DFG News Archive

Black Rockfish Recreational Fishery to Close May 16 along Northern California Coast

On April 22, the Fish and Game Commission took emergency action to bring California's sport fishing regulations (Title 14, California Code of Regulations Sections 27.60 and 28.55) for black rockfish into conformance with recently amended federal recreational groundfish rules effective May 1. However, another permanent rulemaking dealing with the same sport fishing regulations also took effect on May 1 with the potential to confuse anglers. To give anglers time to adjust, the California Department of Fish and Game (DFG) will not close the black rockfish fishery in state waters north of the 40°10' N latitude until 12:01 a.m. on May 16.

When the recreational fishery for black rockfish in Del Norte County and part of Humboldt County closes at 12:01 a.m. on May 16, it will affect sport fishing in coastal waters from the California-Oregon border to an area near Cape Mendocino (40°10' N latitude) in Humboldt County. The closure is necessary to protect fish populations and keep California recreational black rockfish catches within allowable levels. The closure (no retention of black rockfish) will apply to recreational fishing for black rockfish, and will be in effect during the month of May, and from September through December in all state waters (shore to three miles) in the area known as the Northern Rockfish and Lingcod Management Area (Title 14, California Code of Regulations Section 27.82). The closure applies to all methods of take. Federal rules prohibiting the retention of black rockfish are currently in effect in federal waters (from 3 miles to 200 miles from shore) for the Northern Rockfish and Lingcod Management Area.

"I encourage recreational fishermen, in the spirit of good stewardship, to voluntarily refrain from taking black rockfish until the official closure takes effect on May 16," said DFG Director Ryan Broddrick.

For detailed information on the PFMC's actions, log on to www.pcouncil.org. For additional information on California's ocean fisheries, log on to DFG's Web site at www.dfg.ca.gov/mrd.