- Nearshore Rockfish of California ID (PDF)(opens in new tab)
- Copper Rockfish, Gopher Rockfish, and Canary Rockfish ID (PDF)(opens in new tab)
- Quillback Rockfish, Copper Rockfish, and Gopher Rockfish ID (PDF)(opens in new tab)
- Quillback Rockfish, China Rockfish, and Black-and-Yellow Rockfish ID (PDF)(opens in new tab)
- Yelloweye Rockfish, Vermilion Rockfish, and Canary Rockfish ID (PDF)(opens in new tab)
- Yellowtail Rockfish, Olive Rockfish, and Widow Rockfish ID (PDF)
- Cowcod Protections
- Rockfish Conservation Areas - Lat/Long Coordinates(opens in new tab) (NOAA Fisheries)
Commercial Fishing
20-Fathom Boundary Line off California
What is the 20-fm Boundary Line?
The 20-fathom boundary line is defined by connecting a series of latitude and longitude coordinates, which generally approximate the depth contour. The 20-fathom boundary line is defined along the mainland coast, as well as separate and individually around the Channel Islands off California. The boundary line may be used to prohibit or restrict certain groundfish fishing activities in the commercial and/or recreational fishery between itself and another defined boundary. Regulations may vary by geographic area and by fishery. Please check current regulations for the area and fishery in which you intend to participate to determine applicability of the 20-fathom boundary line. See also: Commercial Groundfish Regulations in State Waters and Summary of Recreational Groundfish Fishing Regulations(opens in new tab).
Download the coordinates for the 20-fm Boundary Lines
CDFW has formatted the worksheet in this file so that the data may be more easily used in mapping software. Coordinates delineating the 20-fathom boundaries are given in CSV format (comma-delimited ASCII text format). CSV format presents data in a basic format, allowing for easier transitions to different software. CSV files can be opened with Microsoft Excel or imported into a text file.
This file contains all of the latitude and longitude coordinates representing a the 20-fathom boundary lines off California, including along the mainland coast and around the Channel Islands. To find boundaries for specific sections of the coast, open the file and scroll through the coordinates until the appropriate section of the coast is reached.
Any discrepancies between the CSV coordinate file provided here and the coordinates published in the California Code of Regulations, Title 14, Section 35.00(opens in new tab) will be resolved in favor of the California Code of Regulations.
DOWNLOAD 20-fm Boundary Waypoint file(.csv)
CSV File Worksheet Column Header Key
- id_area = unique identifying number for a particular coordinate within a particular line
- area_name = identifying name for a particular line at a particular depth contour, primarily distinguishes between coastwide lines and lines around islands
- lat_dd = latitude for a particular coordinate, given in decimal degrees
- lon_dd = longitude for a particular coordinate, given in decimal degrees
- lat_deg = degrees latitude for a particular coordinate
- lat_min = decimal minutes for a particular coordinate, associated with the degrees latitude for that coordinate
- lat_dir = latitude direction (N = North)
- lon_deg = degrees longitude for a particular coordinate
- lon_min = decimal minutes for a particular coordinate, associated with the degrees longitude for that coordinate
- lon_dir = longitude direction (W = West)
20-Fathom Waypoint Map Display
This map displays the 20-fathom boundary line along the mainland coast and those around the Channel Islands for reference. Users may zoom in to display waypoint numbers to associate with coordinates in the downloadable file for the area they intend to fish. Users are encouraged to check regulations pertaining to the fishery and area in which they intend to fish to determine applicability of the 20-fathom boundary line.
Other Groundfish Information