(a) It is unlawful to use any purse seine or round haul net to take white seabass in waters off California.

(b) It is unlawful to possess any white seabass, except those taken south of the International Boundary Line between the United States and Mexico, and imported into the state pursuant to authority of subsections (c) and (d), on any boat carrying or using any purse seine or round haul net, including, but not limited to, a bait net defined pursuant to subsection 50.01(b), Title 14, CCR.

(c) White seabass taken in waters south of the International Boundary Line between the United States and Mexico, extended westerly in the Pacific Ocean, may be delivered to California ports aboard boats, including boats carrying purse seine or roundhaul nets in accordance with subsection (d) governing the inspection and marking of such fish imported into this State. The cost of such inspection and marking shall be paid by the importer.

(d) No person, firm, or corporation shall deliver, accept, or unload any white seabass from any vessel carrying a purse seine or roundhaul net until the Fish and Game Patrol office nearest the point of delivery shall have issued a written inspection clearance to the master or operator of such vessel, or his agent, permitting said delivery. Such clearances shall be issued upon presentation of evidence satisfactory to the Department of Fish and Game of the fact that such fish was taken south of the International Boundary Line between the United States and Mexico.

(e) Notwithstanding the provisions of this section, the department may issue permits to hook-and-line commercial fishermen to possess a bona fide bait net on their vessels for the purpose of taking bait for their own use only.