United States of America · Spearfishing zone

California State Marine Reserves (SMRs)

Prohibited zonemarine protected area / marine reserve

What this zone is

Overview

How spearfishing is treated at California State Marine Reserves (SMRs).

All take, including spearfishing, is prohibited inside California State Marine Reserves under 14 CCR §632(a)(1)(A). Some State Marine Conservation Areas are also closed to spearfishing where their take exceptions do not cover it. This is a categorical entry covering the statewide network; individual reserves are mapped separately - check the CDFW interactive MPA map per site.

Source

This zone is documented in the official source below.

law.cornell.edu

Before you dive

License for United States of America

Whether you need a license to spearfish here, and how to get one.

License requiredvia State fish and wildlife agencies (e.g. FWC Florida, CDFW California, Hawaii DLNR/DAR, TPWD Texas); NOAA Fisheries for federal waters/HMS permits.

Purchase from the relevant state fish and wildlife agency online portal, license vendors, or in person. Requirements differ by state and by resident/non-resident status.

Get your license

Opens the official portal · fisheries.noaa.gov

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