Section 7715.

(a) If the Director of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment, in consultation with the State Director of Health Services, determines, based on thorough and adequate scientific evidence, that any species or subspecies of fish is likely to pose a human health risk from high levels of toxic substances, the Director of Fish and Game may order the closure of any waters or otherwise restrict the taking under a commercial fishing license in state waters of that species. Any such closure or restriction order shall be adopted by emergency regulation in accordance with Chapter 3.5 (commencing with Section 11340) of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code.

(b) Any closure or restriction pursuant to subdivision (a) shall become inoperative when the Director of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment, in consultation with the State Director of Health Services, determines that a health risk no longer exists. Upon making such a determination, the Director of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment shall notify the Director of Fish and Game and shall request that those waters be reopened for commercial fishing.

(Amended by Stats. 2000, Ch. 144, Sec. 1. Effective July 19, 2000.)