Fish and Game Code § 10655

(a) A person involved in oceanographic and scientific research in and around Santa Catalina Island may be authorized by the Director of the Catalina Marine Science Center Marine Life Refuge to enter the Catalina Marine Science Center Marine Life Refuge and to anchor or moor a vessel therein.

(b) The Director of the Catalina Marine Science Center Marine Life Refuge, or any person that the Director of the Catalina Marine Science Center Marine Life Refuge has authorized under Section 10502.8, may take, for scientific purposes, any fish or specimen of marine plant life under the conditions prescribed by the department under Section 10502.8.