The recent discussions at the Pacific Fishery Management Council (PFMC) meeting highlighted significant challenges facing California's fishing communities, particularly regarding the management of California coolback rockfish and quillback populations. The implementation of a rebuilding plan for these species has led to substantial impacts on local fisheries, especially for charter boat businesses that have struggled due to prolonged closures of salmon fishing and stringent rockfish regulations.

The draft assessment of California quillbacks indicates that the population is not overfished, which raises questions about the current management measures that have restricted fishing opportunities. Over the past two years, charter boats, traditionally focused on salmon, have shifted to groundfish fisheries due to the lack of salmon availability. This shift has intensified competition among businesses, further straining an already declining customer base.

Recreational anglers have also faced challenges, as depth restrictions related to quillback protections have limited access to historic fishing areas. Anglers are now confined to fishing either shallower than 20 fathoms or deeper than 50 fathoms, which has concentrated fishing efforts and increased pressure on nearshore species. Additionally, regulations prevent anglers from targeting other species, such as Pacific Halibut, if rockfish are aboard their vessels.

The non-trawl commercial sector has experienced some of the most restrictive regulations in California's history, resulting in near-total closures of commercial fisheries in state waters north of 377 North. This has eliminated non-trawl access opportunities, leaving only nearshore permit holders with limited options.

In response to these challenges, the Groundfish Advisory Subpanel (GAP) has recommended that if the new assessment is approved and confirms that quillbacks are not overfished, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife and the National Marine Fisheries Service should promptly rescind the management measures implemented in late 2023. Furthermore, GAP has requested an analysis to adjust the San Francisco management zone, proposing to shift the depth restrictions to provide more equitable fishing opportunities for anglers targeting deepwater areas.

The proposed changes aim to balance the fishing season, allowing for more months of deepwater fishing while alleviating pressure on inshore reefs. If the depth restrictions are modified as suggested, the need for this adjustment may become unnecessary. However, GAP emphasizes the importance of addressing these issues to ensure the sustainability and viability of California's fishing communities moving forward.