§ 7710

(a) If the director determines, based on the best available scientific information, or other relevant information that the director possesses or receives, and on at least one public hearing in the area of the fishery, that taking in a fishery is being conducted in a manner that is not sustainable, the director may order the closure of any waters or otherwise restrict the taking under a fishing license in state waters of that species. Any closure or restriction order shall be adopted by emergency regulation in accordance with Chapter 3.5 (commencing with Section 11340) of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code.

(b) The director shall bring to the attention of the commission within seven working days any regulations adopted pursuant to this section. Any regulations shall be effective for only 30 days unless the commission extends the closure or restriction under any authority it may have, or unless the director orders another closure or restriction, consistent with the requirements of subdivision (a).

(c) The department shall give notice of any hearing to be held pursuant to this section to the commission and its marine resources committee as far in advance of the hearing date as possible.

Nothing in this section or Section 7710.5 restricts any existing jurisdiction of the department with regard to the regulation of fisheries on the high seas.

(Amended by Stats. 1999, Ch. 483, Sec. 18. Effective January 1, 2000.)