2005 California Fish and Game Code Sections 8623-8626 Article 2. Nets for Particular Varieties of Fish

8623.  (a) It is unlawful to use any purse seine or round haul net
to take yellowtail, barracuda, or white sea bass.
   (b) It is unlawful to possess any yellowtail, barracuda, or white
sea bass, except those taken south of the international boundary
between the United States and Mexico, and imported into the state
under regulations of the commission as provided in Section 2362, on
any boat carrying or using any purse seine or round haul net,
including, but not limited to, a bait net as described in Section
8780.
   (c) Gill nets with meshes of a minimum length of 31/2 inches may
be used to take yellowtail and barracuda.
   (d) Gill nets with meshes of a minimum length of six inches may be
used to take white sea bass;  however, during the period from June
16 to March 14, inclusive, not more than 20 percent by number of a
load of fish may be white seabass 28 inches or more in total length,
up to a maximum of 10 white seabass per load, if taken in gill nets
or trammel nets with meshes from 31/2 to 6 inches in length.
   (e) Notwithstanding the provisions of this section, the department
may issue permits to hook and line commercial fishermen to possess a
bona fide bait net on their vessels for the purpose of taking bait
for their own use only.
8625.  (a) Except as otherwise provided in this code, set gill nets
and trammel nets with mesh size of not less than 81/2 inches may be
used to take California halibut.
   (b) Except as provided in subdivision (c), not more than 1,500
fathoms (9,000 feet) of gill net or trammel net shall be fished in
combination each day for California halibut from any vessel in ocean
waters.
   (c) Not more than 1,000 fathoms (6,000 feet) of gill net or
trammel net shall be fished in combination each day for California
halibut from any vessel in ocean waters between a line extending due
west magnetic from Point Arguello in Santa Barbara County and a line
extending 172* magnetic from Rincon Point in Santa Barbara County to
San Pedro Point at the east end of Santa Cruz Island in Santa Barbara
County, then extending southwesterly 188* magnetic from San Pedro
Point on Santa Cruz Island.
   (d) This section shall become operative on August 15, 1989.
8626.  (a) Notwithstanding Section 8625, and where consistent with
the determination made pursuant to subdivisions (b) and (c), the
director may reduce the minimum mesh size permitted for gill and
trammel nets used to take California halibut from 81/2 inches to not
less than 8 inches in any or all areas south of a line extending 240*
magnetic from the boundary line between the Counties of Los Angeles
and Ventura.
   (b) If, on or before October 1, 1990, the department determines
that commercial landings of California halibut taken south of the
line extending 240* magnetic from the boundary line between the
Counties of Los Angeles and Ventura in the period between September
1, 1989, and August 31, 1990, decline by 10 percent or more compared
with landings of California halibut taken in this area during the
period between September 1, 1988, and August 31, 1989, the department
shall assess the impact of the 81/2 inch minimum mesh size
restriction on the California halibut fishery in the area described
in subdivision (a).  The assessment shall include, but is not limited
to, an analysis of landing data, including landings of California
halibut in Los Angeles, Orange, and San Diego Counties, the age and
size composition of the catch, and the department's monitoring at sea
of the gill and trammel net fishery.
   (c) If the department determines that the 81/2 inch minimum mesh
size, established pursuant to Section 8625 has directly resulted in a
decline of 10 percent or more in landings of California halibut
south of the line extending 240* magnetic from the boundary between
the Counties of Los Angeles and Ventura, the director shall hold a
public hearing in the area affected to make findings and take public
testimony prior to taking any action pursuant to subdivision (a).
   (d) This section shall become operative on August 15, 1989.