(a) The commission is hereby granted authority over all state-managed bottom trawl fisheries not managed under a federal fishery management plan pursuant to the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (16 U.S.C. Sec. 1801 et seq.) or a state fishery management plan pursuant to Part 1.7 (commencing with Section 7050), to ensure that resources are sustainably managed, to protect the health of ecosystems, and to provide for an orderly transition to sustainable gear types in situations where bottom trawling may not be compatible with these goals.
(b) The commission is hereby granted authority to manage all of the following fisheries in a manner that is consistent with this section and Part 1.7 (commencing with Section 7050):
(1) California halibut.
(2) Sea cucumber.
(3) Ridge-back, spot, and golden prawn.
(4) Pink shrimp.
(c) The commission is also granted authority over other types of gear targeting the same species as the bottom trawl fisheries referenced in subdivision (a) to manage in a manner that is consistent with the requirements of Part 1.7 (commencing with Section 7050).
(d) Every commercial bottom trawl vessel issued a state permit is subject to the requirements and policies of the federal groundfish observer program (50 C.F.R. 660.16).
(e) The commission may only authorize additional fishing areas for bottom trawls after it determines, based on the best available scientific information, that bottom trawling in those areas is sustainable, does not harm bottom habitat, and does not unreasonably conflict with other users.
(f) It is unlawful to use roller gear more than eight inches in diameter in connection with a trawl net.
(g) Commencing April 1, 2006, it is unlawful to fish commercially for prawns or pink shrimp, unless an approved bycatch reduction device is used with each net. On or before April 1, 2006, the commission shall approve one or more bycatch reduction devices for use in the bottom trawl fishery. For purposes of this subdivision, a rigid grate fish excluder device is the approved type of bycatch reduction device unless the commission, the Pacific Marine Fishery Management Council, or the National Marine Fisheries Service determines that a different type of fish excluder device has an equal or greater effectiveness at reducing bycatch. If the commission does not approve a bycatch reduction device prior to April 1, 2006, then a device that is approved by the Pacific Marine Fishery Management Council or the National Marine Fisheries Service shall be deemed approved by the commission.
(h) Except as provided in Section 8495 or 8842, it is unlawful to engage in bottom trawling in ocean waters of the state.
(i) This section does not apply to the use of trawl nets pursuant to a scientific research permit.
(j) The commission shall facilitate the conversion of bottom trawlers to gear that is more sustainable if the commission determines that conversion will not contribute to overcapacity or overfishing. The commission may participate in, and encourage programs that support, conversion to low-impact gear or capacity reduction by trawl fleets. The department may not issue new permits to bottom trawlers to replace those retired through a conversion program.
(k) No vessel may utilize bottom trawling gear without a state or federal permit.
(Amended by Stats. 2023, Ch. 132, Sec. 173. (AB 1760) Effective January 1, 2024.)