January 2, 2024 - At its December meeting, the California Fish and Game Commission acted on several issues affecting California’s natural resources. 
The following are just a few items of interest from this month’s meeting held in San Diego, with an option for the public to join via Zoom.
The Commission authorized publication of notice of its intent to amend regulations for waterfowl and big game hunting, including bighorn sheep, elk and deer.
The Commission unanimously approved the strategies recommended by its Wildlife Resources Committee (WRC) to address American bullfrog and non-native turtles found in California. Commission staff will work with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) on implementing the eight recommended strategies, including any regulatory proposals.
The Commission voted unanimously to adopt proposed amendments to regulations regarding incidental take authorization for work on pre-existing artificial structures within state marine protected areas and marine managed areas.
The Commission voted unanimously to adopt the 90-day extension of emergency regulations for California halibut recreational daily bag and possession limits.
The Commission authorized publication of notice of its intent to amend recreational fishing regulations for federal groundfish in state waters for consistency with federal rules in 2024, and recreational groundfish seasons, bag and depth limits.
Commission President Eric Sklar and Vice President Erika Zavaleta participated in the full meeting, Commissioner Jacque Hostler-Carmesin participated the first day and most of the second day, and Commissioner Samantha Murray participated the second day; all commissioners were in San Diego for the meeting. There is currently one vacancy on the Commission.
The agenda for this meeting, along with supporting information, is available on the Commission website(opens in new tab). Archived video of past Commission meetings(opens in new tab) is available online. The next meeting of the full Commission is scheduled for February 14-15, 2024, at the Natural Resources Headquarters Building in Sacramento and via Zoom.
Source: CDFW
