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HomeFish and Game CodeDiv. 6Pt. 3Ch. 2Art. 5§ 8254 Commercial Lobster Permit Requirements

§ 8254 Commercial Lobster Permit Requirements

Fish and Game Code·California
AI Summary·Official Text·Key Terms·Related Statutes·References
AI SummaryVerified

§ 8254 Commercial Lobster Permit Requirements

Key Takeaways

  • •You need a special permit to catch or sell lobsters for money.
  • •If you're on a boat catching lobsters to sell, everyone helping must have a permit.
  • •A lobster permit costs $265, and a crewmember permit costs $125.
  • •If you have way more lobsters than allowed for fun fishing, it’s assumed you’re selling them.

Example

If you go out on a boat with friends and catch 50 lobsters to sell at a seafood market, but none of you have a lobster permit.

You and your friends could get in trouble because you need a permit to sell lobsters. Even if you’re just helping, you still need a permit.

AI-generated — May contain errors. Not legal advice. Always verify source.

Official Source
View on CA.gov

§ 8254 Commercial Lobster Permit Requirements

(a) Lobsters shall not be taken for commercial purposes except under a valid lobster permit issued to that person that has not been suspended or revoked, subject to regulations adopted by the commission. (b) Every person who takes, assists in taking, possesses, or transports lobsters for commercial purposes while on any boat, barge, or vessel, or who uses or operates or assists in using or operating any boat, net, trap, line, or other appliance to take lobsters for commercial purposes, shall have a valid lobster permit. (c) The permit fee for a lobster permit is two hundred sixty-five dollars ($265). (d) The fee for a lobster crewmember permit is one hundred twenty-five dollars ($125). (e) For the purposes of this section, it is prima facie evidence that lobster is taken for commercial purposes if the possession of lobster is more than three times the sport bag limit. (Amended by Stats. 2007, Ch. 328, Sec. 3. Effective January 1, 2008.)

Last verified: January 23, 2026

Key Terms

possessioncommissionvesselnetportregulationboatappliance

Related Statutes

  • § 8150.5 Sardine Possession Restrictions
  • § 8460 Live Bait Fish License
  • § 8496 Halibut Trawl Fishing Rules
  • § 8550.5 Herring Net Permit Fees
  • § 8623 Purse Seine Net Restrictions

References

  • Official text at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
  • California Legislature. Fish and Game Code. Section 8254.
View Official Source