Amend Subsection (c)(9) of Section 165, and Subsections (c), and (k)(2)(I) of Section 165.5, Title 14, CCR, Regarding Commercial Bull Kelp Harvest Restrictions

The California Fish and Game Commission is implementing regulatory amendments to Title 14 of the California Code of Regulations, specifically affecting Sections 165 and 165.5, to protect declining bull kelp populations and support a statewide restoration and management plan. These amendments extend existing temporary commercial bull kelp harvest restrictions in Del Norte, Humboldt, Mendocino, and Sonoma counties, as well as the temporary weekly harvest reporting requirements for Del Norte and Humboldt counties. Additionally, the action extends the temporary closure of three lease-only administrative kelp beds across Del Norte, Humboldt, and Mendocino counties and corrects a coordinate error for administrative kelp bed 109. These regulatory closures and limits, which were originally scheduled to sunset on January 1, 2026, are now extended to sunset on January 1, 2029. This action is documented via a Notice of Exemption, utilizing CEQA categorical exemptions for the protection of natural resources. The project is managed by Executive Director Melissa Miller-Henson and applies to ocean waters within the specified California counties.