CDFW Wants Your Input on New 20-Fathom Rockfish Conservation Area Boundary Line

Schooling rockfish
CDFW/MARE photo

Note: The comment period is now closed.

CDFW is seeking public review of a proposed 20-fathom Rockfish Conservation Area (RCA) boundary line. The proposed line will allow commercial and recreational groundfish fishing in shallow waters, providing access to most nearshore rockfish while also minimizing catch and release of quillback rockfish, which may not be retained in California as of 2023. 

New Groundfish Depth Limit to Take Effect Soon off Northern California

Lingcod, one of many groundfish species that may be taken in offshore ocean waters.
CDFW/MARE photo

Beginning just after midnight on Monday Aug. 21, 2023, boat-based groundfish anglers in northern California ocean waters will need to abide by a new “offshore-only” depth limit. The new recreational depth limit will apply in the Northern Groundfish Management Area (GMA), from the California-Oregon border to Cape Mendocino.