Food & Agr. Code, § 79002

The production of sea urchin for domestic consumption and export is one of the leading segments of the state’s commercial fishing industry. To maintain this significant contribution to the state’s economy and public well-being, there is a need to make regulators aware of unique economic factors affecting the sea urchin fishery and how these factors can be integrated with appropriate management measures to protect a sustainable sea urchin resource. In addition, there is a need to make consumers and the general public aware of the nutritional value of seafood, the high quality of sea urchin produced by the industry, and the opportunities available to balance sea urchin production and protection of the natural marine resources of California. The activities made possible by the establishment of a commission will meet this need and further the interests of the industry and the state.