(a) No anchovies may be taken for any purpose in Humboldt Bay, except under the following conditions:
(1) Anchovies may be taken between May 1 and December 1.
(2) Not more than 60 tons of anchovies may be taken between May 1 and December 1 of each year.
(3) Only bait nets, as defined in Section 8780, shall be used to take anchovy.
(4) Any game fish caught incidentally in bait nets shall be released by use of a hand scoop net or by dipping the cork line.
(b) An accurate record of all fishing operations shall be kept and is subject to inspection by the department.
(c) The commission may adopt regulations it determines are necessary to protect anchovy in Humboldt Bay, including, if applicable and based on credible science, a regulation that changes the permitted take amount established pursuant to paragraph (2) of subdivision (a).
(Amended by Stats. 2018, Ch. 985, Sec. 5. (SB 1309) Effective January 1, 2019.)