The latest events, activities and season information has been posted by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, CDFW, releasing the May schedule.
As a reminder, all calendar items are subject to change as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
On May 1, the Recreational Groundfish Season opened for all boat-based anglers for the Northern and Mendocino Management Areas (Oregon-California State Line to Point Arena). Anglers are reminded to abide by all state and local health guidelines regarding non-essential travel and physical distancing. Staying home in order to stay healthy is still the best way to keep yourself and others safe. Anglers are also advised to check with local authorities on the status of harbor services and access points as many site closures and access restrictions exist and may change daily. For more information, visit the Groundfish webpage at wildlife.ca.gov/conservation/marine/groundfish.
The Recreational Pacific Halibut Fishery also opened May 1 and is scheduled to stay open through Oct. 31 or until the quota is reached, whichever is earlier. Anglers should check with local authorities on the status of harbor services and access points. For more information, visit wildlife.ca.gov/conservation/marine/pacific-halibut.
Recreational Ocean Salmon season is now open from Horse Mountain to the U.S./Mexico border. Anglers are reminded to abide by all state and local health guidelines regarding non-essential travel and physical distancing. For more information, visit the Ocean Salmon web page at wildlife.ca.gov/oceansalmon or call either the CDFW Ocean Salmon Regulations Hotline at (707) 576-3429 or the National Marine Fisheries Service Ocean Salmon Regulations Hotline at (800) 662-9825.
As of May 4, the Archery Only Spring wild turkey and additional Junior Spring turkey seasons opened, extending through May 17. For more information on upland game bird seasons and limits, visit wildlife.ca.gov/hunting/upland-game-birds.
California Wildlife Conservation Board, Wildlife Corridor and Fish Passage, Proposal Solicitation Notice (PSN) has opened. PSN priorities include projects to construct, repair, modify, or remove transportation infrastructure or water resources infrastructure to improve passage for wildlife or fish. For more information, visit wcb.ca.gov/programs/habitat-enhancement.
May 9 — World Migratory Bird Day virtual celebration with Elkhorn Slough Reserve. Celebrate the diversity of birds migrating through Elkhorn Slough Reserve with a naturalist-led exploration, live from the Reserve Visitor Center. Explore avian-themed crafts, games and hands-on activities free to download. To find out more, visit the event calendar at www.elkhornslough.org.
May 11 —The California Dungeness Crab Fishing Gear Working Group will hold a public meeting to provide information about their assessment of marine life entanglement risk, including any Working Group recommendations to the CDFW Director regarding the May 15 risk determination. There will not be a designated opportunity for public comment during the meeting, however feedback can be shared directly with CDFW via email to whalesafefisheries@wildlife.ca.gov. An agenda will be posted on www.opc.ca.gov/whale-entanglement-working-group. For additional details about the meeting, contact info@cawhalegroup.com or ryan.bartling@wildlife.ca.gov.
May 13 — Lower American River Conservancy Program advisory committee meeting, 1 p.m., via Skype or teleconference. For more information, visit wcb.ca.gov/programs/lower-american-river.
May 14 — California Fish and Game Commission Teleconference, time to be determined. For more information, visit fgc.ca.gov/Meetings/2020.
May 14 — California Fish and Game Commission Wildlife Resources committee meeting, time to be determined, teleconference/webinar only. For more information, visit fgc.ca.gov/Meetings/2020.
May 15 — Commercial Dungeness Crab Fishery to close south of the Sonoma/Mendocino County line. All commercial Dungeness crab fishing gear must be removed from ocean waters south of the Sonoma-Mendocino county line by 11:59 p.m. on May 15, 2020. Additional information is available at wildlife.ca.gov/conservation/marine/whale-safe-fisheries and wildlife.ca.gov/crab.
May 15 — Risk Assessment and Mitigation Program regulations anticipated public comment period. CDFW anticipates releasing proposed regulations to assess and respond to risk of marine life entanglement in the commercial Dungeness crab fishery on or around May 15, 2020. Rulemaking documents, including information about how to submit public comments and the public hearing date, will be available at wildlife.ca.gov/notices/regulations.
May 20 — California Wildlife Conservation Board meeting, 10 a.m., via Skype or teleconference. Public comment will be accepted per the agenda. For more information, visit wcb.ca.gov.
May 26 —The California Dungeness Crab Fishing Gear Working Group will hold a public meeting to provide information about their assessment of marine life entanglement risk, including any Working Group recommendations to the CDFW Director regarding the June 1 risk determination. There will not be a designated opportunity for public comment during the meeting, however feedback can be shared directly with CDFW via email to whalesafefisheries@wildlife.ca.gov. An agenda will be posted on www.opc.ca.gov/whale-entanglement-working-group. For additional details about the meeting, contact info@cawhalegroup.com or ryan.bartling@wildlife.ca.gov.
