CA Yellowtail, Barracuda, White Seabass Drift Gillnet Fishery - MMPA List of Fisheries
U.S. fisheries are classified under the Marine Mammal Protection Act according to the level of interactions that result in incidental mortality or serious injury of marine mammals.
Current Classification on the List of Fisheries
Category |
II |
Estimated Number of Participants |
20 |
Target Species |
Yellowtail, white seabass and barracuda |
Applicable Take Reduction Plans |
N/A |
Observer Coverage |
Observer coverage for 2002, 2003, and 2004, was 11.5%, 10.4%, and 17.6%, respectively. There was no observer coverage in this fishery between 2004-2009. From 2010-2012, observer coverage was 0.7%, 3.3%, 4.6%, respectively. No coverage has been obtained since. |
Marine Mammal Species/Stocks Killed or Injured |
CA sea lion, U.S.; Long-beaked common dolphin, CA; Short-beaked common dolphin, CA/OR/WA |
Basis for Current Classification
Based on analogy to the Category II “CA halibut/white seabass and other species set gillnet (>3.5 in mesh)” fishery, which is classified as a Category II based on the level of serious injury or mortality of humpback whales (CA/OR/WA stock). The fisheries operate in similar areas and similar seasons, thus it is reasonable that either fishery may cause serious injury or mortality of humpback whales.
Distribution
The fishery operates year-round in federal waters (3-200 nautical miles or nm) primarily south of Point Conception, including effort around San Clemente Island and San Nicolas Island. The majority of effort takes place between 3-10 nm offshore.
Gear Description
Small mesh drift gillnets are up to 1,000 fm (6,000 ft) long. The net is deployed on the surface at night around sunset, and hauled around sunrise. The mesh size depends on the species targeted. When targeting yellowtail and barracuda, the mesh size must be ≥ 3.5 inches (9 cm). When targeting white seabass, the mesh size must be ≥ 6 inches (15.2 cm). The maximum mesh size allowed is 13.9 inches; however, it is very seldom that fishermen would use this size due to the fact that most of the targeted fish would swim through the net.
Management
This limited entry fishery is managed by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) with gear restrictions and area closures in place. CDFW prohibits gillnet fishing in ocean water depths of 60 fathoms or less from Point Reyes to Point Arguello. A general gillnet permit and a commercial fishing license must be possessed by those who participate in this fishery. Completion of CDFW logbooks is mandatory.
Historical Information
Original Category (Year added to the LOF) |
II (2003) |
Original Number of Participants |
24 |
Basis for Original Classification |
Based on analogy with other drift gillnet fisheries and the potential to entangle marine mammals. |
Past Names |
CA yellowtail, barracuda, and white seabass drift gillnet (mesh size >3.5 in and < 14 in) (until 2008); CA yellowtail, barracuda, white seabass, and tuna drift gillnet (mesh size >3.5 in and < 14 in) (until 2007). |
Species/stocks historically documented as killed or injured (but not currently on the list) |
N/A |
Timeline of Changes
2022 |
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2020 |
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2011 |
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2008 |
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2007 |
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2006 |
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2005 |
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