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.
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this federal register document means for your household, plus every other regulation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-14204, Lake Ontario National Marine Sanctuary; Delay of Effective Date
NOAA is giving everyone more time before the rule that bans grappling or anchoring on Lake Ontario shipwrecks kicks in. Instead of starting in July 2026, this rule is now delayed until September 2028 to let NOAA set up mooring buoys and work with divers and boaters. This means boaters and commercial vessels can keep anchoring safely while NOAA gets everything ready without rushing.
2026-14195, Rescinding the Definition of “Harm” Under the Endangered Species Act
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration are wiping away the official definition of “harm” under the Endangered Species Act starting September 14, 2026. This change affects anyone involved in protecting endangered plants and animals by shifting how “harm” is understood and enforced. It’s a big move that could change how projects and protections are handled, but no new costs or deadlines are added right now.
2026-05599, Deep Seabed Mining: Notice of Receipt of Applications for Deep Seabed Mining Exploration Licenses and Announcement of Public Comment Period and Virtual Public Hearings
NOAA got two applications from companies wanting to explore mining deep under the ocean floor. They’re holding virtual public meetings in April and want your thoughts by May 22, 2026. This affects anyone interested in ocean mining and how we protect our seas while exploring new resources.
2026-04256, Atlantic Highly Migratory Species; Spatial Fisheries Management; Amendment 15 to the 2006 Consolidated Atlantic Highly Migratory Species Fishery Management Plan
Starting April 3, 2026, new rules change shark fishing zones and times in the Atlantic to better protect sharks and manage fishing risks. Fishermen using bottom and pelagic longline gear will see updated area boundaries and must pay for electronic monitoring if fishing in certain safer zones. These changes help keep shark populations healthy while supporting responsible fishing.
2026-16156, Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Reapportionment of Halibut Prohibited Species Catch Limits in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area
NMFS is reapportioning the unused amounts of the Pacific cod Trawl Cooperative (PCTC) Program halibut prohibited species catch (PSC) limit to the Pacific cod trawl limited access catcher vessel sector C season in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands management area (BSAI).
2026-15956, Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for Review and Approval; Comment Request; Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument and National Marine Sanctuary Permit Application and Reports for Permits
The Department of Commerce, in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA), invites the general public and other Federal agencies to comment on proposed, and continuing information collections, which helps us assess the impact of our information collection requirements and minimize the public's reporting burden. The purpose of this notice is to allow for 60 days of public comment preceding submission of the collection to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB).
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-12558, Safety Zone; Detroit River, Trenton, MI
On June 27, 2026, the Coast Guard is setting up a temporary safety zone around the Trenton Channel in the Detroit River to keep boats and people safe during a fireworks show. No one can enter this 250-yard zone from 9:30 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. unless they get special permission. This quick action helps protect everyone and the environment without any extra costs or delays.
Next: 2026-12576, Migratory Bird Subsistence Harvest in Alaska
Starting June 23, 2026, new rules update how Alaska Native communities can hunt migratory birds for food and tradition. These changes clarify when and where they can harvest certain birds, helping protect bird populations while supporting cultural practices. If you live in Alaska and rely on these birds, these updated rules affect your subsistence harvest seasons and locations.