Fish: commercial fishing.
Additionally, AB 2220 revises existing laws regarding the taking of specific fish species. Notably, it deletes the incidental catch exceptions for the giant seabass and prohibits the incidental take of white sharks by commercial fishing operations using certain types of nets. This is a significant step towards stricter protections for these species, aiming to promote their recovery and sustainability. The bill imposes stricter controls on fishing practices that could lead to the depletion of marine resources, thereby aligning with state objectives for environmental conservation.
Assembly Bill 2220, introduced by Assembly Member Bennett, aims to enhance the regulation of commercial fishing in California. The bill requires that any commercial fishing vessel operating under a valid state permit must carry an independent third-party observer while fishing in state-managed fisheries. This is intended to ensure compliance with fishery management regulations and promote sustainable fishing practices. By mandating observers, the bill seeks to provide an additional layer of monitoring to mitigate illegal fishing activities and protect vulnerable fish species.
The bill has sparked debate among stakeholders in the fishing community. Supporters argue that the stricter regulations are necessary to prevent overfishing and protect marine biodiversity. Conversely, critics from the commercial fishing sector contend that these new regulations could impose additional operational burdens and may restrict fishing activities, impacting their livelihoods. Moreover, the prohibition of permit transfers for gill net or trammel net permits could raise concerns about the economic viability for permit holders, particularly older fishermen nearing retirement.