Expansion of Pop-Up Gear Testing in the Brown Box Crab and King Crab Fisheries and Addition of Target Species Scarlet King Crab and Spiny King Crab (Kim Sawicki
Summary
SCH Number
2026020774
Public Agency
California Fish and Game Commission
(CDFGC)
Document Title
Expansion of Pop-Up Gear Testing in the Brown Box Crab and King Crab Fisheries and Addition of Target Species Scarlet King Crab and Spiny King Crab (Kim Sawicki
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
2/20/2026
Document Description
An approved experimental fishing permit (commission tracking #2023-01) tests pop-up fishing systems in an experimental fishery targeting brown box crab (Lopholithodes foraminatus) and California king crab (Paralithodes californiensis). The EFP is used to collect information on the effects and efficacy of using pop-up fishing systems and to collect biological and fishery data to help fill critical information gaps for the three
species. Any changes to the approved EFP are subject to review by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife and approval by the California Fish and Game Commission.
At the request of the permit holder, the project revises the permit terms and conditions to allow expanded testing within the experimental fisheries, add additional target species (scarlet king crab, Lithodes couesi and spiny king crab, Paralithodes rathbuni), and allow additional concurrent commercial fishing with nonexperimental fishing permit gears.
Contact Information
Name
Melissa Miller-Henson
Agency Name
California Fish and Game Commission
Job Title
Executive Director
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency
Phone
Location
Cities
Does not apply - fishing occurs offshore
Counties
Del Norte, Humboldt, Los Angeles, Marin, Mendocino, Monterey, Orange, San Diego, San Francisco, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Santa Cruz, Sonoma, Ventura
Regions
Statewide
Other Location Info
Waters off the coast of California between the California/Oregon border (42° N. latitude) and U.S./Mexico border (32° 32’ N. latitude)
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
Class 6, California Code of Regulations, Title 14, Section 15306
Reasons for Exemption
Section 15306, Title 14, CCR provides a categorical exemption for information collection projects that consist of basic data collection, research, experimental management, and resource evaluation activities which do not result in a serious or major disturbance to an environmental resource (Class 6 exemption). The section goes on to note that these information collection projects may be strictly for information gathering purposes, or as part of a study leading to an action which a public agency has not yet approved, adopted, or funded. The purpose of the project is to allow fishers and scientific partners to obtain limited, short-term exemptions from state fishing laws and regulations to engage in experimental commercial or recreational marine fishing activities that are otherwise prohibited, to inform fisheries
management. Specifically, the amended EFP will allow expanded testing within the
experimental fisheries, including by expanding the geographic scope statewide; add an additional target species (scarlet king crab, Lithodes couesi); and allow additional concurrent commercial fishing with non-EFP gears.
EFPs may be approved for one or a combination of the following purposes: research,
education, limited testing, data collection, compensation fishing, conservation engineering, and exploratory fishing. All activities conducted under the EFP must comply with the terms and conditions placed on the permit for research purposes and the conservation and management of marine resources and the environment. As such, the project is the proper subject of CEQA’s Class 6 categorical exemption.
Attachments
Notice of Exemption
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