In June 2019, the California Fish and Game Commission (Commission) received a petition for regulatory change to reduce the bag limit and season to limit recreational harvest of California Grunion (Leuresthes tenuis) (herein referred to as Grunion). The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) reviewed the petition (PDF) and agreed that a change in regulations may be needed due to observed decline of Grunion spawning on beaches over the past decade. The Commission granted the petition in concept for consideration in a future rulemaking on February 21, 2020 and CDFW was asked to develop a regulatory package for the Commission’s consideration.
Grunion spawn in concentrated groups along California beaches making them vulnerable to a variety of stressors. Under current sport fishing regulations, Grunion have no bag or possession limits, the season is open from June 1 through March 31, and Grunion may only be taken by hand (no gear or dug holes may be used in capture) (California Code of Regulations Title 14, sections 27.60(b), 28.00 and 29.00, respectively).
New regulations under consideration include a reduction in the length of the fishing season and/or the creation of a possession limit. However, before finalizing a proposal, CDFW would like to better understand the fishery. If you fish for Grunion, please fill out this questionnaire to help inform the management process. The questionnaire will close August 16, 2020. Please note you will be required to write in your GO ID (listed on your fishing license). Your information will be kept confidential and will only be used to verify identification.
