California § 8597 - It is unlawful for any person to take, possess aboard a boat, or land for marine
Full text of California Public Contract Code - PCC § 8597 — It is unlawful for any person to take, possess aboard a boat, or land for marine, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 8597. It is unlawful for any person to take, possess aboard a boat, or land for marine
(a) It is unlawful for any person to take, possess aboard a boat, or land for marine aquaria pet trade purposes any live organisms identified in subdivision (b), unless that person has a valid marine aquaria collectorâs permit that has not been suspended or revoked. At least one person aboard the boat shall have a valid marine aquaria collector permit. (b) Except as provided in Section 8598.2, and unless otherwise prohibited in this code, or regulations made pursuant thereto, specimens of the following groups or species may be taken, possessed aboard a boat, or landed under a marine aquaria collectorâs permit: (1) Marine plants: (A) Chlorophyta. (B) Phaeophyta. (C) Rhodophyta. (D) Spermatophyta, all species. (2) Invertebrates: (A) Polychaetaâworms; all species. (B) Crustaceaâshrimp, crabs; all species, except the following: (i) Dungeness crabâCancer magister. (ii) Yellow crabâCancer anthonyi. (iii) Red crabâCancer productus. (iv) Sheep crabâLoxorhynchus grandis. (v) Spot prawnâPandalus platyceros. (vi) Ridgeback prawnâSicyonia ingentis. (vii) Golden prawnâPenaeus californiensis. (viii) Sand crabâEmerita analoga. (ix) Redrock shrimpâLysmata californica. (x) Bay shrimpâCrangon sp. and Palaemon macrodactylus. (xi) Ghost shrimpâCallianassa sp. (C) AsteroideaâSea stars; all species. (D) OphiuroideaâBrittle stars; all species. (E) Gastropodaâsnails, limpets, sea slugs; all species, except Kelletâs whelkâKelletia kelleti. (F) Bivalviaâclams and mussels; all species. (G) PolyplacophoraâChitons; all species. (H) CephalopodaâOctopuses and squids; all species, except two spot octopusesâOctopus bimaculatus and Octopus maculoidesâand market squidâLoligo opalescens. (I) TunicataâSea squirts; all species. (3) Vertebrates: (A) OsteichthyesâFinfishes; all species, except the following: (i) RockfishâSebastes sp. larger than six inches total length. (ii) SheepheadâSemicossyphus pulcher larger than six inches total length. (iii) AnchovyâEngraulis mordax. (iv) SardineâSardinops sagax. (v) Pacific/chub mackerelâScomber japonicus. (vi) Jack mackerelâTrachurus symmetricus. (vii) QueenfishâSeriphus politus. (viii) White CroakerâGenyonemus lineatus. (ix) Top smeltâAtherinops affinis. (x) GrunionâLeuresthes tenuis. (xi) Shiner surf perchâCymatogaster aggregata. (xii) Longjawed mudsuckerâGillichthys mirabilis. (B) Chondrichthyesâsharks, rays, and skates; all species less than 18 inches total length, except that leopard shark (Triakis semifasciata) shall be 36 inches or larger in total length. (c) The holder of a permit issued pursuant to this section is not required to obtain or possess a kelp harvesterâs license issued pursuant to Section 6651, a tidal invertebrate permit issued pursuant to Section 8500, or a general trap permit issued pursuant to Article 1 (commencing with Section 9000) of Chapter 4, when taking, possessing, or landing live organisms for marine aquaria pet trade purposes pursuant to subdivision (b), subject to regulations governing the taking of tidal invertebrates. The commission shall adopt regulations to implement this subdivision, and, for that purpose, may incorporate other regulations by reference.
Source: official California text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About California § 8597
What does Public Contract Code - PCC § 8597 cover?
Section 8597 ("It is unlawful for any person to take, possess aboard a boat, or land for marine") is part of the Public Contract Code - PCC, the codified statutory law of California. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite California § 8597?
A common citation format is "Public Contract Code - PCC § 8597" (California). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of California law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the California official source linked on this page or consult a licensed California attorney.
How does California § 8597 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in California can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in California.