CDFW Newshttps://wildlife.ca.gov/NewsFederal Council Announces California Ocean Salmon Season Alternativeshttps://wildlife.ca.gov/News/Archive/federal-council-announces-california-ocean-salmon-season-alternativesMarineWed, 13 Mar 2024 12:30:26 GMTThe Pacific Fishery Management Council (PFMC) has produced three options for ocean salmon seasons beginning May 16, 2024. Two of the three alternatives would authorize short ocean salmon season dates and establish small harvest limits for commercial and sport fishing off California in 2024. The third alternative would close the ocean fisheries off California for a second consecutive year.<p>The Pacific Fishery Management Council (PFMC) has produced three options for ocean salmon seasons beginning May 16, 2024. Two of the three alternatives would authorize short ocean salmon season dates and establish small harvest limits for commercial and sport fishing off California in 2024. The third alternative would close the ocean fisheries off California for a second consecutive year. The alternatives were approved by the PFMC for public review Monday.</p> <p><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"></span></p> <p>In response to several years of drought over the past decade, key California salmon target stocks are forecast to have 2024 abundance levels that, while higher than last year, are well below average. The 2024 stock abundance forecast for Sacramento River Fall Chinook, which is often the most abundant stock in the ocean fishery, is 213,600 adults. Meanwhile, abundance of Klamath River Fall Chinook is forecast at 180,700 adults. At this level of abundance, the <a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.pcouncil.org%2Fdocuments%2F2022%2F12%2Fpacific-coast-salmon-fmp.pdf%2F&data=05%7C02%7CPeter.Tira%40Wildlife.ca.gov%7C235b02f557924028a28a08dc438e29bd%7C4b633c25efbf40069f1507442ba7aa0b%7C0%7C0%7C638459525180722181%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=dxMzWTU3mH%2BD3HbqoXC96AO70%2Fnctraf8axEdpfbvDE%3D&reserved=0">Pacific Coast Salmon Fishery Management Plan</a> authorizes only low levels of fishing on these stocks, and requires management be designed to allow most of the adult population to return to the river to spawn.</p> <p><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"></span></p> <p>Commercial fishing alternatives propose a limited number of small quota fisheries, and would require vessel-based weekly trip limits that would apply in each open period. In-season action would be taken to close remaining season dates if total catch is expected to reach the harvest limit.</p> <p><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"></span></p> <p>Recreational fishing alternatives would authorize up to seven short open fishing periods ranging from four to six days in length beginning in June and running through October. Scheduled dates would not be guaranteed and would be subject to two different statewide harvest guidelines. If the total sport catch reaches the limit prior to September, remaining dates prior to September would be canceled. Similarly, if total sport catch reaches the limit for dates scheduled in the months of September and October, remaining dates would be canceled.</p> <p><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"></span></p> <p>In-season management and harvest limits are new concepts in management of commercial and recreational ocean salmon fisheries off California. Given the low abundance forecasts and spawner returns in recent years, it is crucial that any limited salmon fishing ultimately authorized be managed to ensure most of the fish return to the river this fall. Use of these strategies in 2024 ocean fisheries is expected to keep catches within pre-season projections.</p> <p><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"></span></p> <p>On recommendation from California and Oregon agency representatives and industry advisors, the National Marine Fisheries Service took <a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcontent.govdelivery.com%2Faccounts%2FUSNOAAFISHERIES%2Fbulletins%2F38ffa17&data=05%7C02%7CPeter.Tira%40Wildlife.ca.gov%7C235b02f557924028a28a08dc438e29bd%7C4b633c25efbf40069f1507442ba7aa0b%7C0%7C0%7C638459525180733243%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=jnnBsHzgHkXjDfymwriHrQ4Mr2NzZWvCHcRVBbpNOY0%3D&reserved=0">in-season action</a> to cancel ocean salmon fishery openers that were scheduled between Cape Falcon, Oregon and the U.S./Mexico border that were scheduled to open prior to May 16, 2024. The sport fishery off much of California had been set to open in early April. Season dates and regulations may be found on the California Department of Fish and Wildlife web page at <a href="http://www.wildlife.ca.gov/oceansalmon">www.wildlife.ca.gov/oceansalmon</a>.</p> <p><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"></span></p> <p>On March 25, 2024, the PFMC will hold a public hearing in Santa Rosa to receive public comment on the three proposed regulatory alternatives. The PFMC will then meet April 5-11 in Seattle, Washington to adopt final regulations for the season. More information on the three alternatives can be found at this <a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.pcouncil.org%2Fdocuments%2F2024%2F03%2Fpacific-fishery-management-council-releases-alternatives-for-2024-west-coast-salmon-fisheries-updated-march-11-2024.pdf%2F&data=05%7C02%7CPeter.Tira%40Wildlife.ca.gov%7C235b02f557924028a28a08dc438e29bd%7C4b633c25efbf40069f1507442ba7aa0b%7C0%7C0%7C638459525180743269%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=EKu6F%2Fdgi2ArWgUpz5of7jeBtg%2F5zuKJ4Taq2A7Nk78%3D&reserved=0">link</a> or see <a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.pcouncil.org%2F&data=05%7C02%7CPeter.Tira%40Wildlife.ca.gov%7C235b02f557924028a28a08dc438e29bd%7C4b633c25efbf40069f1507442ba7aa0b%7C0%7C0%7C638459525180751997%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=0iDPOFSpIQ1qkIjqwoE3vc9R599tTQ38Y34l7a1wOtQ%3D&reserved=0">Pacific Fishery Management Council (pcouncil.org)</a> for information regarding PFMC meetings and public comment opportunities.</p> <p>###</p> <p><em><strong>Media Contacts:</strong><br /> <a href="mailto:Steve.Gonzalez@wildlife.ca.gov">Steve Gonzalez</a>, CDFW Communications, (916) 804-1714<br /> <a href="mailto:Chester.Lindley@wildlife.ca.gov">Chester Lindley</a>, CDFW Marine Region (707) 951-4083</em></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Aptos,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"></span></span></span></span></p> CDFW Opens Commercial Dungeness Crab Fishery in the Central Management Area Under Trap Reduction and Lifts Recreational Crab Trap Restrictionhttps://wildlife.ca.gov/News/Archive/cdfw-opens-commercial-dungeness-crab-fishery-in-the-central-management-area-under-trap-reduction-and-lifts-recreational-crab-trap-restrictionMarineThu, 11 Jan 2024 13:54:35 GMTThe California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) will open the commercial Dungeness crab fishery from the Sonoma/Mendocino county line to the U.S./Mexico border (Central Management Area: Fishing Zones 3-6) under a 50 percent trap reduction beginning Jan. 18, 2024, at 12:01 a.m. with a 64-hour pre-soak to begin on Jan. 15, 2024, at 8 a.m.<p>The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) will open the commercial Dungeness crab fishery from the Sonoma/Mendocino county line to the U.S./Mexico border (Central Management Area: Fishing Zones 3-6) under a 50 percent trap reduction beginning Jan. 18, 2024, at 12:01 a.m. with a 64-hour pre-soak to begin on Jan. 15, 2024, at 8 a.m. This management decision is a balanced approach that achieves two outcomes. First, this trap reduction will help reduce entanglement risk for humpback whales by reducing the amount of gear and vertical lines in the water. Second, the decision gets the commercial fishery open statewide.</p> <p>This management decision includes exhaustive coordination with affected fishers, businesses and environmental organizations. CDFW reached this decision after seeking feedback and input from the California Dungeness Crab Fishing Gear Working Group, during a meeting on Jan. 10, 2024. The working group expressed broad support for this management decision.</p> <p>Any commercial Dungeness crab vessel fishing in or transiting Fishing Zones 3-6, regardless of fishing location is subject to the 50 percent reduction. Additionally, they must have at least 50 percent of their valid buoy tags for the current fishing season onboard and available for inspection by CDFW at all times. Commercial Dungeness crab vessels operating in Fishing Zones 3-6 must understand and comply with the restrictions by reviewing the <a href="https://nrm.dfg.ca.gov/FileHandler.ashx?DocumentID=218635&inline" target="_blank">CDFW Declaration (PDF)</a>, which includes additional information about this gear reduction. The commercial fishery north of the Sonoma/Mendocino county line (Fishing Zones 1 and 2) opened on Jan. 5, 2024, under a fleet advisory and is not subject to any trap reductions.</p> <p>CDFW is also lifting the temporary recreational crab trap restriction, beginning Jan. 12, 2024, at 8 a.m., from the Sonoma/Mendocino county line to Lopez Point, Monterey County (Fishing Zones 3 and 4). A fleet advisory remains in effect for both the commercial and recreational fishery for all Fishing Zones (1-6).</p> <p>“This has been an extremely challenging year for California’s commercial fishing industry,” said CDFW Director Charlton H. Bonham. “Today’s action in the Central Management Area strikes a balance. It protects whales and turtles, and it gets people on the water allowing our hardworking commercial fishing fleet to provide fresh sustainable crab to California residents.”</p> <p>CDFW encourages both the commercial and recreational crab fisheries to implement best practices, as described in the <a href="https://nrm.dfg.ca.gov/FileHandler.ashx?DocumentID=216638&inline">Best Practices Guide</a> and avoid setting any fishing gear in areas were whales or sea turtles are present. <strong>In addition, the commercial fishery is encouraged to remain vigilant for lost or abandoned gear throughout the fishing season.</strong> Permitted commercial Dungeness crab vessels are <a href="https://nrm.dfg.ca.gov/FileHandler.ashx?DocumentID=202545&inline">allowed to retrieve up to six derelict commercial Dungeness crab traps</a> per fishing trip <strong>pursuant to Section 132.2, Title 14, California Code of Regulations</strong>. Derelict fishing gear may also be reported through <a href="https://wildlife.ca.gov/Enforcement/CalTIP">CalTIP</a>.</p> <p>CDFW anticipates the next risk assessment will take place in mid-February 2024. For more information related to the risk assessment process, please visit <a href="https://www.wildlife.ca.gov/Conservation/Marine/Whale-Safe-Fisheries">CDFW’s Whale Safe Fisheries page</a>. For more information on the Dungeness crab fishery, please visit <a href="http://www.wildlife.ca.gov/crab">www.wildlife.ca.gov/crab</a>.</p> <p>###</p> <p><em><strong>Media Contacts:</strong><br /> <a href="mailto:Ryan.Bartling@wildlife.ca.gov">Ryan Bartling</a>, CDFW Marine Region, (415) 238-2638<br /> <a href="mailto:Stephen.Gonzalez@wildlife.ca.gov">Stephen Gonzalez</a>, CDFW Communications, (916) 804-1714</em></p> Ocean Salmon Sport Fisheries in California Closed for April through Mid-May 2023https://wildlife.ca.gov/News/Archive/ocean-salmon-sport-fisheries-in-california-closed-for-april-through-mid-may-2023SalmonFri, 10 Mar 2023 19:07:04 GMTToday, on recommendation from California and Oregon agency representatives and industry advisors, the National Marine Fisheries Service took inseason action to cancel ocean salmon fishery openers that were scheduled between Cape Falcon, Ore., and the U.S./Mexico border through May 15.<p>Today, on recommendation from California and Oregon agency representatives and industry advisors, the National Marine Fisheries Service <a href="https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/bulletin/inseason-actions-2023-ocean-salmon-fisheries-south-cape-falcon-recreational-commercial" target="_blank">took inseason action</a> to cancel ocean salmon fishery openers that were scheduled between Cape Falcon, Ore., and the U.S./Mexico border through May 15.</p> <p>The sport fishery had been scheduled to open off California in most areas on April 1. The actions were taken to protect Sacramento River fall Chinook, which returned to the Central Valley in 2022 at <a href="/News/fishery-scientists-announce-poor-2023-outlook-for-californias-ocean-salmon-stocks#gsc.tab=0">near-record low numbers</a>, and Klamath River fall Chinook, which had the second lowest abundance forecast since the current assessment method began in 1997.</p> <p>The Pacific Fishery Management Council (PFMC) has <a href="https://www.pcouncil.org/documents/2023/03/pacific-fishery-management-council-releases-alternatives-for-2023-west-coast-salmon-fisheries-march-10-2023.pdf/" target="_blank">produced three regulatory options (PDF)</a> for the May 16, 2023, through May 15, 2024, time period. None of the three options would authorize commercial or ocean salmon sport fishing off California until April 2024. The alternatives were approved by the PFMC for public review today.</p> <p>On March 21, 2023, the PFMC will hold a public hearing in Santa Rosa to receive public comment on the three proposed regulatory alternatives. The PFMC will then meet April 1-7 in Foster City to adopt final regulations. More information regarding the PFMC meetings and options can be found on the PFMC website at <a href="http://www.pcouncil.org" target="_blank">www.pcouncil.org</a>. </p> <p>###</p> <p><em><strong>Media Contact:</strong><br /> <a href="mailto:Jordan.Traverso@wildlife.ca.gov">Jordan Traverso</a>, CDFW Communications, (916) 212-7352</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>