On January 30, 1953 the California Fish and Game Commission adopted the prohibition against the take or possession of garibaldi by angling or diving (Title 14, CCR, 28.05). Thus the take of garibaldi by anglers in California has been illegal for over 60 years.

Are garibaldi protected?

The Garibaldi is the California State fish and is protected from fishing. These fish mainly live in the kelp forest ecosystem. This species of damselfish inhabits the warmer waters of the Pacific Ocean from Monterey Bay, California to Baja California along rocky coastal reefs and among kelp forests.

Can you catch garibaldi?

Since they are only lightly hooked through the lip, they survive the accidental catch and release. However, it is illegal to “take” garibaldi.