Monday May 12, 2025
Sierra Sun Times —
State health agencies determined that Pacific sardine sampled off Southern California contained elevated levels of domoic acid and recommended a fishery restriction for Southern California for the commercial and recreational take of sardine for human consumption in the area.
Following this recommendation, California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) Director Charlton H. Bonham has enacted a restriction for the commercial and recreational take of Pacific sardine for human consumption in the area south of Point Conception (34⁰ 27.000’ N. lat.) to the California/Mexico border. Take of Pacific sardine for live bait is allowed in the commercial fishery and the recreational fishery can still take and use Pacific sardine as bait.
The current fishery restrictions only apply to Pacific sardine, which has been found to have high levels of domoic acid in samples. This restriction does not apply to other finfish (rockfish, halibut, white seabass, yellowtail, tuna, and others). It is always recommended to consume only the cleaned, skinned, fillets of fish when there are restrictions or advisories for other species. Cooking methods that avoid combining the eaten portion with other body parts are also recommended. More information on current health advisories is available on the California Department of Public Health website. For questions regarding sampling and testing programs, including current test results, contact the California Department of Public Health.