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JULY 2025

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Summary:

• PFMC Meeting Recap and Decisions Summary

• Off the Boat Sales

• Draft 2026-2030 OPC Strategic Plan

• MSA Reauthorization Bill

• MRC Meeting

• MREP 2025 - is it your time to learn more fisheries science & management?

• Calendar


July is here, and peak fishing season is in full swing! Read on to find out more about recent PFMC trip limit increases, how the Trust can help boost your dock sales, the MSA reauthorization update, training opportunities for fishermen, meeting times and more.

June's PFMC Meeting Outcomes

The Council recommended trip limit increases for limited entry fixed gear (LEFG) and open access (OA) sablefish north and south of 36° N. latitude. Additionally, pending the California quillback rockfish assessment review, the Council recommended restoring Non-trawl RCA boundaries and trip limits for various rockfish species that were previously restricted for quillback protection. The complete trip limit details can be found in the decision summary. 


For all other outcomes and recaps on methodology, habitat review, and more please see the published decision summary linked below.

Off the Boat Sales - peak season is upon us!


With summer in full swing, beachgoers are already making their way to the waterfront seeking the freshest catch straight from local boats! If you're planning dock sales this season, we'd love to help get the word out. MBFT is ready to boost your direct-from-vessel sales through our email outreach and social media platforms, ensuring coastal visitors know exactly where and when to find your fresh seafood. Just send us an email with your selling schedule and location details (date, time, and dock info), and we'll help drive customers to your boat!



Email us at info@mbfishtrust.org or message us on Instagram @mbfishtrust

Draft 2026-2030 OPC Strategic Plan

The Ocean Protection Council (OPC) has released its Draft 2026-30  Strategic Plan. Similar to the existing plan, it reflects OPC’s continued commitment to coast and ocean resilience, maximizing community benefits and stewardship, safeguarding biodiversity, and science-based decision-making in the years ahead. The draft plan is available for public comment through Friday, August 1, 2025.


Send your comments to copcpublic@resources.ca.gov by Friday, August 1, 2025.

MSA Reauthorization Bill

After several attempts, a group of U.S. House of Representatives lawmakers have introduced legislation to reauthorize and update the Magnuson-Stevens Act (MSA). The MSA was last revised in 2006, and being the primary legislation governing U.S. fisheries, it is critical to ensure that federal law reflects today’s fisheries challenges across the country. Check out the changes and offer your feedback via the PFMC process!

Marine Resources Committee (MRC) Meeting

Sacramento/Online July 16-17

As the name implies, the MRC is an advisory body to the Fish & Game Commission on all ocean related issues. Unlike commission meetings, at MRC meetings, topics are discussed in greater detail and more public comment time is given. No decisions are made, but it is a good time to speak up and engage in your fishery/topic of interest. Topics being discussed in July include commercial coonstripe shrimp potential regulation changes, CA halibut fishery management review, kelp management, and various staff and agency updates including the FGC final policy on Coastal Fishing Communities.

MREP 2025

Want a seat at the fisheries management table?


Apply now for the 2025 Marine Resource Education Program (MREP) – West Coast, happening in La Jolla on October 6-10, 2025.


Hosted by the Gulf of Maine Research Institute, MREP West Coast is a regionally tailored, NOAA-funded workshop designed by fishermen, for fishermen, with one goal: to give fishery participants the tools, knowledge, and confidence to actively engage in federal fisheries management.


Why apply?

  • Gain a working understanding of how federal management really works
  • Connect directly with managers, scientists, and fellow fishermen
  • All expenses are fully covered — travel, lodging, and meals included
  • MBFT offers a limited number of scholarships to help offset time away from work


🗓️ 2025 West Coast Workshop

📍 La Jolla, California

📅 October 6–10, 2025

🎯 Applications are open now! Click the "Learn More Here" button.


Note: You must be accepted to MREP before applying for a scholarship through MBFT. Scholarship applications will open later this year.

Upcoming Management Meetings


Marine Resources Committee Meeting

July 16-17


Santa Cruz Harbor Port Commission Meeting

July 22


Moss Landing Harbor Meeting

July 23


Meetings Archive

Missed a management meeting? It's ok, they get recorded! Not only that, but you can go back and watch meetings from months...to years old.

California Fish and Game Commission

Pacific Fisheries Management Council

Other Fishermen Resources

Groundfish closed areas: NOAA groundfish closures. 


Groundfish in season trip limit tables


Dungeness crab information & updates 


Salmon Information & Updates 



For more information about our programs and to access resources relevant to the fishing industry, visit the Fisherman's Portal on our website.  

info@mbfishtrust.org | montereybayfisheriestrust.org

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