California · Fish and Game Code - FGC

FGC §4500: (a) It is unlawful to take any marine mammal except in accordance with provisions of the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 (Chapter 31 (commencing with Section 1361) of Title 16 of the United State

Misdemeanor

What this law says, in plain English

It is unlawful to take marine mammals (sea otters, whales, dolphins, porpoises, seals, sea lions) except as permitted under federal law or state regulations adopted by the commission.

Read the full statutory text
(a) It is unlawful to take any marine mammal except in accordance with provisions of the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 (Chapter 31 (commencing with Section 1361) of Title 16 of the United States Code) or provisions of Title 50 of the Code of Federal Regulations, or pursuant to subdivision (b) of this section. (b) At such time as federal laws or regulations permit the state to assume jurisdiction over marine mammals, the commission may adopt regulations governing marine mammals and the taking thereof. (c) For purposes of this chapter, “marine mammals” means sea otters, whales, dolphins, porpoises, seals, and sea lions.

Verify at the official source: California legislative text

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This page is legal information, not legal advice. Code text is sourced from official publications and may lag amendments — always confirm at the official source linked above. Plain-English summaries and relationship data are AI-derived and reviewed on an ongoing basis; verify with a licensed attorney before acting.