6420-6425
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.