New and Proposed Regulations - 2021

The California Fish and Game Commission is considering the following changes to Title 14 of the California Code of Regulations. A business or a person submitting a comment to a proposed regulation or proposed amendment or repeal of a regulation has the right to request a copy of the final statement of reasons. Copies of the final statements of reasons will be available on this web page as they are prepared. Requests may also be submitted to the California Fish and Game Commission, PO Box 944209, Sacramento, CA 94244-2090.

Commission's anticipated rulemaking timetable (PDF)(opens in new tab)

See also: Department of Fish and Wildlife Rulemakings(opens in new tab)

Commercial Harvest of Kelp

Office of Administrative Law's Notice ID #Z2021-1221-07
Office of Administrative Law's File ID #2022-0419-01S, 2022-0804-01SR, and 2022-1014-04SR
Amend Sections 165 and 165.5, and Appendix A, and add Section 705.1, Title 14, CCR, Re: Commercial Harvesting of Kelp and Other Aquatic Plants

• Notice of Proposed Changes in Regulations (PDF)(opens in new tab) - December 21, 2021
  • Initial Statement of Reasons (PDF)(opens in new tab) - November 10, 2021
  • Document Supporting Regulatory Change: McPherson, M.L., Finger, D.J., Houskeeper, H.F., Bell, T.W., Carr, M.H., Rogers-Bennett, L., Kudela, R.M., 2021. Large-scale shift in the structure of a kelp forest ecosystem co-occurs with an epizootic and marine heatwave. Communications Biology 4(1): 1-9.(opens in new tab)
  • Proposed Regulatory Language (PDF)(opens in new tab)
  • Proposed Form DFW 658 - Kelp Harvesting License and Drying Application (PDF)(opens in new tab)
  • Proposed Form DFW 113 - Commercial Kelp Harvester's Monthly Report (PDF)(opens in new tab)
  • Proposed Form DFW 113A - Commercial Edible Seaweed/Agarweed Aquatic Plant Harvester's Monthly Report (PDF)(opens in new tab)
  • Proposed Form DFW 1108 - Release of Property (pdf)(opens in new tab)
  • Forms proposed to be repealed (DFW 658, FG113, FG114) (PDF) (opens in new tab)
• Department of Fish and Wildlife Presentation to the Commission (PDF)(opens in new tab) - December 16, 2021
• Notice of Location of Hearing (PDF)(opens in new tab) - January 7, 2022
• Adoption Date: February 16, 2022
• 15-Day Notice of Revised Proposed Regulatory Language (PDF)(opens in new tab) - February 22, 2022
  • Pre-Adoption Statement of Reasons (PDF)(opens in new tab) - January 14, 2022
  • No Changes to Originally Proposed Regulatory Language, sections 165 and 165.5 (PDF)(opens in new tab)
  • Revised Proposed Regulatory Language, Section 705.1 (PDF)(opens in new tab)
  • Revised Proposed Form DFW 658 - Kelp Harvesting License and Drying Application (PDF)(opens in new tab)
  • Revised Proposed Form DFW 113 - Commercial Kelp Harvester's Monthly Report (PDF)(opens in new tab)
  • Revised Proposed Form DFW 113A - Commercial Edible Seaweed/Agarweed Aquatic Plant Harvester's Monthly Report (PDF)(opens in new tab)
  • No Changes to Originally Proposed Form DFW 1108 - Release of Property (PDF)(opens in new tab)
• Date filed with the Office of Administrative Law: April 19, 2022
• This rulemaking was withdrawn from the Office of Administrative Law on June 1, 2022.
• 15-Day Notice of Revised Proposed Regulatory Language (PDF)(opens in new tab) - July 14, 2022
• Deadline to submit comments 5:00, p.m., Monday, August 1, 2022 (PDF)(opens in new tab) - July 29, 2022
  • Description of Specific Edits to Regulatory Text and Forms (PDF)(opens in new tab)
  • Revised Proposed Regulatory Language, Section 165 (PDF)(opens in new tab)
  • Revised Proposed Regulatory Language, Section 165.5 (PDF)(opens in new tab)
  • Revised Proposed Regulatory Language, Section 705.1 (PDF)(opens in new tab)
  • Revised Proposed Form DFW 658 - Kelp Harvesting License and Drying Application (PDF)(opens in new tab)
  • No Changes to Proposed Form DFW 113 - Commercial Kelp Harvester's Monthly Report (PDF)(opens in new tab)
  • No Changes to Proposed Form DFW 113A - Commercial Edible Seaweed/Agarweed Aquatic Plant Harvester's Monthly Report (PDF)(opens in new tab)
  • Revised Proposed Form DFW 1108 - Release of Property (PDF)(opens in new tab)
  • Northern California Fisheries Chart (PDF)(opens in new tab) - September 2015
  • Central California Fisheries Chart (PDF)(opens in new tab) - September 2015
  • Southern California Fisheries Chart (PDF) - April 2016
• Date re-filed with the Office of Administrative Law: August 4, 2022
• This rulemaking was withdrawn from the Office of Administrative Law on September 16, 2022.
• Approval of revisions to regulatory language: October 13, 2022
• Date re-filed with the Office of Administrative Law: October 14, 2022
• Office of Administrative Law's decision: Approved
• Final Statement of Reasons (PDF)(opens in new tab) - April 7, 2022
• Addendum to Final Statement of Reasons (PDF)(opens in new tab) -October 13, 2022
• Approved Regulatory Language - effective January 1, 2023
  
  • Sections 165, 165.5, and 705.1 (PDF)(opens in new tab) 
  • Approved Form DFW 658 - Kelp Harvesting License and Drying Application (PDF)(opens in new tab)
  • Approved Form DFW 113 - Commercial Kelp Harvester's Monthly Report (PDF)(opens in new tab)
  • Approved Form DFW 113A - Commercial Edible Seaweed/Agarweed Aquatic Plant Harvester's Monthly Report (PDF)(opens in new tab)
  • Approved Form DFW 1108 - Release of Property (PDF)(opens in new tab)
  • Northern California Fisheries Chart Incorporated by Reference (PDF)(opens in new tab) - September 2015
  • Central California Fisheries Chart Incorporated by Reference (PDF)(opens in new tab) - September 2015
  • Southern California Fisheries Chart Incorporated by Reference (PDF) - April 2016
  • Repealed Forms (DFW 658, FG113, FG114) (PDF) (opens in new tab)
• Effective Date of Regulation: January 1, 2023

Emergency Regulation - Low Flow Fishing Restrictions

Office of Administrative Law's Notice ID #n/a
Office of Administrative Law's File ID #2022-0107-01E
Amend Subsection 7.40(b)(40)(A) and Section 8.00, Title 14, CCR, Re: Low Flow Fishing Restrictions Due to Drought Conditions

• Notice of Proposed Emergency Regulations (PDF) (opens in new tab) - December 30, 2021
• Statement of Proposed Emergency Regulatory Action (PDF) (opens in new tab) - November 3, 2021
• Proposed Regulatory Language (PDF) (opens in new tab) - December 30, 2021
• Adoption Date: December 15, 2021
• Date filed with the Office of Administrative Law: January 7, 2022
• Office of Administrative Law's decision: Approved
• Approved Regulatory Language (PDF) (opens in new tab) - Effective January 31, 2022 - August 1, 2022
• Date filed with the Secretary of State: January 14, 2022
• Effective Date of Regulation: January 31, 2022 - August 1, 2022

Emergency Regulation - Recreational Groundfish

Office of Administrative Law's Notice ID #n/a
Office of Administrative Law's File ID #2021-1227-01E
Amend Section 28.55, Title 14, CCR, Re: 2022 Sub-bag limits for vermilion rockfish, quillback rockfish, and copper rockfish

• Notice of Proposed Emergency Regulations (PDF) (opens in new tab) - December 17, 2021
• Statement of Proposed Emergency Regulatory Action (PDF) (opens in new tab) - December 9, 2021
• Proposed Regulatory Language (PDF) (opens in new tab) - December 9, 2021
• Adoption Date: December 16, 2021
• Date filed with the Office of Administrative Law: December 27, 2021
• Office of Administrative Law's decision: approved
• Approved Regulatory Language (PDF) (opens in new tab) - effective January 6, 2022 - July 5, 2022
• Date filed with the Secretary of State: January 5, 2022
• Effective Date of Regulation: January 6, 2022 - July 5, 2022

Emergency Regulation - Clam, Sand Crab and Shrimp (Emergency Extension)

Office of Administrative Law's Notice ID #n/a
Office of Administrative Law's File ID #2021-1207-08EE
Amend Sections 29.20 and 29.80, Title 14, CCR, Re: 2021 Recreational Clam, Sand Crab and Shrimp Gear Emergency Rule

• Notice of Proposed Emergency Regulations (PDF)(opens in new tab) - November 15, 2021
• Statement of Proposed Emergency Regulatory Action (PDF) (opens in new tab) - September 14, 2021
• Proposed Regulatory Language (PDF) (opens in new tab) - November 15, 2021
• Adoption Date: October 14, 2021
• Date filed with the Office of Administrative Law: December 7, 2021
• Office of Administrative Law's decision: Approved
• Approved Regulatory Language (PDF) (opens in new tab) - Effective January 8-April 10, 2022
• Date filed with the Secretary of State: December 16, 2021
• Effective Date of Regulation: January 8 - April 10, 2022

Big Game Preference Points and Tag Refunds

Office of Administrative Law's Notice ID #Z2021-1102-06
Office of Administrative Law's File ID #2022-0318-04S
Amend Section 708.14, Title 14, CCR, Re: Big Game Preference Points Reinstatement and Tag Refunds Due to Public Land Closures

• Notice of Proposed Changes in Regulations (PDF)(opens in new tab) - November 2, 2021
• Initial Statement of Reasons (PDF) (opens in new tab) - September 20, 2021
• Proposed Regulatory Language (PDF) (opens in new tab) -September 20, 2021
• Notice of Location of Hearing (PDF)(opens in new tab) - January 7, 2022
• 15-day Notice of Revised Proposed Big Game Preference Points and Tag Refunds Regulatory Language (PDF) (opens in new tab) - February 18, 2022
• Adoption Date: February 17, 2022
• Date filed with the Office of Administrative Law: March 18, 2022
• Final Statement of Reasons (PDF)(opens in new tab)
• Approved Regulatory Language (PDF)(opens in new tab)- Effective April 18, 2022
• Office of Administrative Law's decision: Approved
• Date filed with the Secretary of State: Approved
• Effective Date of Regulation: April 18, 2022

California Grunion

Office of Administrative Law's Notice ID #Z2021-1101-01
Office of Administrative Law's File ID #2022-0329-01S
Amend Subsection 27.60(b) and Section 28.00, Title 14, CCR, Re: California Grunion Limit and Season Changes

• Notice of Proposed Changes in Regulations (PDF)(opens in new tab) - November 2, 2021
• Initial Statement of Reasons (PDF)(opens in new tab) - September 20, 2021
• Proposed Regulatory Language (PDF)(opens in new tab) -September 20, 2021
• Notice of Location of Hearing (PDF)(opens in new tab) - January 7, 2022
• Adoption Date: February 17, 2022
• Date filed with the Office of Administrative Law: March 29, 2022
• Final Statement of Reasons(opens in new tab) - March 2, 2022
• Summary and Response to Comments Received September-December 2021 (PDF)(opens in new tab)
• Summary and Response to Comments Received December 2021-February 2022 (PDF)(opens in new tab)
• Approved Regulatory Language - Effective June 1, 2022
• Office of Administrative Law's decision: Approved
• Date filed with the Secretary of State: May 10, 2022
• Effective Date of Regulation: June 1, 2022

Emergency Take of Western Joshua Tree (749.12) (Emergency Extension)

Office of Administrative Law's Notice ID # - N/A
Office of Administrative Law's File ID #2021-1027-03EE
Amend Section 749.12, Title 14, CCR, Re: Take of Western Joshua Tree

• Notice of Proposed Emergency Action (PDF)(opens in new tab) - October 19, 2021
• Statement of Proposed Emergency Regulatory Action (PDF)(opens in new tab) - September 24, 2021
• Proposed Regulatory Language (PDF)(opens in new tab) - September 24, 2021
• Approved Regulatory Language (PDF)(opens in new tab)- Effective November 9, 2021 to February 8, 2022
• Adoption Date: October 14, 2021
• Date filed with the Office of Administrative Law: October 27, 2021
• Office of Administrative Law's decision: Approved
• Date filed with the Secretary of State: November 8, 2021
• Effective Date of Regulation: November 9, 2021 to February 8, 2022

Emergency Take of Western Joshua Tree (749.11) (Emergency Extension)

Office of Administrative Law's Notice ID # - N/A
Office of Administrative Law's File ID #2021-1027-02EE
Amend Section 749.11, Title 14, CCR, Re: Take of Western Joshua Tree

• Notice of Proposed Emergency Action (PDF)(opens in new tab) - October 19, 2021
• Statement of Proposed Emergency Regulatory Action (PDF)(opens in new tab) - September 24, 2021
• Proposed Regulatory Language (PDF)(opens in new tab) - September 24, 2021
• Approved Regulatory Language (PDF)(opens in new tab)- Effective November 9, 2021 to February 8, 2022
• Adoption Date: October 14, 2021
• Date filed with the Office of Administrative Law: October 27, 2021
• Office of Administrative Law's decision: Approved
• Date filed with the Secretary of State: November 8, 2021
• Effective Date of Regulation: November 9, 2021 to February 8, 2022

Clara Hunt's milkvetch

Office of Administrative Law's Notice ID # - N/A
Office of Administrative Law's File ID #2021-1020-02FP
Amend Section 670.2, Title 14, CCR, Re: Add Clara Hunt's milkvetch to the list of endangered species; remove Clara Hunt's milkvetch from the list of threatened species

• Approved Regulatory Language (PDF)(opens in new tab) - Effective December 6, 2021
• Date filed with the Office of Administrative Law: October 20, 2021
• Office of Administrative Law's decision: Approved
• Date filed with the Secretary of State: December 6, 2021
• Effective Date of Regulation: December 6, 2021

Experimental Fishing Permit Program - Phase II

Office of Administrative Law's Notice ID #Z2021-0914-04
Office of Administrative Law's File ID #2022-0118-02S
Add Section 91 and Amend Sections 90, 120.1, 180 and 704; and Amend Section 149 and Repeal Section 149.3, Title 14, CCR, Re: Implementation of Experimental Fishing Permit Program (Phase II) and Repeal of Nonoperational Experimental Market Squid Vessel Permits

• Notice of Proposed Changes in Regulations (PDF)(opens in new tab) - September 10, 2021
• Initial Statement of Reasons, including Attachment 1 (PDF) Initial Statement of Reasons (PDF)(opens in new tab) - September 8, 2021
• Proposed Regulatory Language and Proposed Form DFW 1103(PDF)(opens in new tab) - September 8, 2021
• Adoption Date: December 16, 2021
• Date filed with the Office of Administrative Law: January 19, 2022
• Final Statement of Reasons (PDF)(opens in new tab)
• Approved Regulatory Language (PDF)(opens in new tab)
• Office of Administrative Law's decision: Approved
• Date filed with the Secretary of State: March 2, 2022
• Effective Date of Regulation: April 1, 2022

Klamath River Basin Sport Fishing (Spring)

Office of Administrative Law's Notice ID #n/a
Office of Administrative Law's File ID #2021-0830-05N and 2021-1028-01N
Amend Subsection 7.40(b)(50) and repeal subsection 7.40(b)(51), Title 14, CCR, Re: Klamath River Basin Sport Fishing (Spring)

• Proposed regulatory Language (PDF)(opens in new tab) - August 30, 2021
• Date Filed with the Office of Administrative Law: August 30, 2021
• Withdrawn October 11, 2021
• Revised proposed regulatory Language (PDF)(opens in new tab) - October 28, 2021
• Date Re-filed with the Office of Administrative Law: October 28, 2021
• Office of Administrative Law's decision: Approved
• Approved Regulatory Language (PDF)(opens in new tab) - Effective November 22, 2021
• Date filed with the Secretary of State: November 22, 2021

Recreational Ocean Salmon

Office of Administrative Law's Notice ID #n/a
Office of Administrative Law's File ID #2021-0520-01P
Amend Sections 27.80 and 28.65, Title 14, CCR, Re: Automatic Conformance to Federal Regulations for Recreational Ocean Salmon Fishing for May 2021-April 2022 Season

• Regulatory Language (PDF)(opens in new tab) - Effective May 16, 2021
• Date Filed with the Office of Administrative Law: May 20, 2021
• Office of Administrative Law's decision: Approved
• Date filed with the Secretary of State: July 1, 2021
• Effective Date of Regulation: May 16, 2021

Recreational Pacific Halibut

Office of Administrative Law's Notice ID #n/a
Office of Administrative Law's File ID #2021-0430-03P
Amend Section 28.20, Title 14, CCR, Re: Automatic Conformance to Federal Regulations for Recreational Pacific Halibut Fishing for 2021 Season

• Regulatory Language (PDF)(opens in new tab) - Effective April 20, 2021
• Date Filed with the Office of Administrative Law: April 30, 2021
• Office of Administrative Law's decision: Approved
• Date filed with the Secretary of State: June 14, 2021
• Effective Date of Regulation: April 20, 2021

Emergency Regulation - Clam, Sand Crab and Shrimp

Office of Administrative Law's Notice ID #n/a
Office of Administrative Law's File ID #2021-0226-02E
Amend Sections 29.20 and 29.80, Title 14, CCR, Re: 2021 Recreational Clam, Sand Crab and Shrimp Gear Emergency Rule

• Notice of Proposed Emergency Regulations (PDF)(opens in new tab) - February 19, 2021
• Statement of Proposed Emergency Regulatory Action (PDF)(opens in new tab) - January 11, 2021
• Proposed Regulatory Language (PDF)(opens in new tab) - January 11, 2021
• Adoption Date: February 10, 2021
• Date filed with the Office of Administrative Law: February 26, 2021
• Office of Administrative Law's decision: Approved
• Approved Regulatory Language (PDF)(opens in new tab) - Effective March 8, 2021 to January 8, 2022
• Date filed with the Secretary of State: March 8, 2021
• Effective Date of Regulation: March 8, 2021 to January 8, 2022

Central Valley Sport Fishing

Office of Administrative Law's Notice ID #Z2021-0125-02
Office of Administrative Law's File ID #2021-0603-02S
Amend Subsections (b)(4), (b)(43), (b)(66), and (b)(80) of Section 7.40, Title 14, CCR, Re: Central Valley Sport Fishing

• Notice of Proposed Changes in Regulations (PDF)(opens in new tab) - January 25, 2021
• Initial Statement of Reasons (PDF)(opens in new tab) - December 11, 2020
• Documents Supporting Regulatory Change:
  • 2018 Initial Statement of Reasons for Regulatory Action. Amendments to Section 7.50, Title 14, California Code of Regulations, Re: Central Valley Salmon Sport Fishing. (PDF)(opens in new tab) - November 2018
  • Pahlke, K, 1988. Length Conversion Equations for Sockeye, Chinook, and Coho salmon in southeast Alaska. Regional Information Report No. Ij88-03. Alaska Department of Fish and Game Division of Commercial Fisheries, Southeast Region.
  • U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 2016 National Survey of Fishing, Hunting, and Wildlife-Associated Recreation (PDF)(opens in new tab)
• Option 1 - Proposed Regulatory Language (PDF)(opens in new tab) - December 11, 2020
• Option 2 - Proposed Regulatory Language (PDF)(opens in new tab) - December 11, 2020
• Option 3 - Proposed Regulatory Language (PDF)(opens in new tab) - December 11, 2020
• Negative Declaration(opens in new tab)
• Department Recommendation(opens in new tab) - April 29, 2021
• Adoption Date: May 11, 2021
• Date filed with the Office of Administrative Law: June 3, 2021
• Final Statement of Reasons (PDF)(opens in new tab) - May 11, 2021
• Approved Regulatory Language (PDF)(opens in new tab) - Effective July 16, 2021
• Office of Administrative Law's decision: Approved
• Date filed with the Secretary of State: July 13, 2021
• Effective Date of Regulation: July 16, 2021

Klamath River Basin Sport Fishing

Office of Administrative Law's Notice ID #Z2021-0125-01
Office of Administrative Law's File ID #2021-0618-01S
Amend Subsection (b)(50) of Section 7.40, Title 14, CCR, Re: Klamath River Basin Sport Fishing

• Notice of Proposed Changes in Regulations (PDF)(opens in new tab) - January 25, 2021
• Initial Statement of Reasons (PDF)(opens in new tab) - December 11, 2020
• Document Supporting Regulatory Change
  • In-River Sport Fishing Economics Technical Report (PDF)(opens in new tab)
• Proposed Regulatory Language (PDF)(opens in new tab) - December 11, 2020
• Negative DeclarationNegative Declaration(opens in new tab)
• Department Recommendation(opens in new tab) - April 29, 2021
• Adoption Date: May 11, 2021
• Date filed with the Office of Administrative Law: June 18, 2021
• Final Statement of Reasons (PDF)(opens in new tab) - May 11, 2021
• Approved Regulatory Language (PDF) (opens in new tab) - Effective August 14, 2021
• Office of Administrative Law's decision: Approved
• Date filed with the Secretary of State: August 2, 2021
• Effective Date of Regulation: August 14, 2021

Waterfowl

Office of Administrative Law's Notice ID #Z2021-0105-02
Office of Administrative Law's File ID #2021-0521-02S
Amend Section 502, Title 14, CCR, Re: Waterfowl, Migratory; American Coot and Common Moorhen (Common Gallinule)

• Notice of Proposed Changes in Regulations (PDF)(opens in new tab) - January 15, 2021
• Initial Statement of Reasons (PDF)(opens in new tab) - November 1, 2020
• Proposed Regulatory Language (PDF)(opens in new tab) - November 1, 2020
• Notice of Availability of Draft Environmental Document (PDF)(opens in new tab) - February 19, 2021
• Draft Environmental Document (PDF)(opens in new tab) - February 17, 2021
• Adoption Date: April 14, 2021
• Date filed with the Office of Administrative Law: May 21, 2021
• Final Statement of Reasons (PDF)(opens in new tab) - April 29, 2021
• Approved Regulatory Language (PDF)(opens in new tab) - Effective June 29, 2021
• Office of Administrative Law's decision: Approved
• Date filed with the Secretary of State: June 29, 2021
• Effective Date of Regulation: June 29, 2021