Fish & G. Code, § 8276.1

(a) For purposes of this section, the following definitions apply:

(1) “California Dungeness Crab Fishing Gear Working Group” means the California Dungeness Crab Fishing Gear Working Group established by the department, in partnership with the Ocean Protection Council and the National Marine Fisheries Service, on September 21, 2015, and as defined by its most recent charter as it may be amended from time to time.

(2) “Risk assessment and mitigation program” means the program developed by the California Dungeness Crab Fishing Gear Working Group, as that program may be amended from time to time until the regulations are adopted pursuant to subdivision (b), to identify and assess elevated levels of entanglement risk and determine the need for management options to reduce the risk of entanglement.

(b) The department, in consultation with the California Dungeness Crab Fishing Gear Working Group and other stakeholders, shall adopt regulations establishing criteria and protocols to evaluate and respond to the potential risk of marine life entanglement. The regulations shall include, but are not limited to, the risk assessment and mitigation program, and the use of alternative gear only after the season is open pursuant to the risk assessment and mitigation program that may otherwise be prohibited as prescribed by the department. Upon the effective date of the regulations, the director may restrict the take of Dungeness crab pursuant to the protocols and criteria.

(c) Unless otherwise prescribed by regulation, it is unlawful to take or possess Dungeness crab from any waters closed, or otherwise violate any restriction on take imposed, pursuant to this section.

(d) This section shall remain in effect only until January 1, 2030, and as of that date is repealed.