The September-October cumulative trip limit for commercial cabezon will be reduced from 900 pounds to 200 pounds, extending the allowable catch for the 2006 season. According to the Department of Fish and Game (DFG), the decrease in the two-month cumulative trip limit for the commercial cabezon (Scorpaenichthys marmoratus) fishery applies to the entire state and is effective only for the period Sept. 1-Oct. 31, 2006. The trip limit for the November-December period remains at 100 pounds.

Based on recent landing receipts and dockside tabulation efforts, DFG estimates the statewide commercial fishery will reach its annual commercial allocation of 59,300 pounds by the first week in September without this change. Last year, commercial fishermen landed approximately 53 percent of the year's allocation in September, resulting in attainment of the quota and thus the fishery closure on Oct. 1. This year's harvest rate through mid-August is exceeding last year's rate.

Cabezon are a nearshore species of fish found throughout California's coastal areas and are an important species in the state's nearshore commercial live-fish fishery as well as the recreational fishery. In December 2003, the Fish and Game Commission adopted regulations providing DFG the authority to make adjustments to the cumulative two-month trip limits to sustain the commercial cabezon, greenling, and California sheephead (CGS) fisheries.??

Beginning in 2004, two-month cumulative trip limits went into effect for the commercial CGS fisheries in an effort to sustain those fisheries throughout the year. The cabezon fishery has two-month cumulative trip limits that range from 100 to 900 pounds per nearshore fishery permit holder when fishing is allowed.