SECTIONS 6420-6425 - California Statutes

FISH AND GAME CODE

SECTION 6420-6425

6420. The Legislature finds and declares all of the following:
(a) Declines in various southern California marine species of fish
have adversely affected the sport and commercial fishing industry.
(b) Efforts to enhance these species through the placement of
artificial reefs need to be investigated.
(c) A program of artificial reef research and development,
including reef design, placement, and monitoring, is in the public
interest and can best be accomplished under the administration of the
department with the cooperation and assistance of the University of
California, the California State University, other established,
appropriate academic institutions, and other organizations with
demonstrated expertise in the field.
(d) A state artificial reef research and construction program
under the administration of the department is necessary to coordinate
ongoing studies and construction of artificial reefs in waters of
the state.

6421. For purposes of this article, the following terms have the
following meaning:
(a) "Artificial reef" means manmade or natural objects
intentionally placed in selected areas of the marine environment to
duplicate those conditions that induce production of fish and
invertebrates on natural reefs and rough bottoms, and that stimulate
the growth of kelp or other midwater plant life which creates natural
habitat for those species.
(b) "Production" means increases in the biomass of a species or
number of species.
(c) "Program" means the California Artificial Reef Program.

6422. The department shall administer the California Artificial
Reef Program.

6423. The program shall include all of the following:
(a) The placement of artificial reefs in state waters.
(b) A study of existing successful reefs and all new reefs placed
by the program to determine the design criteria needed to construct
artificial reefs capable of increasing fish and invertebrate
production in waters of the state.
(c) A determination of the requirements for reef siting and
placement.

6424. The amount allocated for the administration of the program in
any fiscal year may not exceed the amount authorized by applicable
state and federal policy guidelines.

6425. (a) It is the intent of the Legislature that not more than
five hundred thousand dollars ($500,000) shall be allocated to the
program for the 1985-86 fiscal year.
(b) It is the intent of the Legislature that future sources of
funding for the program may include, but are not limited to, the Fish
and Game Preservation Fund, the California Environmental License
Plate Fund, the Wildlife Restoration Fund, recreational bond act
funds, federal grants-in-aid, county fish and game propagation funds,
and private donations.