Section 54.03 - Harvest Control Rule(a) The harvest control rule adopted and described in the Spiny Lobster FMP shall form the management basis for the spiny lobster commercial and recreational fisheries. The harvest control rule is comprised of three components. (1) Three threshold reference points as defined in the Spiny Lobster FMP based on commercial catch, catch per unit effort, and spawning potential ratio that serve as metrics to gauge the status of the spiny lobster fishery and resource.(2) A harvest control rule matrix that guides the appropriate management responses based on the status and trends of each threshold reference point scenario.(3) A suite of conservation and management measures in the harvest control rule "toolbox" giving the department and commission flexibility in addressing emerging and ongoing concerns within the spiny lobster fishery and resource.(b) Monitoring and assessment of the harvest control rule threshold reference points will be conducted annually utilizing the best readily available data and other relevant information. If one or more of the threshold reference points are crossed, the harvest control rule matrix will guide the department management response, which may include consultation with fishing communities and other stakeholders when investigating the cause of an exceeded reference point.(c) If the department determines that a management response is warranted, the commission may adopt one or more of the conservation and management measures specified in the Spiny Lobster FMP harvest control rule "toolbox" pursuant to Section 54.03(a) of these regulations.Cal. Code Regs. Tit. 14, § 54.03
1. New section filed 3-2-2017; operative 4-1-2017 pursuant to Government Code section 11343.4(b)(3) (Register 2017, No. 9). Note: Authority cited: Sections 7072 and 7082, Fish and Game Code. Reference: Sections 7050, 7055, 7056, 7070, 7071, 7075 and 7078, Fish and Game Code.
1. New section filed 3-2-2017; operative 4/1/2017 pursuant to Government Code section 11343.4(b)(3) (Register 2017, No. 9).