CDFW Marine News Informational Notice -​​ Commercia Sea Urchin Fishery Regulation Changes Now in Effect

At its April 17, 2025 meeting, the California Fish and Game Commission approved changes to commercial sea urchin fishery regulations. These changes went into effect on July 1, 2025. The adopted regulations continue to support sustainable sea urchin fishing practices and recognize the importance of the commercial sea urchin fishery to the economy and culture of California. The following are some key regulatory changes to be aware of:  

Regulations now allow an individual with a commercial fishing license to assist a permitted diver harvesting sea urchins. This is expected to increase safety during fishing operations and provide opportunities for interested persons to participate in the fishery without purchasing either a sea urchin diving permit or a sea urchin crew member permit.  

The sea urchin fishery will also benefit from increased opportunities to fish in northern California. The regulation changes greatly reduce the size of the South Caspar Point Sea Urchin Closure, and eliminate the closure entirely on April 1, 2029. The regulation changes also open up Fridays as fishing days from June through October each year in the northern fishery.  

In addition to increased fishing opportunities, the regulations now specify how sea urchins are to be measured and clarify language regarding the red sea urchin size limit.  

Finally, structural changes were made to the regulations, dividing up the original Title 14, Section 120.7 into two sections: Section 120.7 is now called “Permits Used to Commercially Take Sea Urchins”, and Section 120.8 is called “Taking of Sea Urchin for Commercial Uses”. The full text of the regulations can be found on the California Fish and Game Commission website.  

For more information on commercial sea urchin fishery changes please contact the California Department of Fish and Wildlife's Marine Region staff with your questions. 

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