CDFW Newshttps://wildlife.ca.gov/NewsCalifornia Fish and Game Commission Adopts 2024 Groundfish Regulationshttps://wildlife.ca.gov/News/Archive/california-fish-and-game-commission-adopts-2024-groundfish-regulationsFisheriesWed, 27 Mar 2024 18:47:00 GMTYesterday, the California Fish and Game Commission (Commission) unanimously approved changes to the 2024 groundfish season opening dates, fishing depths and bag limits.<p>Yesterday, the California Fish and Game Commission (Commission) unanimously approved changes to the 2024 groundfish season opening dates, fishing depths and bag limits. In 2023, most groundfish seasons offshore of California were cut due to exceeding federal catch limits on quillback rockfish, a now federally-declared overfished species. The new changes provide additional fishing opportunities compared to 2023, but come with new requirements that anglers need to be aware of. The new regulations are anticipated to be effective in early April.</p> <p>The measures adopted by the Commission will work in combination with regulations for federal waters and serve to largely avoid quillback rockfish in their primary depth range between 20 fathoms (120 feet) and 50 fathoms (300 feet) off the coast of northern and central California. One key element of the new regulations is the availability of new waypoints that define a <a href="https://wildlife.ca.gov/Conservation/Marine/Groundfish#287201301-20-fm-line">20-fathom boundary line</a>, which allows fishing to occur only shoreward of this line. Within several groundfish management areas (GMAs), a 20-fathom or 50-fathom ‘Inshore Fishery’ will take place during the 2024 season, allowing opportunities to retain <a href="https://nrm.dfg.ca.gov/FileHandler.ashx?DocumentID=36305&inline">nearshore</a>, shelf and slope rockfish, lingcod, cabezon and greenling.</p> <p>Alternatively, during months when there is an ‘offshore only fishery’, fishing for groundfish will only be allowed seaward of the 50-fathom boundary line, and only <a href="https://nrm.dfg.ca.gov/FileHandler.ashx?DocumentID=36552&inline">shelf rockfish</a>, <a href="https://nrm.dfg.ca.gov/FileHandler.ashx?DocumentID=36553&inline">slope rockfish</a> and lingcod may be retained. Take and possession of nearshore rockfish, cabezon and greenling are prohibited during the offshore fishery.</p> <p>Divers and shore-based anglers will continue to be exempt from boat-based season restrictions affecting rockfish and other federally managed groundfish, which allows for year-round diving and shore-based angling, in line with current regulations.</p> <p>The Commission also approved a requirement that a descending device be carried aboard and available for immediate use on any vessel taking or possessing any species of federal groundfish. Descending devices are used to send fish back to the depth from which they were taken resulting in considerably higher survival rates for rockfish suffering <a href="https://wildlife.ca.gov/Conservation/Marine/Groundfish/Barotrauma">barotrauma</a> compared to being released at the water's surface. Members of the public, along with representatives of recreational fishing organizations, have recently advocated for a descending device requirement in order to improve survivorship of released fish.</p> <p>Another key element of the new regulations is the division of the central GMA at 36º N. latitude (near Point Lopez). This split provides opportunities to anglers in areas south of 36º N. latitude which historically have little to no catch of quillback rockfish.</p> <p>To protect vermilion rockfish, another species for which catches have exceeded allowable federal harvest limits in recent years, the sub-limit will be reduced to two fish within the Rockfish, Cabezon and Greenling complex 10-fish limit, in the Mendocino, San Francisco, central and southern GMAs. The vermilion rockfish 4-fish sub-limit will remain for the northern GMA. <span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"></span></p> <p>All recreational GMAs in California are scheduled for six months of all-depth or inshore fishing opportunity in 2024. A summary of the 2024 seasons for each GMA approved by the Commission is provided below.</p> <ul> <li>Northern, Mendocino, San Francisco and Central GMA North of 36º N. Latitude: <ul> <li>Jan. 1- Mar. 31: Closed</li> <li>Apr. 1 – Apr. 30: 50 fathoms offshore only fishery</li> <li>May 1 – Sept. 30: 20 fathoms inshore fishery</li> <li>Oct. 1 – Oct. 31: 50 fathoms offshore only fishery</li> <li>Nov. 1 – Nov. 30: 20 fathoms inshore only fishery</li> <li>Dec. 1 – Dec. 31: 50 fathoms offshore only fishery</li> </ul> </li> </ul> <p><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"></span></p> <ul> <li>Central GMA South of 36º N. Latitude & Southern Management Area: <ul> <li>Jan. 1 – Mar. 31: Closed</li> <li>Apr. 1 – June 30: All depth fishery</li> <li>July 1 – Sept. 30: 50 fathoms inshore fishery</li> <li>Oct. 1 – Dec. 31: 50 fathoms offshore only fishery</li> </ul> </li> </ul> <p><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"></span></p> <p>The 2024 groundfish seasons are expected to be reviewed and approved by the Office of Administrative Law and take effect in state waters in early April. The Commission and California Department of Fish and Wildlife staff have worked diligently to expedite the adoption of state regulations to allow boat-based anglers to get on the water beginning in April. Until the 2024 regulations are approved, the 2023 regulations remain in effect.</p> <p>Once the regulations become effective, CDFW’s <a href="https://www.wildlife.ca.gov/Fishing/Ocean/Regulations/Groundfish-Summary">Summary of Recreational Groundfish Fishing Regulations</a> web page will be updated with 2024 regulations. Before fishing, anglers should refer to this web page for the season openings and other regulatory information.<span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"></span></p> <p>###</p> <p><em><strong>Media Contacts:</strong><br /> <a href="mailto:Kerri.Foote@wildlife.ca.gov">Kerri Foote,</a> CDFW Marine Region, (916) 899-3921<br /> <a href="mailto:steve.gonzalez@wildlife.ca.gov">Steve Gonzalez,</a> CDFW Communications, (916) 804-1714</em></p> New Recreational Groundfish Fishing Regulations Coming in the New Yearhttps://wildlife.ca.gov/News/Archive/new-recreational-groundfish-fishing-regulations-coming-in-the-new-yearSpeciesTue, 20 Dec 2022 09:51:33 GMTChanges to recreational fishing seasons, depth limits and bag limits for a variety of groundfish species will be implemented in 2023.<p>Changes to recreational fishing seasons, depth limits and bag limits for a variety of groundfish species will be implemented in 2023.</p> <p>The new regulations were adopted by the Pacific Fishery Management Council in June 2022 and the California Fish and Game Commission in November 2022 and are expected to take effect on or around Jan. 1, 2023. As in previous years, the boat-based fishery for most groundfish species will be closed statewide beginning Jan. 1, while spear divers and shore-based anglers will continue to have year-round fishing opportunities for groundfish.</p> <p>For groundfish including Rockfish, Cabezon and Greenling (RCG) as well as lingcod, the boat-based seasons will bring a mix of increased and reduced fishing opportunities, depending on the species. Unlike prior years, all Groundfish Management Areas will have a portion of the season when ‘all-depth’ fishing is allowed and anglers are not subject to the Rockfish Conservation Area (RCA) depth constraints. This allows new fishing opportunities for deeper-water shelf and slope rockfish, which are most abundant in areas that have been previously closed to recreational groundfish fishing. The following is a summary of the new boat-based regulations for RCG species and lingcod in each management area:</p> <p>Southern Management Area between 34°27' N. latitude (Point Conception) and the U.S./Mexico border:</p> <ul> <li>For nearshore rockfish, cabezon and greenlings: closed Jan. 1 through March 31, open at all depths April 1 through Sept. 15, closed Sept. 16 through Dec. 31.</li> <li>For all other rockfish (shelf and slope species) and lingcod: closed Jan. 1 through March 31, open at all depths April 1 through Sept. 15. From Sept. 16 through Dec. 31, take of shelf and slope rockfish and lingcod is open seaward of the 50 fathom RCA line. Take is prohibited shoreward of the 50 fathom RCA line.</li> <li>Additional regulations still apply within the Cowcod Conservation Areas.</li> </ul> <p>Central Management Area between 37°11' N. latitude (Pigeon Point) and 34°27' N. latitude (Point Conception):</p> <ul> <li>For nearshore rockfish, cabezon and greenlings: closed Jan. 1 through April 30, open at all depths May 1 through Sept. 30, closed Oct. 1 through Dec. 31.</li> <li>For all other rockfish (shelf and slope species) and lingcod: closed Jan. 1 through April 30, open at all depths May 1 through Sept. 30. From Oct. 1 through Dec. 31, take of shelf and slope rockfish and lingcod is open seaward of the 50 fathom RCA line. Take is prohibited shoreward of the 50 fathom RCA line.</li> </ul> <p>San Francisco Management Area between 38°57.5' N. latitude (Point Arena) and 37°11' N. latitude (Pigeon Point):</p> <ul> <li>For nearshore rockfish, cabezon and greenlings: closed Jan. 1 through July 15, open at all depths July 16 through Dec. 31.</li> <li>For all other rockfish (shelf and slope species) and lingcod: closed Jan. 1 through May 14. From May 15 through July 15, take of shelf and slope rockfish and lingcod is open seaward of the 50 fathom RCA line. Take is prohibited shoreward of the 50 fathom RCA line. From July 16 through Dec. 31, open at all depths.</li> </ul> <p>Mendocino Management Area between 40°10' N. latitude (near Cape Mendocino) and 38°57.5' N. latitude (Point Arena):</p> <ul> <li>For nearshore rockfish, cabezon and greenlings: closed Jan. 1 through July 15, open at all depths July 16 through Dec. 31.</li> <li>For all other rockfish (shelf and slope species) and lingcod: closed Jan. 1 through May 14. From May 15 through July 15, take of shelf and slope rockfish and lingcod is open seaward of the 50 fathom RCA line. Take is prohibited shoreward of the 50 fathom RCA line. From July 16 through Dec. 31, open at all depths.</li> </ul> <p>Northern Management Area between the California/Oregon state line and 40°10' N. latitude (near Cape Mendocino):</p> <ul> <li>For rockfish, cabezon, greenlings and lingcod: closed Jan. 1 through May 14, open at all depths May 15 through Oct. 15, closed Oct. 16 through Dec. 31.</li> </ul> <p>Anglers will need to <a href="/Conservation/Marine/Groundfish/Nearshore-Shelf-And-Slope">identify rockfish species</a> they catch, and beginning in 2023, be able to determine if the fish is categorized as a <a href="https://nrm.dfg.ca.gov/FileHandler.ashx?DocumentID=36305&inline" target="_blank">nearshore (PDF)</a>, <a href="https://nrm.dfg.ca.gov/FileHandler.ashx?DocumentID=36552&inline" target="_blank">shelf (PDF)</a> or <a href="https://nrm.dfg.ca.gov/FileHandler.ashx?DocumentID=36553&inline" target="_blank">slope (PDF)</a> rockfish species, as different seasons and depths apply to each category depending on the Groundfish Management Area and month. The RCG bag limit will remain at 10 fish in combination of rockfish, cabezon and greenlings, with sub-bag limits of not more than four <a href="https://nrm.dfg.ca.gov/FileHandler.ashx?DocumentID=138378&inline" target="_blank">vermilion (PDF)</a> rockfish, one <a href="https://nrm.dfg.ca.gov/FileHandler.ashx?DocumentID=197164&inline" target="_blank">copper (PDF)</a> rockfish and one <a href="https://nrm.dfg.ca.gov/FileHandler.ashx?DocumentID=197176&inline" target="_blank">quillback (PDF)</a> rockfish. Take and possession of cowcod, yelloweye and bronzespotted rockfish will remain prohibited.</p> <p>The new groundfish regulations are a significant departure from the fishing seasons and depth limits that anglers are accustomed to and are necessary due to scientific information suggesting that copper rockfish and quillback rockfish populations are in severe decline. The season structures for each management area were developed in consultation with fishing industry representatives, non-governmental organizations and state, federal and tribal governments, and were designed to provide the greatest amount of groundfish fishing time and opportunity to anglers throughout the year.</p> <p>“While recognizing there are concerns with copper and quillback rockfish that will reduce nearshore fishing time in the near-term, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) is excited to offer recreational anglers new deeper-water and offshore bank and reef opportunities for groundfish that have been closed for more than two decades,” said CDFW Environmental Program Manager Marci Yaremko. “We look forward to seeing the diversity of healthy species come across the docks in the coming years as significant new fishing grounds will now be available to recreational angling.”</p> <p>There are also changes for several species that have been subject to boat-based closures in the past, which may offer new alternatives for boat-based anglers as early as January. They include:</p> <ul> <li>New year-round opportunities: ocean whitefish, California scorpionfish, leopard shark, soupfin shark, Dover sole, English sole, arrowtooth flounder, spiny dogfish, skates, ratfish, grenadiers, finescale codling, Pacific cod, Pacific whiting, sablefish and thornyheads will now be open year-round in all depths, statewide.</li> <li>Boat-based fishing for California sheephead, will be open from March 1 through Dec. 31, statewide. The bag limit, regardless of fishing mode, will decrease from five fish to two fish.</li> </ul> <p>To meet harvest goals, the recreational groundfish fishery is subject to in-season regulatory changes. Please stay informed by visiting CDFW’s <a href="/Fishing/Ocean/Regulations/Groundfish-Summary">summary of recreational groundfish fishing regulations</a> webpage before fishing.</p> <p><em><strong>Media contacts</strong>:<br /> <a href="mailto:Caroline.McKnight@wildlife.ca.gov">Caroline McKnight</a>, CDFW Marine Region, (831) 277-7683<br /> <a href="mailto:Jordan.Traverso@wildlife.ca.gov">Jordan Traverso</a>, CDFW Communications, (916) 212-7352</em></p> <p>###</p> CDFW Seeking Public Input on Proposed Slot Limit for Striped Basshttps://wildlife.ca.gov/News/Archive/cdfw-seeking-public-input-on-proposed-slot-limit-for-striped-bassSpeciesThu, 28 Jul 2022 14:13:03 GMTCDFW is soliciting public input on a proposed regulation change that would restrict the harvest of striped bass to a “slot limit” between 20 and 30 inches for inland anadromous waters. Under the proposal, all striped bass caught below 20 inches in length and above 30 inches in length would have to be released.<p>The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) is soliciting public input on a proposed regulation change that would restrict the harvest of striped bass to a “slot limit” between 20 and 30 inches for inland anadromous waters. Under the proposal, all striped bass caught below 20 inches in length and above 30 inches in length would have to be released.</p> <p>The Nor-Cal Guides and Sportsmen’s Association has submitted the regulation change proposal to the California Fish and Game Commission. The stated goal is to protect the species by increasing the minimum length to allow more fish to mature and successfully spawn prior to harvest and to protect the larger fish that tend to be the most prolific spawners and are becoming increasingly rare in the fishery.</p> <p>If approved, the slot limit would apply to any striped bass caught by recreational anglers in all anadromous inland waters of the state, which includes coastal and Central Valley rivers and streams and the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta to the Carquinez Bridge near Vallejo. This proposal would not include inland reservoirs or lakes or ocean waters, which include the San Francisco and San Pablo bays up to the Carquinez Bridge.</p> <p>Under existing regulations, anglers fishing for striped bass in anadromous waters are limited to two striped bass per day, each with a minimum size of 18 inches in total length. There is no maximum size limit. The daily limit of two fish would not change under the proposal.</p> <p>CDFW scientists are currently evaluating the available angler survey and monitoring data to help determine how this proposed change may affect the striped bass fishery, including harvest opportunities and biological processes. CDFW is requesting input from the public on the interest and support of the proposed regulation change before making recommendations to the California Fish and Game Commission.</p> <p>CDFW has developed a Striped Bass Angler Preference Survey to solicit input. Anglers can participate by following this link: <a href="https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/SPJL6DR" target="_blank">https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/SPJL6DR</a>.</p> <p>CDFW and the Nor-Cal Guides and Sportsmen’s Association will also host a public meeting on the proposed regulation change on Wednesday, August 24, 2022. Those interested can attend and participate either in person or remotely (online or by phone).</p> <p>The meeting will take place from 6 to 8 p.m. within CDFW’s Fisheries’ Branch headquarters, 1010 Riverside Parkway, West Sacramento, 95605, in the California Poppy Conference Room.</p> <p>Participants can visit the following link to join the meeting online: <a href="https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81676220423" target="_blank">https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81676220423</a>. Those wishing to listen or participate by phone can do so by calling (866) 390-1828.</p> <p>At the meeting, the public is invited to ask questions of both CDFW and the Nor Cal-Guides and Sportsmen’s Association. CDFW staff will provide updates on the current state of the striped bass fishery along with existing angler survey data. Those with additional questions can email CDFW at <a href="mailto:StripedBass@wildlife.ca.gov">StripedBass@wildlife.ca.gov</a>.</p> <p>###</p> <p><em><strong>Media Contacts:</strong><br /> <a href="mailto:peter.tira@wildlife.ca.gov">Peter Tira</a>, CDFW Communications, (916) 215-3858<br /> <a href="mailto:kirsten.macintyre@wildlife.ca.gov">Kirsten Macintyre</a>, CDFW Communications, (916) 804-1714<br /> <a href="mailto:jonathan.nelson@wildlife.ca.gov">Jonathan Nelson</a>, CDFW Fisheries Branch, (916) 376-1641</em></p> <p><em><strong>Photo:</strong> CDFW photo of an employee holding a striped bass, by Devin Tafoya</em></p> Big Changes to Sport Groundfish Regulations Coming in 2023https://wildlife.ca.gov/News/Archive/big-changes-to-sport-groundfish-regulations-coming-in-2023MarineThu, 28 Jul 2022 13:43:44 GMTSignificant changes to California’s groundfish sport fishing regulations are expected starting next year, in response to recent scientific information suggesting some nearshore groundfish species are in decline. To reduce pressure on these stocks, fishing seasons will be shorter in nearshore waters, but new opportunities in deeper water are anticipated.<p>Significant changes to California’s groundfish sport fishing regulations are expected starting next year, in response to recent scientific information suggesting some nearshore groundfish species are in decline. To reduce pressure on these stocks, fishing seasons will be shorter in nearshore waters, but new opportunities in deeper water are anticipated.</p> <p>The upcoming changes were developed by the Pacific Fishery Management Council (PFMC) over the past year and reflect outcomes of a public decision-making process where the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) worked with fishing industry representatives, non-governmental organizations, and state, federal and tribal governments to balance the need for fishing season closures in nearshore waters with the needs of these communities and industries. The PFMC approved the recommendations for 2023 and 2024 at its June meeting.</p> <p>Based on these recommendations, the National Marine Fisheries Service has begun the process of amending federal regulations, which are expected to take effect in January 2023. The California Fish and Game Commission is considering the same changes to ocean sport fishing regulations for state waters.</p> <p>California’s sport groundfish regulations divide the state into five “Groundfish Management Areas” – in which the fishing seasons, Rockfish Conservation Areas or depth constraints, and bag limits may differ. In 2022, nearshore groundfish fishing season lengths ranged from eight to 10 months, but in 2023, they are expected to shrink to not more than five and a half months in all areas.</p> <p>Within the 10-fish daily combined rockfish, cabezon and greenling bag limit, the sub-bag limits of one fish each for quillback and copper rockfish, and four fish for vermilion rockfish will continue in 2023. These sub-bag limits have been in effect since January 2022 and were necessary because new information in 2021 indicated severe declines in the populations of quillback and copper rockfish off California, and recreational vermilion rockfish catch continued to be greater than sustainable harvest limits.</p> <p>Both the sub-bag limits and shortened fishing seasons are expected to achieve necessary reductions in copper, vermilion and quillback rockfish catch.</p> <p>While groundfish fishing seasons will be shorter for nearshore waters and some bag limits are reduced, new opportunities to fish in deeper water beginning in 2023 will allow anglers to target healthy populations of shelf and slope rockfish in deeper waters, like schooling mid-water widow and yellowtail rockfish, or bottom-dwelling blackgill rockfish. Additionally, the sport fishing seasons for some other federally managed groundfish species like sablefish (sometimes called “black cod” or “butterfish”) will be open year-round without depth constraints. Access to these previously closed depths means new experiences for anglers as they explore new habitats, new fishing locations, new target species, and new gear configurations to assemble and deploy.</p> <p>“Next year is expected to bring a momentous shift in the sport groundfish fishery as all but one of the overfished shelf species that drove management decisions for the better part of the past two decades are now healthy,” said CDFW Environmental Program Manager Marci Yaremko. “While concerns for quillback and copper rockfish will impact the nearshore fishery in the coming years, there are also a number of new opportunities for anglers, and CDFW looks forward to supporting their development.”</p> <p>To stay informed of in-season regulatory changes, please call the Recreational Groundfish Hotline at (831) 649-2801 or visit CDFW’s <a href="/Fishing/Ocean/Regulations/Groundfish-Summary">summary of recreational groundfish fishing regulations</a>.</p> <p>###</p> <p><em><strong>Media Contacts:</strong><br /> <a href="mailto:caroline.mcknight@wildlife.ca.gov">Caroline McKnight</a>, CDFW Marine Region, (831) 277-7683<br /> <a href="mailto:kirsten.macintyre@wildlife.ca.gov">Kirsten Macintyre</a>, CDFW Communications, (916) 804-1714</em></p> <p><em><strong>Photo:</strong> CDFW photo of a copper rockfish, by Ed Roberts</em></p> New California Grunion Season and Limit Regulationshttps://wildlife.ca.gov/News/Archive/new-california-grunion-season-and-limit-regulationsMarineMon, 16 May 2022 13:35:35 GMTEarlier this year, the California Fish and Game Commission adopted regulatory changes to increase the length of the seasonal closure and create a bag and possession limit for grunion, an iconic species found in California and Baja California.<p>Earlier this year, the California Fish and Game Commission adopted regulatory changes to increase the length of the seasonal closure and create a bag and possession limit for grunion, an iconic species found in California and Baja California.</p> <p>Effective June 1, 2022, the new regulations add June to the seasonal no-take closure for grunion, which now extends from April 1 through June 30. Additionally, a bag and possession limit of 30 grunion was created.</p> <p>The main goal of the proposed amendments is to protect the existing population of grunion while allowing for a sustainable and satisfying recreational experience. Increasing the seasonal closure to include June will allow grunion more opportunities to spawn without being subject to recreational harvest. Additionally, the new bag and possession limit will ensure sustainable take of the species while allowing more grunion to remain in the population to spawn. These new changes were designed to help ensure a sustainable fishery and provide positive impacts to the California marine ecosystem, since grunion are a key prey item for a variety of marine species.</p> <p>California grunion facts, a schedule of expected runs and current regulations can be found on the California Department of Fish and Wildlife’s <a href="/Fishing/Ocean/Grunion">grunion web page</a>. During the open season, a California fishing license is required for persons 16 years and older, and grunion may be taken by hand only. No appliances of any kind may be used to take grunion, and no holes may be dug in the beach to entrap them.</p> <p>###</p> <p><em><strong>Media Contacts:</strong><br /> <a href="mailto:armand.barilotti@wildlife.ca.gov">Armand Barilotti</a>, CDFW Marine Region, (562) 342-7164<br /> <a href="mailto:kirsten.macintyre@wildlife.ca.gov">Kirsten Macintyre</a>, CDFW Communications, (916) 804-1714</em></p> <p><em>Grunion photo by CDFW</em></p>