California Fishing Rules Get a New Exclusion Makeover
Published Date: 6/23/2026
Rule
Summary
Starting June 23, 2026, fishermen off central California will see a simpler set of rules as the Cordell Bank Groundfish Conservation Area is removed and replaced with a new Groundfish Exclusion Area. This change protects important ocean habitats while opening up more fishing spots. It’s a win-win for the environment and the fishing community, making it easier to fish without harming sensitive areas.
Analyzed Economic Effects
6 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 1 costs, 1 mixed.
Net 40.1 sq mi Opened to Fishing
Effective June 23, 2026, the rule opens a net area of 40.1 square miles (103.9 sq km) around Cordell Bank to groundfish fishing. Of that area, 10.2 sq mi (26.4 sq km) is open to trawl gear and the full 40.1 sq mi is open to non-trawl commercial and recreational gear.
Charter Boats Near San Francisco Benefit
NMFS states this rule will primarily benefit recreational fishermen in the San Francisco Management Area, specifically charter boat operators out of San Francisco and Bodega Bay. The 2026 California recreational groundfish season runs April 1, 2026 through December 31, 2026, and the rule is effective June 23, 2026.
Non‑Trawl Commercial Fishers Gain Access
The rule opens 40.1 sq mi (103.9 sq km) to non-trawl commercial and recreational gear; NMFS anticipates some effort shift into this area by non-trawl commercial catch-share sector vessels, which will likely use hook-and-line gear.
Trawl Area Opened but Gear Restricted
The rule opens 10.2 sq mi (26.4 sq km) to trawl gear but maintains the prohibition on large footrope trawl gear shoreward of the 100-fathom (183 m) contour, so only small footrope trawl gear would be permitted in that 10.2 sq mi area, effective June 23, 2026.
2.5 sq mi Closed to Non‑Bottom Contact Gear
The rule closes approximately 2.5 sq mi (6.5 sq km) that previously allowed non-bottom contact groundfish gear, removing the ability to use non-bottom contact gear in that 2.5 sq mi area, effective June 23, 2026.
Agency: No Significant Small‑Business Impact
During the proposed rule stage, the Department of Commerce Chief Counsel certified that this action will not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities, so NMFS did not prepare a final regulatory flexibility analysis.
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