Guidelines
Thank you for your interest in supporting the experimental restoration of bull kelp forests at Caspar Cove through sea urchin culling efforts. As a participant, your involvement is essential to the success of this exploratory conservation initiative. The following guidelines provide important information and recommendations for those who wish to participate in experimental sea urchin culling activities at Caspar Cove.
Guidelines for Participating in Sea Urchin Culling at Caspar Cove
Timeline to Participate: Experimental sea urchin culling permit approved from April 1, 2020 - April 1, 2029
Obtain Fishing License: Before engaging in sea urchin culling activities, ensure that you possess a valid California fishing license. A valid California sport fishing license is required and divers must observe marine protected area (MPA) regulations, which are available at California's Marine Protected Area (MPA) Network. See Website.
Purple Sea Urchin Culling: Specifics of Purple Sea Urchin Culling: Access CDFW website (See Section 29.06 of the 2021-2022 and California Recreational Ocean Fishing Regulations) for up to date regulatory language. Divers with a valid California sport fishing license are permitted to take unlimited purple sea urchins, including via underwater culling underwater culling (i.e. crushing urchins underwater using hand tools), at Caspar Cove in Mendocino County. Purple sea urchins may only be taken by hand or with manually operated hand-held tools. Urchin culling is legal at Caspar Cove ONLY via recreational fishing license. Urchin culling is not legal anywhere else in California. These regulations only apply to purple sea urchins. You can cull up to 35 red urchins per person per day - by hand only (no crushing). Please reach out to CDFW with any questions about the regulations.
Monthly Sea Urchin Culling Event: Although this regulation allows valid California sport fishing license holders to participate on their own, we strive to create events for more engagement. This event is held on the last weekend of each month from April to September, and aims to address the overpopulation of sea urchins in Caspar Cove. However, you don't need to wait for the monthly event to participate – you can go anytime in Caspar Cove. Be sure to LOG your efforts.
Saturday April 27, 2024
May 25, 2024 (Memorial Day Weekend)
June 29, 2024
July 27, 2024
August 31, 2024 (Labor Day Weekend)
September 28, 2024
Log Your Dive: Report your sea urchin culling activities HERE to help with monitoring and research.
Prioritize Safety: You are responsible for you. Prioritize your safety and the safety of others by wearing appropriate protective gear, such as gloves and wetsuits, during culling operations. Exercise caution when handling sharp objects or working in challenging underwater conditions.
Adhere to Best Practices: Observe best practices for sea urchin culling to minimize environmental impact and maximize effectiveness. Handle sea urchins carefully and avoid damaging surrounding marine habitats or disturbing other wildlife species.
Respect Regulations: Abide by all applicable regulations and guidelines set forth by CDFW and other regulatory authorities. While this website is to help participants stay informed about any updates or changes to regulations governing sea urchin culling activities in Caspar Cove, the CDFW website HERE is the ultimate authority and place to access information. Please reach out to CDFW with any questions about the regulations.
By adhering to these guidelines and actively participating in experimental sea urchin culling efforts at Caspar Cove, you can contribute to understanding pathways for restoration and conservation of bull kelp forests and marine biodiversity in Northern California.
