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.
The Draft Groundfish Management Boundaries web page provides access to a zoomable map with the proposed 20-fathom RCA boundary line, and instructions on how to provide comments. The comment period is open until Saturday December 23, 2023 at 11:59 p.m. PST.
An RCA line is a series of individual waypoints defined by latitude and longitude. When connected, the waypoints create a boundary line that approximates a specific depth contour. The proposed RCA boundary line will extend over waters that are both shallower and deeper than 20 fathoms, but should generally approximate that depth.
RCA boundary line will be implemented through upcoming state rulemaking in anticipation of new 2024 recreational and commercial regulations being developed for groundfish fisheries. While the proposed boundary line is being developed statewide, it will likely be implemented in Groundfish Management Areas where quillback rockfish most commonly occur.
Currently, the shallowest available RCA boundary line off California is the federal 30-fathom RCA boundary line. The new, proposed 20-fathom RCA boundary line for state regulations has been developed so that it does not cross or intersect with the federal 30-fathom boundary line.
CDFW is asking recreational anglers and commercial fishermen to review and recommend any needed revisions to waypoints that could provide access to shallow nearshore fishing grounds while also generally approximating the 20-fathom depth contour. The waypoints for the proposed 20-fathom RCA boundary line must also fall entirely within state waters (which is depicted in the map viewer). It is also desirable to have fewer waypoints to reduce regulatory complexity and increase ease of use.
Your review and input concerning this proposed line is very much appreciated. With feedback from the fishing community, CDFW hopes the new 20-fathom RCA boundary line will allow commercial and recreational groundfish fishing in shallower waters in the new year.
