UCSB Marine Operations Class Collections

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife has issued a permit to the University of California, Santa Barbara for the UCSB Marine Operations Class Collections project. Pursuant to Fish and Game Code Section 2081(a), this permit authorizes the university to conduct year-round permanent collection sampling of nearshore, offshore, and estuarine marine species for educational purposes. A key component of this authorization is the potential capture of steelhead trout during surveys. The project is classified as an information collection with minimal disturbance to endangered steelhead trout and is exempt under California Code of Regulations Section 15306. The scope of work includes sampling activities in the nearshore and offshore waters of Santa Barbara and Ventura counties, as well as the Carpinteria Salt Marsh. To conduct these collections, the university will utilize various methods, including otter trawls, fish traps, beach seines, and several hook and line techniques such as surface, baited dropper loop, and longline bottom set. This permit and the associated sampling activities are scheduled to continue through December 31, 2027. Administrative oversight is provided by the Department of Fish and Wildlife Marine Region, with Dylan Inskeep serving as the lead agency contact.