2025+ Rockfish Season Proposal

I was very surprised at how much the new regulations have reduced kayak rock fishing 2023 season.  It is very easy to choose not to do anything, but I strongly believe that we must get together to protect our seasons and natural resources.

I strongly support protecting natural resources to ensure they are protected and that future generations can enjoy them.  As shown below, the new rockfish regulation is intended to reduce rockfish taken but also greatly reduce kayak fishing season. 



We can have an alternative change to reduce rockfish taken but protect our fishing season.  This will be a long process without guarantee, but we need to speak out.  With help from James Phillips, Senior Environmental Scientist, Groundfish Innovation Project, Marine Region, I drafted the following three actions:

1.   Propose a new rockfish regulation change
2.   We need a non-motorized boater (kayak) representation at the Groundfish Advisory Subpanel (GAP) of the PACIFIC FISHERY MANAGEMENT COUNCIL
3.   Participate in the Marine Resource Education Program


Action #1: Propose a new rockfish regulation change

Option 1A: Reduce the daily bag limit to 50% of the current limit and require to carry a descending device.  (Similar to section 28.65.(d) landing net requirements) 5 fish in combination per person, except Vermilion rockfish: 2 fish per person, Quillback rockfish: 0 fish per person, Copper rockfish: 1 fish per person.  Lingcod 1 fish per person.




Action #2: We need a non-motorized boater (kayak) representation at the Groundfish Advisory Subpanel (GAP) of the PACIFIC FISHERY MANAGEMENT COUNCIL.

https://www.pcouncil.org/navigating-the-council/membership-groups-and-staff/advisory-groups/groundfish/

The current GAP includes three fixed gear (at-large) commercial fishers, one conservation representative, two processors, one at-sea processor, three sport fishers, two open access fishers, three trawlers, four charter boat operators (one each for Washington and Oregon, and two for California), and one tribal fisher.  The existing three sport fishers are:

Mr. David Kasheta
[email protected]
Sport Fisheries At-Large
(510) 418-4376
4538 Queen Anne Drive
Union City, CA 94587
Coastside Fishing Club
https://coastsidefishingclub.com/

Mr. Steve Godin
[email protected]
Sport Fisheries At-Large
(541) 255-3383
PO Box 541
Scottsburg, OR 97473
Oregon Coast Anglers https://oregoncoastanglers.com/

Mr. Louis Zimm
[email protected]
Sport Fisheries At-Large
(619) 224-7908
3762 Dupont Street
San Diego, CA 92106
Sportfishing Boat Shearwater

It will be an uphill battle, but we must secure representation at the GAP to protect our interests.  It could be through NCKA or by forming a separate nonprofit organization.

Action #3: Participate in the Marine Resource Education Program
https://www.pcouncil.org/navigating-the-council/getting-involved/

The program is offered as a series of two, three-day workshops which build upon each other: a three-day Fishery Science Workshop followed by a three-day Fishery Management Workshop. Presenters are drawn from NMFS Regional Offices and Science Centers, the Fishery Management Councils, research institutions, and the fishing community. Workshops are designed and held as a collaborative effort, with industry moderators keeping the discussion relevant to the fishing community.

Workshops are free for participants and reimburses for your travel to and from the workshops and your hotel room and food for the duration of the workshop.

I did apply for the workshop and hope other members will apply too.

Feel free to let me know if you have any suggestions or new ideas.  As you can tell, I am the least qualified communicator, and I need other people to step up and take leadership roles.
I also attached my email correspondence with CDFW.

We’ve brought non motorized GAP rep up in the past.  I don’t have the time to do it but would consider it several years from now when kids are grown and out of college.

Bushy seems like the obvious current choice for GAP rep.

PFMC meetings aren’t for everybody.  The organizational chart is enough to make your head explode.

WRT the expanded seasons for non-motorized, expect other, further regulation of non motorized craft in general including mandatory safety training and annual water access fees.  Not necessarily a bad thing but be aware.

We’ve brought non motorized GAP rep up in the past.  I don’t have the time to do it but would consider it several years from now when kids are grown and out of college.

Bushy seems like the obvious current choice for GAP rep.

PFMC meetings aren’t for everybody.  The organizational chart is enough to make your head explode.

WRT the expanded seasons for non-motorized, expect other, further regulation of non motorized craft in general including mandatory safety training and annual water access fees.  Not necessarily a bad thing but be aware.

Bushy is my #1 choice too.

Paul