BIG deal at Shelter Cove

I just read on Humboldt Tuna Club board of the latest press release from DFG confirming the yelloweye conservation areas.  This JPG shows what will be off-limits to fishing for rockfish starting at or near May 1st.   

View the clearer PDF here:  http://www.dfg.ca.gov/marine/pdfs/yrca_ptdelgada.pdf

Might as well forget about Shelter Cove this year...   

Ouch, that really hurts!!!  The bright side (if there is one): you get to travel and explore more fishing grounds.

Michael

Ouch, that really hurts!!!  The bright side (if there is one): you get to travel and explore more fishing grounds.

Michael

I'm way in to bright sides, Michael.   

I'm still a believer that the sacrifices we make now and in the coming years will pay off in the long run (for my kids and beyond), so I'm not too bummed with any of it - including the MLPA process.

I admit though that it is a big blow to see such an isolated spot shut down right from the ramp to the nearby rockfish area.  It's tell-tale of how bad things really are, in my opinion.

That's a Hard Shot AbKing,

 Sorry you lost your Backyard Grounds,

 Now, get into the AOTY and explore!!!!

I admit though that it is a big blow to see such an isolated spot shut down right from the ramp to the nearby rockfish area.  It's tell-tale of how bad things really are, in my opinion.

The big difference (as I see it) between this closure and the MLPA, is that this closure is meant to target one particular species. And as such, should eventually sunset. I could also see that in 2009, perhaps a 10-15 fathom rule might go into effect at Shelter Cove instead of a blanket closure.

Regards,
Scott

I'm still a believer that the sacrifices we make now and in the coming years will pay off in the long run (for my kids and beyond), so I'm not too bummed with any of it - including the MLPA process.

What an unbelievably upbeat attitude - I like it!  Glad I'm not the only one.

Michael

Dizzamm! That sucks balls!
Welcome to my world....many of my favorite spots gone. Forever. The location of that reserve just plain sucks, especially when you consider accessability (see the Pt Sur SMR).
I am very sad. Thanks buddy!
PK

I'm still a believer that the sacrifices we make now and in the coming years will pay off in the long run (for my kids and beyond), so I'm not too bummed with any of it - including the MLPA process.

You'd have point if it was based on data and science, but right now your just betting your kids future on fiction.  The data doesn't support the closure, and moving the RCA back to 120 will solve the problem without area specific closures.  If you look at the March 2008 Rockfish Assessment just released by the PFMC rockfish are on the rebound big time...this is just another take away.  Yelloweye are rebounding slowest, but thats because the mature later.

I dont understand why they would force everyone to fish the shallower nearshore waters to help the rockfish. isnt that where the rockfish go to spawn? why would they want to put more fishing pressure on the their spawning grounds?

The species that are depressed , live for the most part, outside 120'.