(a) Notwithstanding Section 8625, and where consistent with the determination made pursuant to subdivisions (b) and (c), the director may reduce the minimum mesh size permitted for gill and trammel nets used to take California halibut from 81/2 inches to not less than 8 inches in any or all areas south of a line extending 240° magnetic from the boundary line between the Counties of Los Angeles and Ventura.

(b) If, on or before October 1, 1990, the department determines that commercial landings of California halibut taken south of the line extending 240° magnetic from the boundary line between the Counties of Los Angeles and Ventura in the period between September 1, 1989, and August 31, 1990, decline by 10 percent or more compared with landings of California halibut taken in this area during the period between September 1, 1988, and August 31, 1989, the department shall assess the impact of the 81/2 inch minimum mesh size restriction on the California halibut fishery in the area described in subdivision (a). The assessment shall include, but is not limited to, an analysis of landing data, including landings of California halibut in Los Angeles, Orange, and San Diego Counties, the age and size composition of the catch, and the department’s monitoring at sea of the gill and trammel net fishery.

(c) If the department determines that the 81/2 inch minimum mesh size, established pursuant to Section 8625 has directly resulted in a decline of 10 percent or more in landings of California halibut south of the line extending 240° magnetic from the boundary between the Counties of Los Angeles and Ventura, the director shall hold a public hearing in the area affected to make findings and take public testimony prior to taking any action pursuant to subdivision (a).

(d) This section shall become operative on August 15, 1989.

(Added by Stats. 1988, Ch. 1031, Sec. 3. Section operative August 15, 1989, by its own provisions.)