New Rules Boost West Coast Groundfish Catches While Protecting Stocks
Published Date: 9/18/2025
Rule
Summary
Fishermen off California’s coast get new rules for 2025-2026 that let them catch more healthy groundfish while keeping overfished stocks safe. These changes adjust how deep they can fish and how much they can catch on each trip, helping both commercial and recreational fishers make the most of the season. The updates kick in during the fishing year to keep things balanced and sustainable.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
More catch allowed for CA commercial fishers
Commercial fishing rules off the California coast for the 2025-2026 fishing year change depth restrictions and trip limits so vessels can access more abundant groundfish that co-occur with California quillback rockfish. These inseason adjustments are intended to let commercial fishers catch more healthy stocks while continuing to protect overfished and depleted stocks.
Recreational anglers get relaxed limits
For the 2025-2026 fishing year, recreational groundfish rules off the California coast change depth restrictions and trip limits so anglers can more fully catch healthy groundfish that occur with California quillback rockfish. These inseason adjustments aim to increase access for recreational fishers while protecting overfished and depleted stocks.
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