Display of Marine Life for Educational Purposes at Central Coast Aquarium in Avila Beach, California
Summary
SCH Number
2026090800
Public Agency
California Department of Fish and Wildlife, Marine Region 7
(CDFW)
Document Title
Display of Marine Life for Educational Purposes at Central Coast Aquarium in Avila Beach, California
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
9/18/2026
Document Description
The Department of Fish and Wildlife is issuing a permit to the Central Coast Aquarium pursuant to Fish and Game Code Section 2081(a) for educational purposes. The Section 2081(a) permit authorizes the applicant to take coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch), Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha), and steelhead trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) during the course of sampling, subject to terms and conditions set forth in the permit. The purpose of this sampling is for the Central Coast Aquarium’s permanent collections. The Section 2081(a) permit authorizes the applicant to potentially capture coho salmon, Chinook salmon, and steelhead trout during surveys. The applicant
will conduct year-round permanent collection sampling of nearshore marine species using hook & line – surface, hook & line – squid jig, hook & line – baited dropper loop, bottom trawl, fish trap, and baited remote underwater videos (BRUV) through December 31, 2029.
Contact Information
Name
Dylan Inskeep
Agency Name
California Department of Fish and Wildlife
Job Title
Environmental Scientist
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency
Phone
Name
Tatum Schneider
Agency Name
Central Coast Aquarium
Job Title
Project Applicant
Contact Types
Project Applicant / Parties Undertaking Project
Phone
Location
Cities
Avila Beach, Cayucos, Morro Bay, Pismo Beach, Santa Barbara
Counties
San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara
Regions
Countywide, Southern California
Other Location Info
Nearshore waters of San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara counties (Avila Beach & Pier; Bluff Trail (Avila Beach to Shell Beach); Harford Pier; Shell Beach; Pismo Beach Pier; Cayucos Beach; City of Morro Bay; Cambria; San Simeon; Morro Bay Estuary; Morro Bay SMRMA; Montana de Oro State Park; Refugio State Beach; Santa Barbara Harbor)
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
Calif. Code Regs., §15306, Information Collection, Class 6
Reasons for Exemption
The Project involves permanent collection sampling within nearshore waters of San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara counties. The Project will not result in a serious or major disturbance to coho salmon, Chinook salmon, or steelhead trout listed under the California Endangered Species Act.
Attachments
Notice of Exemption
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