1. (a) Pursuant to the provisions of Section 9005 of the Fish and Game Code, every trap or string of traps placed in waters of the state to take fin fish, mollusks or crustaceans for commercial purposes shall be marked with a buoy.

2. (b) Notwithstanding requirements set forth in Fish and Game Code Section 9006, starting May 1, 2020:

   1. (1) Every buoy marking a commercial trap used in a fishery described below shall be marked exclusively with the Identification Letter specific to that fishery.
   2. (2) At least one buoy marking each trap, or each end of a string of traps, shall be marked with the Identification Number followed by an Identification Letter.

   3. (3) Identification Numbers and Identification Letters shall be as follows:

      Fishery & Gear Type

      Identification Number

      Identification Letter

      Lobster Trap

      operator's commercial fishing license identification number

      P

      Rock Crab Trap

      operator's commercial fishing license identification number

      X

      Tanner Crab Trap

      vessel's commercial boat registration number

      T

      Spot Prawn Trap

      operator's commercial fishing license identification number

      S

      Coonstripe Shrimp Trap

      vessel's commercial boat registration number

      C

      Nearshore Finfish Trap

      operator's commercial fishing license identification number

      Z

3. (c) All Identification Numbers shall be at least one and one-half (1.5) inches in height and drawn with a line no less than ¼ (0.25) inch thick.

4. (d) Identification Letters shall be at least three (3) inches in height and drawn with a line no less than ¼ (0.25) inch thick. Every buoy shall be marked as follows:

   1. (1) Buoys that are four (4) inches in diameter or greater shall have Identification Letters marked on four opposing sides; and
   2. (2) Buoys that are smaller than four (4) inches in diameter shall have Identification Letters marked on two opposing sides.
5. (e) All Identification Numbers and Identification Letters on a buoy shall be clearly and distinctly marked, and in a color that contrasts with the buoy; the numbers and letters shall be applied and maintained so that they are visible and legible.

Note: Authority cited: Sections 9003, 9005 and 9006, Fish and Game Code. Reference: Sections 8591, 9002, 9003, 9005, 9006, 9007 and 9008, Fish and Game Code.

History

1. New section filed 9-19-85; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 85, No. 40).

2. Amendment filed 10-28-2019; operative 10-28-2019 pursuant to Government Code section 11343.4(b)(3) (Register 2019, No. 44).

3. Certificate of compliance as to 1-2-2026 order, including amendment of subsection (b)(3) and Note, transmitted to OAL 3-18-2026 and filed 4-28-2026; amendments operative 4-28-2026 pursuant to Government Code section 11343.4(b)(3) (Register 2026, No. 18).