CDFW Bans Retention of Quillback Rockfish
The California Department of Fish and Wildlife is banning retention of quillback rockfish in both recreational and commercial fisheries effective Aug. 7.
CDFW officials said July 28 that the combined recreational and commercial take of quillback rockfish would exceed the harvest limits specified in federal regulation for 2023, and that in-season action must be taken to reduce the risk of overfishing.
Under California state law when federal harvest limits are projected to be exceeded, CDFW has authority to make in-season changes including adjustments to bag and sub-bag limits.
Quillback rockfish, which are found from Kodiak Island in Alaska to Southern California, can grow to up to 25 inches in length and 7.2 pounds, and can live for up to at least 95 years. It has a mild, slightly sweet flavor and is high in protein, Vitamin D and selenium.
The California state agency said that 2021 stock assessment for quillback rockfish off California indicated severe population declines. As a result, CDFW put in place a one-fish limit for recreational fishermen and reduced commercial limited were implemented in 2022 to reduce that catch.
Further constraints to the groundfish seasons for 2023 have not sufficiently reduced catch for quillback rockfish to meet federal harvest guidelines, the agency said.
CDFW said they it continue to monitor groundfish species of concern, including the quillback rockfish and if the current in-season change prohibiting take of quillback rockfish isn’t sufficient to reduce harvest, additional in-season actions, such as modifications to the season dates and/or depth constraints may be implemented.
Source: https://fishermensnews.com/cdfw-bans-retention-of-quillback-rockfish/
