California’s recreational salmon season opened in ocean waters on Saturday, April 2, 2016, from Horse Mountain (40° 05’ 00” N. latitude) south to the U.S./Mexico border.
Anglers are limited to two Chinook per day, with minimum sizes varying by region.
The recreational salmon season north of Horse Mountain remains closed and the season will be determined in April.
For anglers fishing north of Point Conception (34° 27’ 00” N. latitude), no more than two single-point, single-shank barbless hooks shall be used, and no more than one rod shall be used per angler when fishing for salmon or fishing from a boat with salmon on board. In addition, barbless circle hooks are required when fishing with bait by any means other than trolling.
Additional ocean salmon fishing regulations for the 2016 fishing season will be decided by the Pacific Fishery Management Council (PFMC) during its April 9-14 meeting in Vancouver, Washington, and by the Fish and Game Commission at its April 18 teleconference.
Final sport regulations will be published in the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) 2016-2017 Supplemental Sport Fishing Regulations booklet, which will be posted online in May at www.wildlife.ca.gov/regulations.
Three alternatives are currently being considered for California’s 2016 commercial and recreational ocean salmon regulations, including season dates, size limits, bag limits and quotas.
The public is encouraged to comment on any of the proposed alternatives that can be found on the PFMC website at www.pcouncil.org.
CDFW regulations prohibit the retention of coho salmon in all California ocean fisheries.
For more information, visit www.wildlife.ca.gov or call the Ocean Salmon Regulations Hotline at (707) 576-3429.
source: California Department of Fish and Wildlife
Showing posts with label california. Show all posts
Showing posts with label california. Show all posts
Tuesday, April 5, 2016
Tuesday, March 24, 2015
2015 Pacific Salmon Season (Recreational Fisheries)
Biologists are predicting good salmon runs up and down the Pacific Coast for the 2015 fishing season.
In March the Pacific Fishery Management Council (PFMC) adopted three public review options for the 2015 salmon season off the West Coast of the United States.
Public hearings to receive input on the options are scheduled for March 30 in Westport, Washington and Coos Bay, Oregon; and for March 31 in Fort Bragg, California.
The Council will consult with scientists, hear public comment, and revise preliminary decisions until it chooses a final option at its meeting April 10-16 in Rohnert Park, California.
At its April meeting in Rohnert Park, the Council will narrow the options to a single season recommendation to be forwarded to National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) for their final approval before May 1.
All PFMC meetings are open to the public.
Detailed information about season starting dates, areas open, and catch limits for all three options are available on the PFMC website at www.pcouncil.org.
source: Pacific Fishery Management Council
In March the Pacific Fishery Management Council (PFMC) adopted three public review options for the 2015 salmon season off the West Coast of the United States.
Public hearings to receive input on the options are scheduled for March 30 in Westport, Washington and Coos Bay, Oregon; and for March 31 in Fort Bragg, California.
The Council will consult with scientists, hear public comment, and revise preliminary decisions until it chooses a final option at its meeting April 10-16 in Rohnert Park, California.
At its April meeting in Rohnert Park, the Council will narrow the options to a single season recommendation to be forwarded to National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) for their final approval before May 1.
All PFMC meetings are open to the public.
Detailed information about season starting dates, areas open, and catch limits for all three options are available on the PFMC website at www.pcouncil.org.
source: Pacific Fishery Management Council
Monday, April 21, 2014
2014 West Coast USA Ocean Salmon Seasons
The Pacific Fishery Management Council adopted a set of ocean salmon seasons that provides both recreational and commercial opportunities coastwide.
Washington and Oregon fishermen, in particular, will be benefit from higher-than-usual salmon returns in the Columbia River this year.
Salmon fisheries in California and Oregon provide access to an expected good return of Sacramento River fall Chinook while meeting protective measures for Klamath River fall Chinook, Sacramento River winter Chinook, and California Coastal Chinook.
The recommendation will be forwarded to the National Marine Fisheries Service for approval by May 1, 2014.
“Everyone is excited about the strong, near-record, abundance of Columbia River stocks and improved numbers of coho salmon,” said Council Chair Dorothy Lowman. “it is rewarding to see hard work translate into a balance of achieving conservation goals while providing good seasons for both recreational and commercial ocean salmon fisheries this summer.”
The coastal states will decide on compatible freshwater fishery regulations at their respective Commission hearings.
For more information, visit: http://www.pcouncil.org
source: Pacific Fishery Management Council
Washington and Oregon fishermen, in particular, will be benefit from higher-than-usual salmon returns in the Columbia River this year.
Salmon fisheries in California and Oregon provide access to an expected good return of Sacramento River fall Chinook while meeting protective measures for Klamath River fall Chinook, Sacramento River winter Chinook, and California Coastal Chinook.
The recommendation will be forwarded to the National Marine Fisheries Service for approval by May 1, 2014.
“Everyone is excited about the strong, near-record, abundance of Columbia River stocks and improved numbers of coho salmon,” said Council Chair Dorothy Lowman. “it is rewarding to see hard work translate into a balance of achieving conservation goals while providing good seasons for both recreational and commercial ocean salmon fisheries this summer.”
The coastal states will decide on compatible freshwater fishery regulations at their respective Commission hearings.
For more information, visit: http://www.pcouncil.org
source: Pacific Fishery Management Council
Monday, March 17, 2014
2014 Pacific Salmon Recreational Seasons
The Pacific Fishery Management Council (PFMC) recently adopted three public review options for the 2014 salmon season off the West Coast of the United States. The Council will select a final option at their next meeting in Vancouver, Washington on April 5-9.
Sport Season Options:
Northern Oregon and Washington (north of Cape Falcon)
Ocean sport fishery options north of Cape Falcon in Oregon and off the Washington coast have mark-selective coho quotas ranging from 159,600 to 193,200 that start in late June and run into September (last year, the quota was 74,760 coho).
For Chinook salmon, quotas range from 47,500 Chinook to 60,000 Chinook (last year, the quota was 48,000 Chinook). Chinook quotas are limited due to in order to protect lower Columbia River tule fall Chinook, which are listed under the Endangered Species Act.
California and southern Oregon (south of Cape Falcon)
California ocean sport fishing options generally provide continuous fishing opportunity from April to October or November.
Oregon ocean recreational options include mark-selective coho fishing seasons starting in June or July and running into September. Quotas range from 50,000 to 80,000 coho.
In addition, non-mark selective fisheries are proposed in September with a quota of 20,000 coho. Options for Oregon ocean Chinook fishing in the Brookings area run May through September. For the Tillamook, Newport, and Coos Bay areas, season options range from March to October.
Public hearings to receive input on the options are scheduled for March 24 in Westport, Washington and Coos Bay, Oregon; and for March 25 in Eureka, California. The Council will consult with scientists, hear public comment, and revise preliminary decisions until it chooses a final option at its meeting April 5-10 in Vancouver, Washington.
At its April meeting in Vancouver, the Council will narrow these options to a single season recommendation to be forwarded to National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) for their final approval before May 1.
Detailed information about season starting dates, areas open,and catch limits for all three options are available on the Council’s website at
www.pcouncil.org.
source: Pacific Fishery Management Council
Sport Season Options:
Northern Oregon and Washington (north of Cape Falcon)
Ocean sport fishery options north of Cape Falcon in Oregon and off the Washington coast have mark-selective coho quotas ranging from 159,600 to 193,200 that start in late June and run into September (last year, the quota was 74,760 coho).
For Chinook salmon, quotas range from 47,500 Chinook to 60,000 Chinook (last year, the quota was 48,000 Chinook). Chinook quotas are limited due to in order to protect lower Columbia River tule fall Chinook, which are listed under the Endangered Species Act.
California and southern Oregon (south of Cape Falcon)
California ocean sport fishing options generally provide continuous fishing opportunity from April to October or November.
Oregon ocean recreational options include mark-selective coho fishing seasons starting in June or July and running into September. Quotas range from 50,000 to 80,000 coho.
In addition, non-mark selective fisheries are proposed in September with a quota of 20,000 coho. Options for Oregon ocean Chinook fishing in the Brookings area run May through September. For the Tillamook, Newport, and Coos Bay areas, season options range from March to October.
Public hearings to receive input on the options are scheduled for March 24 in Westport, Washington and Coos Bay, Oregon; and for March 25 in Eureka, California. The Council will consult with scientists, hear public comment, and revise preliminary decisions until it chooses a final option at its meeting April 5-10 in Vancouver, Washington.
At its April meeting in Vancouver, the Council will narrow these options to a single season recommendation to be forwarded to National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) for their final approval before May 1.
Detailed information about season starting dates, areas open,and catch limits for all three options are available on the Council’s website at
www.pcouncil.org.
source: Pacific Fishery Management Council
Friday, January 31, 2014
USA Pacific Bluefin Tuna Catches
The U.S. catch of Pacific bluefin tuna in the eastern Pacific Ocean (EPO) represents a relatively minor component of Pacific bluefin tuna landings within the area, according to the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS).
Landings receipts of U.S. commercial vessels fishing in the EPO from 2007 to 2011 indicate that Pacific bluefin tuna catches represent only two percent of the average annual landings for all fleets fishing in the EPO during the period. The average annual U.S. catch of Pacific bluefin tuna was 113 metric tons for 1999 through 2012.
Most of the landings are made by small coastal purse seine vessels operating in the Southern California Bight with limited additional landings made by the drift gillnet fleet that targets swordfish and thresher shark. Small numbers of Pacific bluefin tuna are also caught by surface hook and line and longline gear.
The number of purse seine vessels that have landed tuna in California averaged 197 annually from 1981 through 1990. However, from 2000 to 2013, six small purse seiners have been registered with the IATTC to target Pacific bluefin tuna in the Convention Area each year.
source: National Marine Fisheries Service
Landings receipts of U.S. commercial vessels fishing in the EPO from 2007 to 2011 indicate that Pacific bluefin tuna catches represent only two percent of the average annual landings for all fleets fishing in the EPO during the period. The average annual U.S. catch of Pacific bluefin tuna was 113 metric tons for 1999 through 2012.
Most of the landings are made by small coastal purse seine vessels operating in the Southern California Bight with limited additional landings made by the drift gillnet fleet that targets swordfish and thresher shark. Small numbers of Pacific bluefin tuna are also caught by surface hook and line and longline gear.
The number of purse seine vessels that have landed tuna in California averaged 197 annually from 1981 through 1990. However, from 2000 to 2013, six small purse seiners have been registered with the IATTC to target Pacific bluefin tuna in the Convention Area each year.
source: National Marine Fisheries Service
Saturday, February 9, 2013
2013 California Grunion Runs
A schedule of predicted spawning runs for California grunion is now available online at www.dfg.ca.gov/marine/grunionschedule.asp.
Grunion are the object of a unique, southern California recreational fishery. These fish are famous for their remarkable spawning behavior.
Grunion leave the water at night to spawn on beaches during the spring and summer months. For four consecutive nights, beginning on the nights of the full and new moons, spawning occurs after high tides and continues for several hours.
Spawning occurs from March through August, and occasionally in February and September. Peak spawning is late March to early June.
For more information about California grunion, visit www.dfg.ca.gov/marine/grunion.asp
Grunion are the object of a unique, southern California recreational fishery. These fish are famous for their remarkable spawning behavior.
Grunion leave the water at night to spawn on beaches during the spring and summer months. For four consecutive nights, beginning on the nights of the full and new moons, spawning occurs after high tides and continues for several hours.
Spawning occurs from March through August, and occasionally in February and September. Peak spawning is late March to early June.
For more information about California grunion, visit www.dfg.ca.gov/marine/grunion.asp
Tuesday, November 6, 2012
California Dungeness Crab Sport Season
The highly anticipated Dungeness crab sport fishery opened Saturday, Nov. 3. During crabbing season, recreational crabbers fish for Dungeness using hoop nets and crab traps from boats and piers. Some fishermen employ crab loop traps on the end of a fishing rod. Divers also harvest crabs by hand.
"Crab populations appear to be strong coming off another record-setting year in the commercial fishery," said Department of Fish and Game (DFG) Senior Environmental Scientist Pete Kalvass, who oversees the Invertebrate Management Project. "However, crab in northern California above Cape Mendocino may be somewhat underweight for the first few weeks of the season due to a late molt."
The most popular methods for catching the tasty crustacean are with crab pots (or traps), loop traps and hoop nets. There is no limit to the number of pots or nets that can be fished recreationally, except when fishing from a public fishing pier where only two fishing appliances may be used.
For information regarding recreational Dungeness crab fishing regulations and other crab species, please visit the DFG Marine Region website at www.dfg.ca.gov/marine/invertebrate/crabs.asp.
source: CDFG
"Crab populations appear to be strong coming off another record-setting year in the commercial fishery," said Department of Fish and Game (DFG) Senior Environmental Scientist Pete Kalvass, who oversees the Invertebrate Management Project. "However, crab in northern California above Cape Mendocino may be somewhat underweight for the first few weeks of the season due to a late molt."
The most popular methods for catching the tasty crustacean are with crab pots (or traps), loop traps and hoop nets. There is no limit to the number of pots or nets that can be fished recreationally, except when fishing from a public fishing pier where only two fishing appliances may be used.
For information regarding recreational Dungeness crab fishing regulations and other crab species, please visit the DFG Marine Region website at www.dfg.ca.gov/marine/invertebrate/crabs.asp.
source: CDFG
Monday, April 30, 2012
2012 CA Recreational Ocean Salmon Season
On Tuesday, May 1, 2012, recreational ocean salmon fishing will open in the area between Horse Mountain and the Oregon/California state line, including Humboldt Bay.
California's recreational fishery for salmon will remain open in ocean waters through Sept. 9, 2012. Ocean salmon fishing south of Horse Mountain opened on April 7.
In the fall of 2011, record numbers of “jack” Chinook salmon returned to spawn in the Central Valley and Klamath-Trinity basins. High numbers of “jack” returns are a good indication that large populations of adult salmon remain in the ocean and will be available to anglers in the upcoming season.
Even with a more conservative approach to estimating the ocean population, fishery biologists expect about two million Chinook salmon will be in California coastal waters through the summer.
The coast-wide recreational daily bag and possession limit is two salmon of any species except coho. The minimum size limit is 20 inches total length between the Oregon/California state line and Point Arena (38° 57’ 30” N. latitude). For all areas south of Point Arena, the minimum size limit is 24 inches total length through July 5, and 20 inches total length thereafter. The fishery closes south of Pigeon Point on Oct. 7 and between Pigeon Point and Horse Mountain on Nov. 11.
For anglers fishing north of Point Conception, no more than two single-point, single-shank barbless hooks may be used and no more than one rod per angler when fishing for salmon or fishing from a boat with salmon on board. In addition, barbless circle hooks are required when fishing with bait by any means other than trolling between Horse Mountain and Point Conception.
For complete ocean salmon regulations, visit the Ocean Salmon webpage at www.dfg.ca.gov/marine/oceansalmon.asp or call the Ocean Salmon Regulations Hotline (707) 576-3429. The final 2012 ocean salmon regulations will be published in the DFG 2012 supplemental fishing regulations booklet available in May at www.dfg.ca.gov/regulations.
source: California Department of Fish and Game (DFG)
California's recreational fishery for salmon will remain open in ocean waters through Sept. 9, 2012. Ocean salmon fishing south of Horse Mountain opened on April 7.
In the fall of 2011, record numbers of “jack” Chinook salmon returned to spawn in the Central Valley and Klamath-Trinity basins. High numbers of “jack” returns are a good indication that large populations of adult salmon remain in the ocean and will be available to anglers in the upcoming season.
Even with a more conservative approach to estimating the ocean population, fishery biologists expect about two million Chinook salmon will be in California coastal waters through the summer.
The coast-wide recreational daily bag and possession limit is two salmon of any species except coho. The minimum size limit is 20 inches total length between the Oregon/California state line and Point Arena (38° 57’ 30” N. latitude). For all areas south of Point Arena, the minimum size limit is 24 inches total length through July 5, and 20 inches total length thereafter. The fishery closes south of Pigeon Point on Oct. 7 and between Pigeon Point and Horse Mountain on Nov. 11.
For anglers fishing north of Point Conception, no more than two single-point, single-shank barbless hooks may be used and no more than one rod per angler when fishing for salmon or fishing from a boat with salmon on board. In addition, barbless circle hooks are required when fishing with bait by any means other than trolling between Horse Mountain and Point Conception.
For complete ocean salmon regulations, visit the Ocean Salmon webpage at www.dfg.ca.gov/marine/oceansalmon.asp or call the Ocean Salmon Regulations Hotline (707) 576-3429. The final 2012 ocean salmon regulations will be published in the DFG 2012 supplemental fishing regulations booklet available in May at www.dfg.ca.gov/regulations.
source: California Department of Fish and Game (DFG)
Friday, April 20, 2012
Thresher Shark Cooperative Research
NOAA scientists, anglers, and a variety of institutions are researching how to keep West Coast recreational thresher shark fishing and commercial fisheries sustainable. Projects will study fishing gear technology, the use of circle hooks, and other long term conservation efforts. To learn more about Southern California thresher shark research projects, visit:
http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/stories/2012/04/04_10_2012_thresher_shark.html
source: NOAA FishNews
http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/stories/2012/04/04_10_2012_thresher_shark.html
source: NOAA FishNews
Monday, January 30, 2012
How To Catch Grunion
Grunion are caught by hand at night along beaches in southern California. Grunion leave the water at night to spawn on beaches during the spring and summer months.
These unique events occur for four consecutive nights, beginning on the nights of the full and new moons. Spawning occurs after high tides and continues for several hours.
Most spawning runs occur from March through August, with activity usually peaking from late March to early June.
The California Department of Fish and Game publishes a schedule of predicted spawning runs for California grunion. For more information about California grunion fishing, see:
www.dfg.ca.gov/marine/grunionschedule.asp and www.dfg.ca.gov/marine/grunion.asp
Fishermen should review fishing regulations before planning a fishing trip.
Source: California Department of Fish and Game
These unique events occur for four consecutive nights, beginning on the nights of the full and new moons. Spawning occurs after high tides and continues for several hours.
Most spawning runs occur from March through August, with activity usually peaking from late March to early June.
The California Department of Fish and Game publishes a schedule of predicted spawning runs for California grunion. For more information about California grunion fishing, see:
www.dfg.ca.gov/marine/grunionschedule.asp and www.dfg.ca.gov/marine/grunion.asp
Fishermen should review fishing regulations before planning a fishing trip.
Source: California Department of Fish and Game
Thursday, January 26, 2012
Southern California Steelhead Trout Recovery Plan
NOAA Fisheries has issued a final Recovery Plan designed to stabilize and eventually restore steelhead trout numbers in coastal streams from the Santa Maria River in Santa Barbara County south to the United States and Mexico border.
According to biologists, the Southern California distinct population segment of steelhead once numbered over 45,000 but has since declined to less than 500. Southern California steelhead were listed as endangered under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) in 1997. The ESA requires a Recovery Plan be developed when a species is listed under the statute as either threatened or endangered.
source: NOAA FishNews
According to biologists, the Southern California distinct population segment of steelhead once numbered over 45,000 but has since declined to less than 500. Southern California steelhead were listed as endangered under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) in 1997. The ESA requires a Recovery Plan be developed when a species is listed under the statute as either threatened or endangered.
source: NOAA FishNews
Friday, June 10, 2011
2011-2012 California Recreational Fishing Regulations - Groundfish
The California Department of Fish and Game (DFG) recently announced several changes to recreational groundfish regulations that apply to state waters 0-3 nautical miles from shore. The new regulations were adopted by the Fish and Game Commission last month and take effect June 9, 2011.
The changes conform to new federal regulations implemented by National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Fisheries last month, making all groundfish regulations consistent for state and federal waters from 3 to 200 nautical miles from shore.
The new California regulations were developed over the past two years in collaboration with fishery constituents after updated status information for certain groundfish species became available. For some areas of the state, the new stock assessment results combined with recent catch information allowed for longer fishing seasons while still keeping projected catches within allowable federal harvest limits.
The changes will apply to California recreational groundfish fishing regulations for 2011-2012 statewide unless otherwise noted, and include the following:
- A decrease of the lingcod minimum size limit from 24 to 22 inches
- An increase of the recreational bag limit of cabezon to three fish, within the 10-fish combined bag limit for rockfish, cabezon and greenlings
- Removal of the lingcod fishery closure in December and January through March when groundfish fishing is otherwise authorized
- An increase of the fishing depth constraint to 60 fathoms year-round for California scorpionfish
- Modification to gear restrictions when fishing for cabezon and greenlings so that no more than one line and two hooks may be used, consistent with existing regulations for rockfish and lingcod
- Other modifications to improve clarity and organization
Some Groundfish Management Areas have been renamed. The seasons and depth restrictions that apply for specific Groundfish Management Areas will take effect as follows:
Northern (California/Oregon border to near Cape Mendocino):
--For 2011, open May 14 through October 31 in depths less than 120 feet
--For 2012, open May 12 through October 31 in depths less than 120 feet
Mendocino (Near Cape Mendocino to Point Arena):
--For 2011, open May 14 through August 15 in depths less than 120 feet
--For 2012, open May 12 through August 15 in depths less than 120 feet
San Francisco (Point Arena to Pigeon Point):
--For 2011, open June 9 through December 31 in depths less than 180 feet
--For 2012, open June 1 through December 31 in depths less than 180 feet
Central (Pigeon Point to Point Conception):
--For 2011 and 2012, open May 1 through December 31 in depths less than 240 feet
Southern (Point Conception to U.S./Mexico border):
--For 2011 and 2012, open March 1 through December 31 in depths less than 360 feet
Cowcod Conservation Areas (offshore Southern California):
--For 2011 and 2012, open March 1 through December 31 in depths less than 120 feet (please note that nearshore rockfish continue to be the only species of rockfish that may be taken in these areas).
Anglers are advised to check regulations before fishing for federally managed groundfish. The upcoming recreational fishing regulations supplement will contain all new 2011-2012 groundfish regulations. The regulations are also available on the DFG website at www.dfg.ca.gov/marine/groundfishcentral or anglers can call the Recreational Groundfish Hotline at (831) 649-2801.
source: California Department of Fish and Game
The changes conform to new federal regulations implemented by National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Fisheries last month, making all groundfish regulations consistent for state and federal waters from 3 to 200 nautical miles from shore.
The new California regulations were developed over the past two years in collaboration with fishery constituents after updated status information for certain groundfish species became available. For some areas of the state, the new stock assessment results combined with recent catch information allowed for longer fishing seasons while still keeping projected catches within allowable federal harvest limits.
The changes will apply to California recreational groundfish fishing regulations for 2011-2012 statewide unless otherwise noted, and include the following:
- A decrease of the lingcod minimum size limit from 24 to 22 inches
- An increase of the recreational bag limit of cabezon to three fish, within the 10-fish combined bag limit for rockfish, cabezon and greenlings
- Removal of the lingcod fishery closure in December and January through March when groundfish fishing is otherwise authorized
- An increase of the fishing depth constraint to 60 fathoms year-round for California scorpionfish
- Modification to gear restrictions when fishing for cabezon and greenlings so that no more than one line and two hooks may be used, consistent with existing regulations for rockfish and lingcod
- Other modifications to improve clarity and organization
Some Groundfish Management Areas have been renamed. The seasons and depth restrictions that apply for specific Groundfish Management Areas will take effect as follows:
Northern (California/Oregon border to near Cape Mendocino):
--For 2011, open May 14 through October 31 in depths less than 120 feet
--For 2012, open May 12 through October 31 in depths less than 120 feet
Mendocino (Near Cape Mendocino to Point Arena):
--For 2011, open May 14 through August 15 in depths less than 120 feet
--For 2012, open May 12 through August 15 in depths less than 120 feet
San Francisco (Point Arena to Pigeon Point):
--For 2011, open June 9 through December 31 in depths less than 180 feet
--For 2012, open June 1 through December 31 in depths less than 180 feet
Central (Pigeon Point to Point Conception):
--For 2011 and 2012, open May 1 through December 31 in depths less than 240 feet
Southern (Point Conception to U.S./Mexico border):
--For 2011 and 2012, open March 1 through December 31 in depths less than 360 feet
Cowcod Conservation Areas (offshore Southern California):
--For 2011 and 2012, open March 1 through December 31 in depths less than 120 feet (please note that nearshore rockfish continue to be the only species of rockfish that may be taken in these areas).
Anglers are advised to check regulations before fishing for federally managed groundfish. The upcoming recreational fishing regulations supplement will contain all new 2011-2012 groundfish regulations. The regulations are also available on the DFG website at www.dfg.ca.gov/marine/groundfishcentral or anglers can call the Recreational Groundfish Hotline at (831) 649-2801.
source: California Department of Fish and Game
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Pacific Northwest Ocean Salmon Regulations
NOAA Fisheries Service recently announced that it has established fishery management measures for the 2011 ocean salmon fisheries off Washington, Oregon, and California and the 2012 salmon seasons opening earlier than May 1, 2012.
Specific fishery management measures vary by fishery and by area. The measures establish fishing areas, seasons, quotas, legal gear, recreational fishing days and catch limits, possession and landing restrictions, and minimum lengths for salmon taken in the U.S. exclusive economic zone (3-200 nautical miles) off Washington, Oregon, and California.
According to the agency, management measures are intended to prevent overfishing and to apportion the ocean harvest equitably among treaty Indian, non-treaty commercial, and recreational fisheries. The measures are also intended to allow a portion of the salmon runs to escape the ocean fisheries in order to provide for spawning escapement and to provide for fisheries occurring in state internal waters.
Details of the regulations are published in the Federal Register and public comments on the rule are invited.
source: NOAA FishNews
Specific fishery management measures vary by fishery and by area. The measures establish fishing areas, seasons, quotas, legal gear, recreational fishing days and catch limits, possession and landing restrictions, and minimum lengths for salmon taken in the U.S. exclusive economic zone (3-200 nautical miles) off Washington, Oregon, and California.
According to the agency, management measures are intended to prevent overfishing and to apportion the ocean harvest equitably among treaty Indian, non-treaty commercial, and recreational fisheries. The measures are also intended to allow a portion of the salmon runs to escape the ocean fisheries in order to provide for spawning escapement and to provide for fisheries occurring in state internal waters.
Details of the regulations are published in the Federal Register and public comments on the rule are invited.
source: NOAA FishNews
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
2011 Pacific Northwest Salmon Runs
The Pacific Fishery Management Council recently adopted a set of ocean salmon seasons that provides both recreational and commercial opportunities coastwide. According to the agency, California, Oregon, and Washington salmon fisheries will open in several locations. The recommendation will be forwarded to the National Marine Fisheries Service for approval by May 1, 2011.
Greatly improved abundance of Sacramento River fall Chinook will enable the first major ocean salmon fisheries off California and Oregon since 2007. In 2008 and 2009, poor Sacramento returns led to the largest ocean salmon fishery closure on record.
The abundance forecast of Sacramento River fall Chinook in 2011 is 730,000, far above the number needed for optimum spawning this fall. Klamath River fall Chinook runs for 2011 are predicted to be near normal.
In addition to increased runs of Chinook salmon, coho are expected to be plentiful. The 2011 forecast for Oregon Coast natural coho is about 250,000 fish, well above the 15 year average.
Greatly improved abundance of Sacramento River fall Chinook will enable the first major ocean salmon fisheries off California and Oregon since 2007. In 2008 and 2009, poor Sacramento returns led to the largest ocean salmon fishery closure on record.
The abundance forecast of Sacramento River fall Chinook in 2011 is 730,000, far above the number needed for optimum spawning this fall. Klamath River fall Chinook runs for 2011 are predicted to be near normal.
In addition to increased runs of Chinook salmon, coho are expected to be plentiful. The 2011 forecast for Oregon Coast natural coho is about 250,000 fish, well above the 15 year average.
Saturday, April 16, 2011
2011 California Ocean Salmon Fishing Season
For the first time in many years the forecast suggests that in 2011, California anglers may enjoy good salmon fishing.
Both the California Fish and Game Commission (FGC) and the Pacific Fishery Management Council (PFMC) approved the April 2 opening date based on scientific information suggesting that the Sacramento River Fall Chinook ocean population size is more than 700,000 fish.
According to FGC, ocean recreational seasons will be as follows:
The Klamath Management Zone from the Oregon border to Horse Mountain
will be open from May 14 through Sept. 5.
The waters from Horse Mountain to Point Arena will remain open
through Oct. 30.
The waters from Point Arena to Pigeon Point will remain open through
Oct. 30.
The waters from Pigeon Point to the United States/Mexico border will
remain open through Sept. 18.
The retention of coho salmon and steelhead remains prohibited California's ocean fisheries. Sacramento River fall chinook generally comprise 80 to 90 percent of the salmon catch in ocean waters off California.
In 2008 and 2009, virtually no fishing was allowed because of low abundance forecasts and poor returns
of fish to the Sacramento River Basin. In 2009, the return of adult Sacramento River Fall Chinook salmon was an all-time low of approximately 39,500 fish. Fishing in 2010 was also constrained for the same reasons.
For complete regulations as well as additional information on the 2011 fishing season, visit: www.dfg.ca.gov/marine/oceansalmon.asp
Anglers can also call the Ocean Salmon Hotline at (707) 576-3429
In addition to recreational fishing regulations, the PFMC has also defined commercial seasons. Information on west coast salmon commercial seasons, quotas, minimum size and gear restrictions can be found on the PFMC Web site at: www.pcouncil.org
Both the California Fish and Game Commission (FGC) and the Pacific Fishery Management Council (PFMC) approved the April 2 opening date based on scientific information suggesting that the Sacramento River Fall Chinook ocean population size is more than 700,000 fish.
According to FGC, ocean recreational seasons will be as follows:
The Klamath Management Zone from the Oregon border to Horse Mountain
will be open from May 14 through Sept. 5.
The waters from Horse Mountain to Point Arena will remain open
through Oct. 30.
The waters from Point Arena to Pigeon Point will remain open through
Oct. 30.
The waters from Pigeon Point to the United States/Mexico border will
remain open through Sept. 18.
The retention of coho salmon and steelhead remains prohibited California's ocean fisheries. Sacramento River fall chinook generally comprise 80 to 90 percent of the salmon catch in ocean waters off California.
In 2008 and 2009, virtually no fishing was allowed because of low abundance forecasts and poor returns
of fish to the Sacramento River Basin. In 2009, the return of adult Sacramento River Fall Chinook salmon was an all-time low of approximately 39,500 fish. Fishing in 2010 was also constrained for the same reasons.
For complete regulations as well as additional information on the 2011 fishing season, visit: www.dfg.ca.gov/marine/oceansalmon.asp
Anglers can also call the Ocean Salmon Hotline at (707) 576-3429
In addition to recreational fishing regulations, the PFMC has also defined commercial seasons. Information on west coast salmon commercial seasons, quotas, minimum size and gear restrictions can be found on the PFMC Web site at: www.pcouncil.org
Monday, March 21, 2011
Golden Gate Salmon Association Launched
The new Golden Gate Salmon Association is a coalition of commercial and recreational fisheries groups, conservation organizations and scientists dedicated to rebuilding the West Coast’s Central Valley salmon populations. The group has been aggressively carrying out fund raising efforts this spring. Its inaugural fund raising dinner is set for 28 April in Santa Rosa. Another fund raising dinner will be held in May at the Marin Rod & Gun Club in San Rafael (just north of San Francisco).
According to the organization, funds will be used to ensure fishery interests are represented and heard in a series of meetings over the next two years dealing with California salmon Biological Opinions, protecting salmon migrating through the Bay-Delta Estuary, and keeping state and federal salmon doubling goals front-and-center in water and Delta restoration discussions.
For more information, visit: http://www.goldengatesalmonassociation.com/
source: FishLink Sublegals
According to the organization, funds will be used to ensure fishery interests are represented and heard in a series of meetings over the next two years dealing with California salmon Biological Opinions, protecting salmon migrating through the Bay-Delta Estuary, and keeping state and federal salmon doubling goals front-and-center in water and Delta restoration discussions.
For more information, visit: http://www.goldengatesalmonassociation.com/
source: FishLink Sublegals
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Sardine Fish Kill in Redondo Beach California
In California, State biologists are running tests on a dozen dead fish from the Redondo Beach Harbor to determine the cause of a massive fish kill.
Approximately one million dead sardines were discovered in the Redondo Beach harbor on Tuesday morning, March 8, 2011. The event raised concerns about possible water contamination, which prompted officials to test local waters. Water samples tested on-site Tuesday were clear of contamination.
California Department of Fish and Game (DFG) wardens also sent about a dozen dead fish to the DFG laboratory in Rancho Cordova, where biologists will run tests to confirm that the die-off was not due to toxins in the water.
Because all the dead fish were contained in one area of the harbor, officials believe that the most likely culprit was oxygen deprivation. Recent storms could have caused the school of sardines to swim around the breakwater and into the enclosed harbor, where they were trapped and unable to get out before depleting the water of oxygen. According to biologists, oxygen-related fish kills can happen under these conditions.
The city of Redondo Beach activated its crisis response team Tuesday and by noon, more than 50 volunteers were assisting with the clean up. Dead fish were transported to a collection center, where they will be recycled into fertilizer. The harbor remains open.
Biologists at the northern California laboratory expect to complete their testing by mid-March, and DFG plans on continued monitoring of the harbor.
Approximately one million dead sardines were discovered in the Redondo Beach harbor on Tuesday morning, March 8, 2011. The event raised concerns about possible water contamination, which prompted officials to test local waters. Water samples tested on-site Tuesday were clear of contamination.
California Department of Fish and Game (DFG) wardens also sent about a dozen dead fish to the DFG laboratory in Rancho Cordova, where biologists will run tests to confirm that the die-off was not due to toxins in the water.
Because all the dead fish were contained in one area of the harbor, officials believe that the most likely culprit was oxygen deprivation. Recent storms could have caused the school of sardines to swim around the breakwater and into the enclosed harbor, where they were trapped and unable to get out before depleting the water of oxygen. According to biologists, oxygen-related fish kills can happen under these conditions.
The city of Redondo Beach activated its crisis response team Tuesday and by noon, more than 50 volunteers were assisting with the clean up. Dead fish were transported to a collection center, where they will be recycled into fertilizer. The harbor remains open.
Biologists at the northern California laboratory expect to complete their testing by mid-March, and DFG plans on continued monitoring of the harbor.
Monday, March 7, 2011
2011 California Chinook Salmon Run Predictions
On 1 March, the California Department of Fish & Game (CDFG) released data on the 2010 salmon spawning escapement for the Central Valley (Sacramento, San Joaquin River, and tributaries) and Klamath Basin, along with its projections for adult salmon ocean abundance for 2011.
The numbers presented at the Santa Rosa meeting were up substantially from the past three years, indicating the likelihood for a substantial increase in fishing opportunity in 2011.
This is good news not only for California’s commercial trollers, recreational anglers and, in the case of the Klamath, native Indian fishermen, but also for Oregon and Washington’s ocean salmon fishery, where Klamath and Central Valley chinook contribute substantially to those states’ ocean catch.
CDFG is currently projecting a 729,000 adult fall-run for Central Valley chinook for 2011, up significantly from the 245,000 fish projection of 2010, when only a token salmon fishery was allowed. The two years before that, the ocean had been closed to California’s (and most of Oregon’s) salmon fishermen due to the collapse of Central Valley stocks.
The 2011 returning class of salmon will be the first year-class to have benefited from the salmon protections enacted in the Bay-Delta Estuary aimed at reducing mortality on baby Central Valley salmon migrating downstream through the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta, San Francisco Bay and out the Golden Gate to the Pacific.
Those protections came about following a lawsuit brought by PCFFA and other fishing and conservation groups (PCFFA, et al. v. Gutierrez) that resulted in a Biological Opinion (Bi-Op) and development of a recovery plan for the Endangered Species Act (ESA) -listed salmon runs including the Sacramento winter and spring-run chinook.
Fall-run chinook runs that support the salmon fishery benefited as well from these ESA-ordered protections; fall-run numbers had been decimated from over-pumping by the State (SWP) and Federal (CVP) projects in the Delta, diverting freshwater flow to the westside San Joaquin Valley and Southern California.
Klamath River salmon returns are also projected to be up, for an estimated abundance of 370,000 adult fish, up from 331,500 in 2010.
The Pacific Fishery Management Council is in the process of developing management options for the 2011 salmon season.
For more information, see www.pcouncil.org/council-operations/council-meetings/future-meetings/#2011
source: Fishlink Sublegals
The numbers presented at the Santa Rosa meeting were up substantially from the past three years, indicating the likelihood for a substantial increase in fishing opportunity in 2011.
This is good news not only for California’s commercial trollers, recreational anglers and, in the case of the Klamath, native Indian fishermen, but also for Oregon and Washington’s ocean salmon fishery, where Klamath and Central Valley chinook contribute substantially to those states’ ocean catch.
CDFG is currently projecting a 729,000 adult fall-run for Central Valley chinook for 2011, up significantly from the 245,000 fish projection of 2010, when only a token salmon fishery was allowed. The two years before that, the ocean had been closed to California’s (and most of Oregon’s) salmon fishermen due to the collapse of Central Valley stocks.
The 2011 returning class of salmon will be the first year-class to have benefited from the salmon protections enacted in the Bay-Delta Estuary aimed at reducing mortality on baby Central Valley salmon migrating downstream through the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta, San Francisco Bay and out the Golden Gate to the Pacific.
Those protections came about following a lawsuit brought by PCFFA and other fishing and conservation groups (PCFFA, et al. v. Gutierrez) that resulted in a Biological Opinion (Bi-Op) and development of a recovery plan for the Endangered Species Act (ESA) -listed salmon runs including the Sacramento winter and spring-run chinook.
Fall-run chinook runs that support the salmon fishery benefited as well from these ESA-ordered protections; fall-run numbers had been decimated from over-pumping by the State (SWP) and Federal (CVP) projects in the Delta, diverting freshwater flow to the westside San Joaquin Valley and Southern California.
Klamath River salmon returns are also projected to be up, for an estimated abundance of 370,000 adult fish, up from 331,500 in 2010.
The Pacific Fishery Management Council is in the process of developing management options for the 2011 salmon season.
For more information, see www.pcouncil.org/council-operations/council-meetings/future-meetings/#2011
source: Fishlink Sublegals
Thursday, March 3, 2011
California Ocean Sport Fishing Regulations Book
The 2011-2012 California Ocean Sport Fishing Regulations booklet is now available online.
Paper copies of the booklet will be distributed in late March or April, 2011.
The booklet explains sport fishing regulation changes and other changes in the 2011-2012 season.
The online Ocean Sport Fishing Regulations booklet can be found at:
www.dfg.ca.gov/marine/sportfishing_regs2011.asp
Paper copies of the booklet will be distributed in late March or April, 2011.
The booklet explains sport fishing regulation changes and other changes in the 2011-2012 season.
The online Ocean Sport Fishing Regulations booklet can be found at:
www.dfg.ca.gov/marine/sportfishing_regs2011.asp
Thursday, January 6, 2011
Proposal to Designate Pacific Smelt Critical Habitat
NOAA Fisheries is proposing to designate critical habitat for the southern distinct population segment (DPS) of Pacific eulachon, commonly known as Pacific smelt. The agency listed these fish as threatened under the Endangered Species Act in March of last year.
The proposal covers 12 specific areas for designation as critical habitat within the states of California, Oregon and Washington. The proposed areas are a combination of freshwater creeks and rivers and their associated estuaries, comprising approximately 292 miles of habitat.
Pacific smelt are small ocean-going fish that historically ranged from northern California to the Bering Sea in Alaska. They return to rivers to spawn in late winter and early spring.
A public meeting on this critical habitat proposal is scheduled for Jan. 26, 2011, 3:30-5:30 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. (people may attend either session), at the Doubletree Hotel, 1000 NE Multnomah St., Portland, Ore. The comment period will close Mar. 7, 2011.
For more details visit the Fisheries Northwest Region Website at:
http://www.nwr.noaa.gov/Other-Marine-Species/eulachon.cfm
source: NOAA press release
The proposal covers 12 specific areas for designation as critical habitat within the states of California, Oregon and Washington. The proposed areas are a combination of freshwater creeks and rivers and their associated estuaries, comprising approximately 292 miles of habitat.
Pacific smelt are small ocean-going fish that historically ranged from northern California to the Bering Sea in Alaska. They return to rivers to spawn in late winter and early spring.
A public meeting on this critical habitat proposal is scheduled for Jan. 26, 2011, 3:30-5:30 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. (people may attend either session), at the Doubletree Hotel, 1000 NE Multnomah St., Portland, Ore. The comment period will close Mar. 7, 2011.
For more details visit the Fisheries Northwest Region Website at:
http://www.nwr.noaa.gov/Other-Marine-Species/eulachon.cfm
source: NOAA press release
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