SB 1309 Summary

• Extends the Commercial Salmon Stamp program until January 1, 2029, requiring commercial salmon fishermen to obtain a stamp costing up to $260 and dedicating revenues to salmon enhancement and restoration.

• Increases anchovy take in Humboldt Bay from two separate 15-ton limits to a single 60-ton annual limit between May 1 and December 1, removing area and use restrictions.

• Establishes authority for the Department of Fish and Wildlife to restrict Dungeness crab fishing to reduce marine life entanglement risk until November 1, 2020 or until new regulations are adopted, whichever comes first; repeals this authority January 1, 2024.

• Removes historical landing requirements for California halibut bottom trawl permits and allows transfers to other vessels or persons through department approval rather than strict conditions, with a 60-day appeal process to the Fish and Game Commission.

• Designates new California halibut trawl grounds in Monterey Bay and offshore of Port San Luis (initially closed pending commission approval), requires standardized gear marking by January 1, 2020, and establishes a Dungeness crab trap retrieval program with permit fees and per-trap recovery charges.