FISH AND GAME CODE
SECTION 1740-1743
1740.  This chapter shall be known as the Black Bass Conservationand Management Act of 1980.1741.  The Legislature hereby finds and declares that it is thepolicy of the state to preserve and enhance black bass resources andto manage black bass populations to provide satisfactory recreationalopportunities to the public.1742.  The Legislature further finds and declares that the blackbass management program components specified in this chapter are acontinuation of the department's existing warmwater fisheriesprogram, and, as such, shall be funded from existing departmentbudgetary resources.1743.  (a) The department's black bass management program shallinclude, but not be limited to, the following components: (1) The department shall determine the angler harvest of blackbass populations and shall recommend to the commission the changes inangling regulations for black bass that would be necessary toprevent or correct overharvest. (2) The department shall consider recommending to the commissioncatch and release regulations for black bass, including minimum ormaximum size restrictions and management for trophy-sized black bassin some waters. (3) The department shall consider the suitability of the manydifferent species, subspecies, and strains of black bass whenmanagement programs are formulated. (4) The department shall improve shoreline habitat for black bassin waters where insufficient habitat exists and shall encouragereservoir operating agencies to carry out shoreline habitatimprovement projects. (b) For the purposes of this section, "black bass" means fishes ofthe Centrarchidae family.