One year ago, California’s rockfish world was turned on its head with the announcement of the nearshore rockfish closure on Sept. 1, 2023, from Point Conception north to the Oregon border due to data indicating an excessive take of quillback rockfish. Since quillbacks are normally found from 20 to 50 fathoms, the rockfish regulations were modified this year to accommodate recreational fishing in less than 20 fathoms or greater than 50 fathoms. …. By combining the expertise and ideas of a diverse group, they have successfully established protocols to evaluate Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), the status of nearshore fish stocks, and how climate change is impacting marine resources in California.

—By Dave Hurley, educator, fishing writer and member of the California Outdoors Hall of Fame