisance Bird Abatement and Wholesale/Importation. The section will also be revised to address breeding, escape/emergency contingency planning, public safety, identification of animals, and cost recovery for animal searches. Additional minor changes are proposed to align and clarify the regulations and reduce public confusion. The following list contains the substantial proposed changes: 1) Subsection 671.1(a)(2)will be modified to allow that the department may enter all holding facilities, vehicles, vessels or other places where restricted species are kept or may be kept and these inspections may be made at any time with or without prior notification. This proposed change will facilitate enforcement measures 2) Subsection 671.1(a)(3)will be modified to reduce the reporting requirement of name or address changes to five from 14 days to ensure quick Department notification. 3) Subsection 671.1(a)(4)will be modified to require all records be legible, written in English, and available at the holding facility. This proposed change will ensure all records are easy to understand and available for all inspections. 4) Subsection 671.1(a)(5)will be expanded to apply to all importers and add poundage and sex, if available, to the transportation records. This proposed change will ensure adequate transportation records are retained for all importations into the state. 5) Subsection 671.1(a)(6)will be modified to state a business can qualify for a permit by having at least one full time employee who meets qualifications for obtaining a restricted species permit as specified in section 671.1(c)(1)and requires annual proof of continued employment for a full time employee if the owner doesn't possess the required qualifications. 6) Subsection 671.1(a)(9)(A)will be modified to clarify that the municipal treated sewage is not considered waters of the state for purposes of this section. 7) Subsection 671.1(a)(10)will be added to allow the Department to confer with other state and federal agencies or any other person or entity in order to verify information on the application or to determine if the importation, transportation, or possession of any animal requested will be in the best interest of the state and animal. 8) Subsection 671.1(b)will be modified to state the fees will be adjusted annually and moved to the new Section 703 and that the department may make amendments to existing permits under certain conditions. 9) Subsection 671.1(b)(1)through (8)was struck-out and the eight original permits and four new permits restructured alphabetically with the fees moved to the New Section 703 and the following proposed changes: a. Subsection 671.1(b)(1)will contain the Animal Care permit regulations with minor clarification changes. b. Subsections 671.1(b)(2)will contain the new Aquaculture permit and requirements for a person who is a registered aquaculturist to import, transport, possess, and offer for sale restricted species for aquaculture purposes. c. Subsection 671.1(b)(3)will contain the AZA permit regulations with minor clarification changes. d. Subsection 671.1(b)(4)will contain the Breeding permit regulations with a new requirement of a breeding plan. e. Subsection 671.1(b)(5)will contain the Broker/Dealer permit regulations with minor clarification changes. f. Subsection 671.1(b)(6)will contain the Exhibiting permit regulations with minor clarification changes. g. Subsection 671.1(b)(7)will contain the new Native Species Exhibiting permit and requirements for a person who is in the business of exhibiting native animals, and possesses the qualifications listed in Section 671.1(c)(1)to transport and possess restricted species. h. Subsection 671.1(b)(8)will contain the new Nuisance Caird Abatement permit and requirements for a person who is a resident or nonresident, is in the business of using raptors to abate nuisance birds, and possesses the qualifications listed in Section 671.1(c)(1)to import, transport, and possess restricted species. 4 i. Subsection 671.1(b)(9)will contain the Research permit to require a research institution to demonstrate to the Department that they meet or exceed the requirements as part of a federal program or permit. j. Subsection 671.1(b)(10)will contain the Shelter permit regulations with minor clarification changes. k. Subsection 671.1(b)(11)will contain the Single Event Breeding for Exhibitors permit regulations with minor clarification changes. I. Subsections 671.1(b)(12)will contain the new Wholesale/importation permit and requirements for a person who is a resident and is in the wholesale or importation business of selling fish or aquaculture product to import,transport, possess, and offer for sale restricted species. 10) Subsection 671.1(c)(1)will be modified to require qualifying experience to be within 10 years of application data.Aquaculture and Wholesalellmportation permittees will be exempt from these qualifications and must instead follow the requirements in Section 671.7. This proposed change will establish better qualification requirements for these new permits. 11) Subsection 671.1(c)(2)will be modified to clarify the application process and exempt Aquaculture and Wholesale/importation permittees from the application requirements listed in subsection 671.1(c)(2)(A)through(M)instead of following the application requirements in Section 671.7. This proposed change will establish better application instructions and requirements. 12) Subsection 671.1(c)(2)(F)will be amended to describe the requirements for a breeding plan for restricted species. Add licensed professionals in breeding or exhibition of restricted species to the list of entities that may certify if there is a legitimate need for the breeding and.add exhibition to the list of legitimate breeding needs. 13) Subsection 671.1(c)(2)(G)will be added to establish new requirements for nonresident exhibitors to ensure the Department has the exhibiting schedule or any changes to ensure compliance. 14) Subsection 671.1(c)(2)(N)and 671.1(c)(2)(1)will be added to ensure adequate documentation of federal requirements. 15) Subsection 671.1(c)(2)(J)will be added to provide for"Emergency Action Plans"in the event of escape or injury involving a restricted species. This subsection will also enable cost-recovery from the permittee for Department involvement in capturing or ending the threat from escaped animals. 16) Subsection 671.1(c)(2)(J)(4)will be added to require the permit holder to immediately report the escape or release of the wild animal to the Department and the nearest law enforcement agency. 17) Subsection 671.1(c)(2)(K)will be added to provide"Unique Identification"for every elephant, non- human primate, bear,wolf, gila monster, and animal in the Family Felidae that is possessed under a restricted species permit. The compliance date for this new requirement was changed to December 31,2010. 18) Add subsection 671.1(c)(2)(K)(3)to state the Department shall maintain the unique identifiers for each animal until they are deceased. 19) Subsection 671.1(c)(2)(L)will be added to list the information needed from bona fide scientific institutions for the initial application and for each additional new species. 20) Subsection 671.1(c)(2)(M)will be added to ensure adequate documentation of federal requirements. 21) Add subsection 671.1(c)(2)(N)to require the permit holder to notify the Department within 10 days when taking possession or transferring an animal or when an animal is deceased. 22) Subsection 671.1(c)(4)and (c)(5)will be modified and add(c)(6)to standardize denial, revocation and appeal procedures for permits. 23) Subsection 671.1(c)(4)(A)will be added to allow the Department to deny a permit or amendment of an existing permit request if the application and/or additional material does not support the statement of purpose. 24) Subsection 671.1(c)(6)will be moved to(c)(7)and updated to.move all permit fees to the new Section 703, clarify fee waiver conditions, and add an inspection fee waiver for aquaculture or wholesale/!mportation permits, if their facilities have been previously inspected or had no fish health issues in the past year. This proposed change establishes clearer conditions for fee waivers. Section 671.7 will be revised to add the following restricted species permit conditions for the Aquaculture and WholesafelImportation permits. The following proposed changes establish adequate containment and control procedures to ensure protection of the natural environment. Additional minor changes are proposed to align and clarify the regulations and reduce public confusion. 1) Specify that a Section 236 importation permit is not required for aquatic animal importations under an Aquaculture and Wholesaie/importation restricted species permit. 2) Add definition for closed-water system and terminal markets with the removal of the permit exception in subsection 671.7(a). 5 r 3) Specify the general permit requirements in subsection 671.7(b). a. All live restricted species shall be held, raised, and transported in a closed-water system. b. Facilities and transport systems must be designed so that biosecurity is maintained in the case of failure of the primary containment system. c. Access to'facilities and transport systems containing restricted species shall be restricted to assure against unauthorized removal of animals. d. Co-mingling or hybridization of restricted and non-restricted species is prohibited unless authorized by the Department. e. Require a written Emergency Action Plan that describes the emergency measures in the event of an escape or a containment failure involving a restricted species.This subsection will also enable cost-recovery from the permittee for Department involvement in the capture of escaped animals or a containment failure. f. In the event of adverse impacts arising from the farming of restricted species, or from violation of articles in this section, the Department is authorized to take appropriate and reasonable actions to remedy the situation. 4) Specify the permit application requirements in subsection 671.7(c) a. The following information shall accompany an application for each new restricted species permit, amendment, or renewal: b. New Applicants and Permittees Requesting Amendments:An inventory of all restricted species requested including the common and scientific name of the each species, and the weight, volume, or count of each species. c. Renewals:An inventory of all restricted species presently held at their aquaculture facility including the common and scientific name of the each species, and the weight, volume, or count of each species. d. A written statement detailing the type of business that will be conducted with the restricted species requested. e. A copy of the applicant's current aquaculture registration, if an aquaculture permit is being requested. f. A copy of their Emergency Action Plan. g. For annual renewal of a restricted species permit, the permittee shall report to the Department on the importation, production and/or dispensation of all restricted species at their facility and on other information as specified in the permit. 5) Specify the live importation requirements in subsection 671.7(d). a. No shipment of restricted species into the state may be made without permit. b. All importations of restricted species shall be accompanied by a bill of lading, and a copy of the restricted species permit shall accompany each shipment. c. The authorized source of restricted species must have good record of husbandry and health management as determined by the Department. d. Notification of each restricted species animal importation shall reach the Department regional office at least five days in advance of the importation date to allow for adequate time to organize Department staff for entry inspections. e. All restricted species imported into California under these regulations may be inspected by the Department at either the place of entry into the state or at another location as specified by the department. 6) Specify the live transportation requirements within the state in subsection 671.7(e). a. All shipments of live restricted species animals shall be accompanied by a bill of lading. b. Notification of restricted species animal shipment(s)shall reach the Department regional office at least 48 hours in advance of the movement date. c. Both the seller and consignee of restricted species shall retain a copy of the invoice, bill of lading or similar accountable document for three years. 7) Specify the sales.requirements by permittees in subsection 671.7(f). a. Restricted species products may be sold alive by aquaculture facilities or fish businesses with the appropriate permit. b. All shipping containers of restricted species animals shall be labeled as restricted aquaculture product unless specifically authorized in the restricted species permit. c. All restricted species products sold shall be accompanied by a sales invoice, showing the name and address of the permittee, the restricted species permit number, date of sale, the common and scientific name of the species, and the weight, volume, or count of each species sold. All applicable documents shall be immediately made available to the department upon request. d. No live restricted species product shall be stocked in private, public or fish-for-fee facilities or be released in any waters of the state. 6 8) Specify the sales requirements by terminal markets in subsection 671.7(8)with the removal of the permit exception. a. All restricted species products sold or leaving the premises of a terminal market shall be killed and accompanied by a sales receipt showing the date of purchase and name of business where purchased or be packaged in accordance with subsection 240(c)of these regulations. The subsection (c)of 240 was added for clarification. b. No live restricted species product shall be allowed to leave a terminal market or be released in any waters of the state. Section 703 will be added to contain the restricted species permit fees and various application form numbers that are incorporated by reference. Permit fees are adjusted annually pursuant to the provisions of Section 699 and FGC Section 713. The proposed additions are outlined below: The new application fees are proposed to be double the present application fee since it takes twice as long to process new applications for restricted species permits. The inspection fees are proposed to be increased to recover Department costs. Subsection A 2010 Restricted Species Permit Fees 1. Restricted Species Permit Application (New) [$51.25-$101.50] 2. Restricted Species Permit Application $ 51.25 (Amended or Renewal) 3. Animal Care-Welfare Species $ 50.75 4. Animal Care-Detrimental Species $426.00 5. Aquaculture $426.00 6 AZA $426.00 7. Breeding $426.00 8. Resident Broker/Dealer $426.00 9. Nonresident Broker/Dealer $851.75 10. Resident Exhibiting $426.00 11. Nonresident Exhibiting $851.75 12. Native Species Exhibiting $426.00 13. Resident Nuisance Bird Abatement $426.00 14. Nonresident Nuisance Bird Abatement $851.75 15. Research-Detrimental Species $426.00 16. Shelter $ 50.75 17. Single Event Breeding for Exhibitors $ 50.75 18. Wholesale/importation $426.00 19. Fee for two initial inspections [$170.50-$3000.00] 20. Hourly inspection fee(>2 hrs) [$42.50-$100.001 Subsection 703(6)to(H) Restricted Species Application Forms (B)New Restricted Species Permit Application FG 1312(New 1012009) (C) Native Species Exhibiting Permit Amendment Form FG 1312a(New 1012009) (D) New Native Species Exhibiting Permit Application FG 1312b (New 1012009) (E) Restricted Species Permit Inventory of Animals Form FG 1313(New 1012009) (F)Native Species Exhibiting Permit Inventory of Animals Form FG 1313a (New 1012009) (G) Restricted Species Permit Amendment Form FG 1313b(New 1012009) (H) Restricted Species Nonresident Exhibiting Itinerary Form FG 1316(New 1012009) Option 2--No geographic restrictions and everyone must be permitted All Proposed changes in Option 1 are included in Option 2 except for the following subsection. 7 Subsection 671(c)(5)(U) is proposed to be modified as follows: 1) The proposed county restriction will be removed. 2) The proposed size criteria is proposed to be moved into anew subsection 671(c)(5)(U)(2)and the requirement of adhering to Section 671.7 conditions is proposed to be moved into a new subsection 671(c)(5)(U)(1). Option 3-Geographic restrictions and terminal markets not permitted All Proposed changes in Option 1 are included in Option 3 except for the following subsections. Subsection 671.7 is proposed to be modified as follows: 1) Keep the original definition for terminal markets in subsection 671.7(a). 2) Keep the original sales requirements by terminal markets in subsection 671.7(g)with the following changes. a. Terminal markets that purchase live restricted species product from permitted importer or permitted aquaculturist are not required to hold a restricted species permit provided the live restricted species product is maintained in a closed water system. b. All restricted species products sold or leaving the premises of a terminal market shall be killed and accompanied by a sales receipt showing the date of purchase and name of business where purchased or be packaged in accordance with subsection 240(c)of these regulations. The subsection (c)of 240 was added for clarification. c. No live restricted species product shall be allowed to leave a terminal market or be released in any waters of the state. Option 4—No geographic restrictions and terminal markets are permitted All Proposed changes in Option 1 are included in Option 4 except for the following subsections. Subsection 671(c)(5)(U) is proposed to be modified as follows: 1) The proposed county restriction will be removed. 2) The proposed size criteria is proposed to be moved into anew subsection 671(c)(5)(U)(2)and the requirement of adhering to Section 671.7 conditions is proposed to be moved into a new subsection 671(c)(5)(U)(1)• Subsection 671.7 is proposed to be modified as follows: 1) Keep the original definition for terminal markets in subsection 671.7(a). 2) Keep the original sales requirements by terminal markets in subsection 671,7(g)with the following changes. a. Terminal markets that purchase live restricted species product from permitted importer or permitted aquaculturist are not required to hold a restricted species permit provided the live restricted species product is maintained in a closed-water system. b. All restricted species products sold or leaving the premises of a terminal market shall be killed and accompanied by a sales receipt showing the date of purchase and name of business where purchased or be packaged in accordance with subsection 240(c)of these regulations. The subsection (c)of 240 was added for clarification. c. No live restricted species product shall be allowed to leave a terminal market or be released in any waters of the state. 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 the Resource Building Auditorium, 1416 Ninth Street, Sacramento, California, on Thursday, February 4, 2010 at 8:30 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 Double Tree Hotel—Ontario Airport, Ontario, California, on Wednesday, March 3, 2010, at 8:30 a.m., or as soon thereafter as the matter may be heard. NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that any person interested may present statements, orally or in writing, relevant to this action at a hearing to be held in The La Grande Room, Beach Resort Monterey, 2600 Sand Dunes Dr., Monterey, California, on Thursday,April 8, 2010, at 8:30 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 March 24, 2010 at the address given below, or by fax at(916)653-5040, or by e-mail to 8 FGC@fgc.ca�.cov. Written comments mailed,faxed or e-mailed to the Commission office, must be received before 5:00 p.m. on April 6, 2010. All comments must be received no later than April 8, 2010, at the meeting in Monterey. If you would like copies of any modifications to this proposal, please include your name and mailing address. The regulations as proposed in strikeout-underline format and modifications indicated in double strikeouttunderline, as well as an initial statement of reasons, including environmental considerations and all information upon which the proposal is based (rulemaking file), are on file and available for public review from the agency representative,John Carlson, Jr., 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 John Carlson, Jr., or Jon Snellstrom at the preceding address or phone number. Mr. Scott Barrow, Fisheries Program Branch, Department of Fish and Game, (916)445-7600 has been designated to respond to questions on the substance of the proposed regulations. Copies of the Initial Statement of Reasons, including the regulatory language, may be obtained from the address above. Notice of the proposed action shall be posted on the Fish and Game Commission website at http://www.fgc.r-a.gov. 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.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-gulatory Action The potential for significant statewide adverse economic impacts that might result from the proposed regulatory action has been assessed, and the following initial determinations relative to the required statutory categories have been made: (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 will not have a significant statewide adverse economic impact directly affecting business, including the ability of California businesses to compete with businesses in other states. The proposed action is necessary for the continued preservation of the resource and therefore the prevention of adverse economic impacts. (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: The net impacts are unknown at this time. (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. The proposed action will open up new marketing opportunities for the California's aquaculture and retail seafood industries which will offset the new permit fees and inspection costs. (d) Costs or Savings to State Agencies or Costs/Savings in Federal Funding to the State: The proposed regulation changes would provide a cost recovery mechanism to offset Department costs related to permitting restricted species and for escaped animals. (e) Nondiscretionary Costs/Savings to Local Agencies: None. 9 (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: 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 11342.580 and 11346.2(a)(1). Consideration of Alternatives The Commission must determine that no reasonable alternative considered by the Commission, or that has otherwise been identified and brought to the attention of the Commission,would be more effective in carrying out the purpose for which the action is proposed or would be effective as and less burdensome to affected private persons than the proposed action. FISH AND GAME COMMISSION John Carlson, Jr. Dated: January 19, 2010 Executive Director 10