We have seen how powerful the voices of fishermen can be when the community is united and participates in the policy and management process. With an ever evolving regulatory environment, your participation is more important than ever.

MREP Applications are live! If you or someone you know in the local industry is looking to learn more and gain valuable tools to help navigate the regulatory process, this is an amazing opportunity. Read below to learn more, plus updated resources on the Groundfish Closed Areas website, meeting links, and more.

MREP 2024 Applications Open

The 2024 Marine Resource Education Program West Coast session will be held October 21-25 in Newport, Oregon, and is accepting applications now!

MREP is a neutral platform outside the regulatory process for fishermen to:

• Learn the nuts and bolts of marine fisheries science and management
• Demystify acronyms and vocabulary
• Gain tools and insights into effective engagement in your regional Fishery Management Council
• Connect with key regional fishery science and management experts

Applications are due AUGUST 12th

CDFW Issuing Emergency Groundfish Management Action

CDFW is issuing a proposed 90 day extension of the Emergency Action for Commercial Groundfish Management Measure, with a modification to move the 36° N latitude line to 37° N (north of Monterey Bay). The 20-fathom boundary line would be removed, and federal trip limits for all non-nearshore species would be extended into state waters.

New Resources Available on the

Groundfish Closed Areas Website

NOAA Fisheries has published new resources on their Groundfish Closed Areas website. The new resources include downloadable PDF maps, shape files, and metadata files, as well as corresponding regulatory citations for each Yelloweye Rockfish Conservation Area and Groundfish Exclusion Area.

In addition, NOAA Fisheries has published a new excel file for the 75 fathom line. One coordinate (Waypoint #99) was incorrect and has been revised. The list below provides all relevant links, which can be accessed directly or from the Groundfish Closed Areas website. 

• Yelloweye Rockfish Conservation Areas

• Groundfish Exclusion Areas

• Corrected file for 75 fathom line:

Waypoint #99 was changed from 40°39.40′ N lat., 124°24.90′ W long. (incorrect) to 40°39.40′ N lat., 124°28.90′ W long. (correct)

Questions? Contact Lynn Massey, Fishery Management Specialist, at lynn.massey@noaa.govor (562) 900-2060. 

Upcoming Management Meetings

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

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