The bill gives authority to commercial crab fishermen to develop solutions to problems in the industry that stem from increasing competition for crab, reports the Ukiah Daily Journal.
"California has some of the most robust crab fisheries in the world," Wiggins told the news agency. "But looming pressures, such as declining salmon runs, are increasing competition for this valuable resource, competition which also results in unsafe conditions on the ocean and puts fishermen at risk.
"I believe the fishermen know better than anyone how to solve problems in their industry," Wiggins added. "My bill asks them to work together to tell policymakers how to fix problems, in order to keep the fisheries safe and sustainable for future generations of fishermen and their families."
According to the Ukiah Daily Journal, the bill sets up a crab task force comprised of fishermen from California's eight crab ports, commercial processors, sport-fishing and tour boat representatives, the state Department of Fish and Game (DFG), and sustainable fishery groups.
Bill Protects California from Crab Competition
CALIFORNIA, US - The Governor of California, Arnold Schwarzenegger, has signed a bill to protect resources in Northern California crab fisheries.