What is the specific handling regulation concerning White Sturgeon over 60 inches fork length in California fisheries?
Answer
They cannot be removed from the water and must be released immediately upon landing.
A key component of the current science-based management approach for White Sturgeon addresses the vulnerability of the largest individuals, acknowledging the physical trauma that handling can inflict on heavy, cartilaginous fish when exposed to air. Specifically, regulations mandate that any sturgeon measured to exceed 60 inches in fork length must not be taken out of the water. The fish must be released immediately, with the handling process intended to keep the sturgeon submerged horizontally as much as possible to protect its internal structure and slime coat, thereby minimizing stress and maximizing survival probability post-release.
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