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The Council made several decisions at their September meeting that directly impact Monterey Bay fishing operations:

• Emergency rule to increase 2026 harvest limits - The Council recommended NMFS implement higher quota for canary rockfish, shortspine thornyhead, and petrale sole. These increases will be allocated proportionately across all sectors.
• New canary rockfish bag limit - A two-fish sub-bag limit for canary rockfish was established off the California coast for recreational fishing.
• Stock assessments adopted for 2027-2028 - The Council approved assessments for chilipepper rockfish (coastwide), quillback rockfish (California), and sablefish (coastwide), which will shape management decisions for the next two years.



For complete details on all meeting outcomes, please see the full decision summary linked below.

Upcoming Dates:

• Public Comment Portal Opens: 10/8/25
• Public Comment Portal Closes: 5pm on 11/6/25
• Next Meeting: Nov 13, 2025 - Nov 19, 2025

The Dungeness Crab Task Force (DCTF) will hold its fall meeting in Santa Rosa on October 15-16. The DCTF is a legislatively-mandated advisory body that reviews and evaluates Dungeness crab fishery management measures and provides recommendations to the California Legislature, Department of Fish and Wildlife, and Fish and Game Commission. The meeting is open to the public, but there is not a virtual option this time. Check the DCTF website for meeting location details and agenda, which will be updated closer to the date.

Following the President's April 2025 Executive Order on Restoring America's Seafood Competitiveness, NOAA Fisheries is now seeking your input on implementation. This is your opportunity to identify barriers your fishery faces and suggest solutions.

NOAA wants to hear about:



• Regulations that should be suspended, revised, or rescinded
• Challenges your fishery is facing and innovative improvements needed
• Ways to improve fisheries management and science (cooperative research, data modernization, better real-time information)
• How to expand exempted fishing permit programs

Submit comments by October 14, 2025 via email to nmfs.seafoodstrategy@noaa.gov (include "E.O. 14276 Notice Response" in the subject line).

On 9/30, Melissa provided public comment at the Ocean Protection Council meeting in Sacramento regarding the importance of balancing ocean conservation with a thriving seafood economy in Monterey Bay.

She expressed gratitude to Staff Officer Katie Cieri for her support and feedback on the Future of Blue Initiative, which aims to revitalize the region's working waterfronts and build a sustainable blue economy.

She informed the council that, despite successful efforts to rebuild fish stocks and marine habitats, many local fishermen and businesses are struggling due to insufficient infrastructure and government support.

She urged the council to prioritize funding for a sustainable seafood economy, particularly within Objective 4.1 of its strategic plan to ‘advance sustainable seafood and thriving communities’ to help ensure the future of the region's working waterfronts.

A new stock assessment shows that California's Quillback Rockfish population is healthy and not overfished as previously thought. The updated assessment, powered by improved data collection through community-based programs, led California to quickly approve emergency regulation changes that opened fishing opportunities. Click below to read OPC's article about how collaborative science shifted the regulations.

Buoy Bulletin Office Hours with MBFT Director Melissa Mahoney

Ever feel like you want to engage in a management item you read on the Buoy Bulletin, but not sure how to start?

Dive deeper into topics of interest with MBFT staff during a one hour session the first Thursday of the month from 12-1pm. On Thursday, October 2nd, join in-person at the community room in Moss Landing, or online (zoom details provided by email). Hope to see you there!



For details:

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

CA Fish & Game Commission Meeting

October 8-9

Moss Landing Harbor Meeting

October 22

Santa Cruz Harbor Port Commission Meeting

October 28

Marine Resources Committee - CA Fish & Game

November 5-6

info@mbfishtrust.org | montereybayfisheriestrust.org