Octopus: aquaculture: prohibition.

Existing law provides for the regulation and development of aquaculture and requires the owner of each aquaculture facility to register with the Department of Fish and Wildlife. Existing law makes it unlawful to spawn, incubate, or cultivate any transgenic species of finfish belonging to the family Salmonidae anywhere in this state, except as specified. A violation of the Fish and Game Code is a crime. This bill would prohibit the aquaculture of any species of octopus for the purpose of human consumption. The bill would prohibit a business owner or operator from selling, possessing, or transporting any species of octopus that is the result of aquaculture. By creating a new crime, the bill would impose a state-mandated local program. The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement. This bill would provide that no reimbursement is required by this act for a specified reason.