After the data-moderated Quillback Rockfish assessment was completed in 2021, it was determined that Quillback Rockfish is at just 14% of its unfished biomass. According to standard fishery management practices, any biomass level below 40% is considered in a precautionary state, and modifications to regulations are necessary to help rebuild the population above 40%, which is considered the minimum stock size threshold. If the biomass drops below 25%, the species is considered overfished. Once the overfished determination was made for Quillback, a rebuilding plan was put in place as required by law.

This plan mandates that the rebuilding timeline be as short as possible while also considering the economic impacts. The goal of the Golden Gate Fishermen's Association (GGFA) in past years has been to provide as many opportunities as possible for fishing (more days on the water). This makes sense, as a fishery that is completely closed does not allow for economic activity. In consultation with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) and with input from industry and recreational representatives, a balanced season structure was developed. Most of the Quillback Rockfish catch occurs between 20 and 50 fathoms, while Yelloweye Rockfish, another species of concern, is most commonly found in waters deeper than 50 fathoms. To balance the protection of both species, a season structure was created that includes some months at deeper depths to protect Quillback and other months at shallower depths to protect Yelloweye. Previously, there was a push to close Rittenburg due to significant Yelloweye mortality when it first opened. If the total allowable catch (TAC) for Yelloweye had been exceeded, deepwater fishing could have been completely shut down. Thankfully, the catch rate decreased, and the Yelloweye TAC was not exceeded, so the season did not have to be closed or modified. However, with the recent Cordell Bank modifications passed by the Council, there will be increased pressure on Yelloweye once those changes are put into regulation. This should be carefully considered when discussing the possibility of extending the offshore season.

By late June, we should have more clarity regarding the new Quillback full assessment, which will provide insights into the available options for moving forward. We are currently in the first year of the 2025-2026 biennium, and regulators have generally been reluctant to make changes to the season structure this early without compelling reasons, such as exceeding the Quillback or Yelloweye TAC. In 2024, the regulations allowed for nine months of fishing opportunities, and no species exceeded their total allowable catch. Some members of GGFA have requested adding September as an additional deepwater fishing month. This request has been forwarded to CDFW staff at the Council, so they are aware of the challenges facing San Francisco-based boats, which have limited access to shallow fishing areas within their range. Unfortunately, since the management areas from Monterey to Crescent City were combined, it has become much more difficult to manage groundfish at the fine scale that was previously achieved.

Please keep in mind that everything at the Council level takes time. For example, the long-leader gear Exempted Fishing Permit (EFP) for commercial fishing took 12 years to move into regulations. Our goal should be to open all depths to fishing with a minimum nine-month season. I will continue to raise all of your requests to CDFW and the Council, but that does not guarantee that every request will be acted upon. Please feel free to contact me at any time with your ideas or questions.

Sincerely, Tim Klassen

GAP Representative Northern California Charter reelsteel@humboldt1.com Cell: 707-499-5509