RBOC is requesting that Governor Gavin Newsom sign into law AB 1949 [Boerner Horvath] that would strengthen the structure of the California Ocean Resources Enhancement and Hatchery Program [OREHP] to encompass any marine fish species that is important to sport and commercial fishing.
RBOC appreciates and supports the objective of AB 1949 to improve the existing hatchery program. The Marine Fish Hatchery in Carlsbad is the only salt-water marine fish hatchery on the West Coast. The goal of the hatchery program is to develop culture techniques for depleted marine fish species and to produce offspring for use in the OREHP.
AB 1949 seeks to expand the program to include any marine fishing species for sport and commercial fishing. The bill would also update the provisions related to the advisory panel to provide for more public participation and stakeholder engagement. In addition, the bill would expand the contracting authority of the Department of Fish and Wildlife by allowing the department to contract with any public or private entity to conduct research projects.
The bill is sponsored by the Coastal Conservation Association, California and is supported by a number of fishing groups. There has been no opposition or “no” votes on the measure as it was considered in the State Legislature.
The Governor has until September 30 to take action on the measure.