The department shall develop a voluntary participation program for the use of departmental observers on board vessels to monitor the taking of marlin by sportfishermen. The department shall, in accordance with Section 1012, procure insurance against the liability of the owners or operators of vessels boarded by observers in the event of injury to or death of any such observer in the course and scope of employment as an observer.

(Added by Stats. 1980, Ch. 886, Sec. 3. Effective September 14, 1980.)