During the period from December 15 to May 15, inclusive, set gill nets and trammel nets with mesh eight inches or greater and less than 12 inches used in ocean waters 25 fathoms or less in depth between a line extending due west magnetic from Point Conception and the westerly extension of the boundary line between the Republic of Mexico and the United States shall be constructed with breakaway and anchoring features, as follows:

(a) The corkline and any other line which may extend across the top of the net shall have a combined breaking strength not to exceed 2,400 pounds.

(b) A breakaway device shall be used along the corkline (headrope) and along the leadline (footrope) at regular intervals of 45 fathoms or less.

(c) Each breakaway or disconnect device shall be constructed as described in either of the following:

(1) Of nylon twine, or an equivalent material, with a breaking strength of 200 pounds or less, using not more than eight complete circular (360) wraps of the twine to connect the ends of each corkline and leadline interval, which allows each breakaway or disconnect device a breaking strength of not more than 1,600 pounds.

(2) As the department may otherwise authorize.

(d) Anchors used to secure each end of the net to the ocean bottom shall weigh not less than 35 pounds each, and shall be attached to the net by a ground rope and bridle with combined length of not less than 15 fathoms from the anchor to the net.

(Added by Stats. 1987, Ch. 979, Sec. 2. Effective September 23, 1987.)