NEWS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Nov. 18, 2005

Contact:
Deb Wilson Vandenberg, Marine Region, (831) 649 2892
Debbie Aseltine-Neilson, Marine Region, (858) 546-7150

DFG will Suspend Recreational Cabezon Fishery on Dec. 1

The Department of Fish and Game (DFG) today announced that recreational cabezon fishery will be suspended on Dec. 1, 2005, at 12:01 a.m. After this time, all recreational anglers will not be able to retain cabezon (Scorpaenichthys marmoratus) for the remainder of the year.

Estimates from the California Recreational Fisheries Survey indicate that the annual allocation for recreationally caught cabezon, 92,800 pounds, will be reached or exceeded by Dec. 1.

Cabezon is a nearshore fish species found primarily in California's northern and central coastal areas and in coastal waters surrounding Southern California's Channel Islands. It is considered a "trophy" species and is sought by recreational anglers throughout California.

In May 2002, the Fish and Game Commission adopted regulations providing authority to DFG to suspend the take for either or both recreational or commercial sectors of the cabezon, greenling, and California sheephead fisheries when their annual allocations are projected to be reached.

In 2004, the groundfish fishery, which includes cabezon, remained open throughout the year because the recreational cabezon allocation was higher.

The recreational and commercial fisheries for cabezon are managed independently. The commercial cabezon fishery also went to non-retention on Oct. 1, 2005 when the yearly allocation was reached early.