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MENDOCINO�BOATING �AND �FISHING

A brief overview of opportunities on the water

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OVERVIEW OF PRESENTATION

Welcome to Mendocino County
Science of marine conservation
Deep dive into local marine protected areas
Species you may encounter
Guide to fishing around Mendocino
Local engagement with your coast

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WELCOME TO MENDOCINO COUNTY

By land and sea, one of the most biodiverse places in California

Fun fact! Before the U.S. Coast Guard, Mendocino locals called the “Surfmen” took it upon themselves to rescue endangered ships

Home to 14 MPAs and 1 Special Closure:

11 SMCAs = blue
3 SMRs = red
1 Special Closure = pink
And the Greater Farallones NMS

YOU ARE

HERE!

Greater

Farallones

NMS

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NATIVE AMERICAN TRIBAL HISTORY

Coast Yuki

Inhabited areas from Rockport to Cleone
Referred to themselves as ‘Ukoht-ontilka’ - ocean people

Pomo

Small tribes inhabited areas from Cleone to Duncan's Point, south of Mendocino County
Divided into Northern, Central, Southern, and Southwestern bands

Pomo and Coast Yuki traded seaweed, finfish, shellfish, and other foods for items from inland Tribal Nations

Small tribes
Fished for chinook and coho salmon and steelhead trout
Harvested surf fish, abalone, and mussels
Clamshell beads were used as currency

Now we will discuss tribal history in Mendocino County.

The Pomo people and the Coast Yuki tribe are two of the Native American groups indigenous to this northern California region.
The Coast Yuki relied on coastal resources and referred to themselves as ‘Ukoht-ontilka’, which means ‘ocean people.’
They would use a harpoon to catch salmon that were swimming upstream to spawn and switch to nets as the salmon traveled back downstream. Shellfish including mussels and abalone were also staples of the Coast Yuki people’s diets, and the fishermen would also occasionally catch smelt and eel.
Today, there are over 15 federally recognized tribes that have ties to this area, including the Redwood Valley Rancheria of Pomo Indians and Big Valley Band of Pomo Indians of the Big Valley Rancheria.

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NOYO HARBOR HISTORY

Timber – original industry

Log loading facility at Noyo Harbor

Commercial fishing industry began in the 1890s

Rowboats used to land Coho salmon, halibut, lingcod, rockfish

Motorized salmon trolling began in the 1920s

Millions of pounds of salmon landed and marketed in Fort Bragg

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COASTAL RECREATION OPPORTUNITIES

@Rene Rivers

WILDLIFE WATCHING

FISHING

HIKING

KAYAKING

TIDEPOOLING

SURFING

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HARBORS, MARINAS & BOAT�LAUNCHES

Dolphin Isle Marina
Noyo Harbor
Albion River Marina
Schooner’s Landing Marina
Point Arena Pier

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SCIENCE OF MARINE CONSERVATION

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WHAT IS A MARINE PROTECTED AREA (MPA)?

©Jim Johnston

Marine Protected Areas (or MPA), are protected areas of the ocean created to ensure conservation and sustainability of marine resources for the future.

They are important to YOU, and here’s why:

Fish populations are in decline worldwide

MPAs may increase abundance, size and biodiversity (variety of marine life), including fish

Many MPAs protect critical breeding, nursery and feeding habitats for fish and other marine species

Ex.) Big River Estuary SMCA serves as vital spawning and nursery grounds for species like Dungeness crab, and coho and chinook salmon

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CALIFORNIA’S NETWORK OF MPAS

124 State MPAs, including 14 Special Closures

Protect 16% of California’s waters

9% no-take
84% of waters not designated as MPAs

Network completed in 2012

Managed by CDFW

Visit wildlife.ca.gov/MPAs

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A Variety of habitats

MPAS PROTECT A VARIETY OF HABITATS

SOFT-OCEAN BOTTOMS

SUBMARINE CANYONS

KELP FORESTS

INTERTIDAL

ESTUARIES

ROCKY REEFS

The MPA network contains representative habitats found throughout coastal waters, including estuaries, intertidal zones, rocky reefs, kelp forests, soft-ocean bottoms and submarine canyons.

SANDY BEACHES

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STATE MARINE RESERVES

CANNOT Take, harm, or pursue anything -living or nonliving- from these areas.

CAN Swim, dive, sail, surf, snorkel, kayak, tide pool, and explore!

MULTI-USE AREA NATIONAL MARINE SANCTUARIES

CAN Take most species recreationally & commercially with a license.

CAN Swim, dive, sail, surf, snorkel, kayak, tide pool, and explore!

STATE MARINE

CONSERVATION AREAS

CAN Take certain species recreationally & commercially with a license.

CAN Swim, dive, sail, surf, snorkel, kayak, tide pool, and explore!

WHAT CAN YOU DO IN YOUR MPA?

Many kinds of MPAs--- while National Sanctuaries don’t limit take, State MPAs may limit some or all fishing and collecting.

“Take” means to hunt, pursue, catch, capture, or kill, fish, mollusks, or crustaceans or attempting to do so.

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FINFISH & COASTAL PELAGIC FINFISH

Finfish = any species of bony fish or cartilaginous fish (sharks, skates & rays). Some examples:

Coastal pelagic finfish include:

Northern Anchovy © NOAA

Pacific Sardine © NOAA

Pacific Mackerel © NOAA

Market Squid © NOAA

Jack Mackerel © CDFW

Lingcod © NOAA

Pacific Shortfin Mako Shark © NOAA

Yellowtail Rockfish© NOAA

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PELAGIC FINFISH

Barracudas © CDFW

Northern Anchovy © NOAA

Dolphinfish © NOAA

Pacific Herring © NOAA

Jack Mackerel © CDFW

Salmon © NOAA

Pacific Mackerel © NOAA

Pacific Sardine © NOAA

Blue Shark © CDFW

Pacific Shortfin Mako Shark © NOAA

Thresher Shark © CDFW

Swordfish © NOAA

Pacific Bonito © CDFW

Yellowtail © CDFW

Billfishes © CDFW

Tunas © NOAA

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BIG OLD FERTILE FEMALE FISH (BOFFF)

Average numbers of young produced by three different sizes of vermillion rockfish.

Data: Love et al. (1990) NOAA Technical Report

Older, fatter females are much more important to reproduction than younger, smaller fish. This concept called BOFFF is key to why MPAs can and do work for replenishing our oceans.

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SPILLOVER: BENEFITS TO FISHERIES

One way that MPAs can support fisheries is through spillover.

Marine life can flourish inside MPAs, as the abundance increases inside the reserve, they will move outside the boundaries. This is called spillover.
The amount of spillover depends on the mobility of each species.
For example, bluefin tuna travel great distances throughout their lifetime.
While these more mobile species like tuna will move through protected areas, species with smaller home ranges such as lobster, California sheephead, or rockfish are likely to benefit from the protected area.
New studies are shedding more light on this concept, but we do know that through spillover, MPA benefits not only happen inside the boundaries, but can export benefits outside their boundaries.
Fishermen are well-aware of “fishing the line” which is the phrase that describes anglers fishing close to the boundaries of an MPA in order to reap the benefits of spillover, by catching more and larger fish.
Benefits from protection takes time to accrue.

In California, increases in abundance for many species are not likely to become detectable for at least 10 years after implementation.

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CALIFORNIA’S MARINE PROTECTED AREAS�(MPAs)

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STATE MARINE RESERVES (SMR)

STATE MARINE CONSERVATION AREAS (SMCA)

SPECIAL CLOSURES

1. Double Cone Rock SMCA

2. Vizcaino Rock Special Closure

3. Ten Mile SMR

4. Ten Mile Beach SMCA

5. Ten Mile Estuary SMCA

6. MacKerricher SMCA

7. Point Cabrillo SMR

8. Russian Gulch SMCA

9. Big River Estuary SMCA

10. Van Damme SMCA

11. Navarro River Estuary SMCA

12. Point Arena SMCA

13. Point Arena SMR

14. Sea Lion Cove SMCA

15. Saunders Reef SMCA

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Fort Bragg

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Point Arena

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MENDOCINO STATE MARINE PROTECTED AREAS

“Take” means to hunt, pursue, catch, capture, or kill, fish, mollusks, or crustaceans or attempting to do so.

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SMR		Restrictions
Ten Mile, Point Cabrillo & Point Arena SMRs		Take of all living marine resources, including shells and rocks, is prohibited.
MPA			Allowable Take
Double Cone Rock SMCA	Recreational take of salmon by trolling and Dungeness crab by trap, hoop net or hand. Commercial take of salmon with troll fishing gear and Dungeness crab by trap.
Ten Mile Estuary SMCA	Waterfowl and salmonids may be taken in accordance with local regulations.
Ten Mile Beach SMCA	Recreational take of Dungeness crab by trap, hoop net or hand; Commercial take of Dungeness crab by trap. Includes take exemptions for some federal tribes.
MacKerricher & Russian Gulch SMCAs	All recreational take is allowed in accordance with current regulations. All commercial take is allowed, except the commercial take of bull kelp and giant kelp is prohibited.
Big River Estuary SMCA	Waterfowl in accordance to local regulations; recreational take of surfperch by hook-and-line from shore only; and Dungeness crab by hoop net or hand. Includes exemptions for some federal tribes.
Vizcaino Rock Special Closure	Restricted boating and access. No person except employees of CDFW, USFWS, NOAA or USCG during performance of their official duties, or unless permission is granted by CDFW shall enter.

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MPA	Allowable Take
Van Damme SMCA	All recreational and commercial take is allowed in accordance with current regulations, except commercial take of bull and giant kelp.
Navarro River Estuary SMCA	The recreational take of salmonids by hook-and-line; Waterfowl taken in accordance with local regulations. Includes take exemptions for some federal tribes.
Point Arena SMCA	Recreational and commercial take of salmon by trolling.
Sea Lion Cove SMCA	Recreational and commercial take of finfish.
Saunders Reef SMCA	Recreational and commercial take of salmon by trolling. Commercial take of urchin.

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DOUBLE CONE ROCK SMCA & VIZCAINO ROCK SPECIAL CLOSURE

Trapping of Dungeness crab and salmon fishing are permitted in Double Cone Rock SMCA.
Vizcaino Rock is a seasonal special closure, prohibiting boat traffic and other nearby human activity, from March 1^st to August 31^st every year.
The surrounding area offers great fishing for a variety of species, including salmon, lingcod, Dungeness crab and smelt.

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TEN MILE SMR , TEN MILE ESTUARY & TEN MILE BEACH SMCAS

No take allowed in Ten Mile SMR
Ten Mile Beach SMCA serves as an important crab fishing area close to Noyo Harbor – take of Dungeness crab is allowed
Ten Mile Estuary serves as a spawning and nursery grounds for Steelhead trout and coho salmon
Ten Mile River provides spawning habitat for the majority of Mendocino coast salmon
Take of salmon is allowed in Ten Mile Estuary SMCA

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POINT CABRILLO SMR & MACKERRICHER SMCA

No take allowed at Point Cabrillo SMR
MacKerricher SMCA allows most types of recreational and commercial fishing but prohibits the commercial take of bull and giant kelp, which have recently seen dramatic declines
Anglers can fish for redtail surfperch from shore, Dungeness crab, or dip beneath the surface and go spearfishing for lingcod

Take allowed within MacKerricher SMCA

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Van Damme SMCA is popular among free divers, kayakers, scuba divers, and recreational anglers
Allows most types of recreational and commercial fishing, but prohibits the commercial take of bull and giant kelp, which have recently seen dramatic declines
Within Russian Gulch SMCA, cabezon, greenling, lingcod, and surfperch provide opportunities for spearfishers and free divers
In deeper water, a variety of rockfish frequent the area, including black rockfish, blue rockfish, quillback rockfish, and kelp rockfish

VAN DAMME & RUSSIAN GULCH SMCAS

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NAVARRO RIVER ESTUARY & BIG RIVER ESTUARY SMCAS

Hatchery steelhead fishing along the Navarro River is excellent during the months when fishing is allowed
Chinook salmon, coho salmon, and rainbow trout are common in both rivers
Both MPAs allow take of waterfowl
Perch are the most abundant fish in the Big River Estuary

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POINT ARENA SMR, SMCA & SEA LION COVE SMCA

No take allowed in Point Arena SMR
Point Arena SMCA allows for the recreational and commercial take of salmon by trolling
No license required to fish from Point Arena Pier, outside of the MPAs
Striped seaperch, kelp greenling, rock greenling, cabezon and lingcod all popular
Sea Lion Cove SMCA allows for the recreational and commercial take of finfish like rockfish and surfperch

Take allowed within Point Arena and Sea Lion Cove SMCAs

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SAUNDERS REEF SMCA

Recreational & commercial take of salmon; commercial take of urchins allowed
Currently experiencing unprecedented losses of kelp due to a dramatic increase in purple urchins, which are voracious herbivores
Features rocky reefs and dense kelp beds, including part of one of the most extensive stands of bull kelp on Mendocino’s coast
Home to black rockfish, vermilion rockfish, and yelloweye rockfish, as well as urchins, abalone, sea stars, and north Pacific giant octopus

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MARINE SPECIES OF INTEREST

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LOCAL FISH SPECIES

HALIBUT

LINGCOD

REDTAIL SURFPERCH

KELP GREENLING

CDFW

CABEZON

QUILLBACK ROCKFISH

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LOCAL FISH SPECIES

CHINOOK SALMON

BLUE ROCKFISH

BLACK ROCKFISH

STRIPED SEAPERCH

CDFW

RAINBOW TROUT

COHO SALMON

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LOCAL INVERTEBRATE & MARINE ALGAE SPECIES

ABALONE

KOMBU (SETCHELL’S KELP)

DUNGENESS CRAB

GIANT KELP

PURPLE SEA URCHIN

BULL KELP

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LOCAL BIRD SPECIES

PIGEON GUILLEMOT

RHINOCEROS AUKLET

COMMON MURRE

TUFTED PUFFIN

PELAGIC CORMORANT

BLACK OYSTERCATCHER

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FISHING INFORMATION

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CALIFORNIA FISHING LICENSES

Purchase fishing licenses online here: wildlife.ca.gov/Licensing/Online-Sales
Fishing license required for everyone 16 years or older EXCEPT when fishing from public piers, publicly owned jetties or breakwaters that form most seaward protective boundary of an ocean harbor are also public piers.
Sturgeon and California spiny lobster report cards are still required even if fishing from a pier.
California typically has 2 free fishing days annually – usually around July 4^th and Labor Day weekends.

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RECREATIONAL FISHING

Mendocino County is a great destination for anglers wanting to catch coho and chinook salmon, rainbow trout (steelhead), Dungeness crab, perch, lingcod, and various species of rockfish
Several fishing charters based in Noyo Harbor
Pier fishing at Point Arena Pier does not require a fishing license

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RECREATIONAL FISHING: SHORE FISHING

Shore fishing locations: (a few of many)

Caspar State Beach
Mendocino Headlands State Park
MacKerricher State Park
Van Damme State Park
Big River
Navarro River

Shore fishing in Mendocino County requires a fishing license. Exception is yearly “Free Fishing Days”

Tips for shore fishing:

Cast in the early morning or after dusk, and on incoming tides
Look for signs of baitfish, with bird or marine mammal feeding activity

Some possible shore catches:

perch, salmon, steelhead, and halibut.

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BOAT FISHING CHANGES WITH SEASONS

IMPORTANT: Check current regulations at: wildlife.ca.gov/Fishing/Ocean

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COMMERCIAL FISHING

Noyo Harbor is the hub of Mendocino’s commercial fishery with multiple businesses and facilities to support the industry
Primary fisheries include groundfish trawl, sea urchin dive, chinook salmon troll, Dungeness crab pot, rockfish and lingcod hook-and-line

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CHARTER FISHING

Fort Bragg Fishing (Noyo)
Hooked on Mendo (Noyo)
Telstar Charters (Noyo)
Anchor Charter Boats (Noyo)
All Aboard Adventures (Noyo)

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BAROTRAUMA

WHAT TO DO

Anglers have options to help return rockfish to a depth where they can decompress themselves.
These descending devices, can be made at home or purchased commercially. There are many different types and models.

For more information, visit: wildlife.ca.gov/Conservation/Marine/Groundfish/Barotrauma

Barotrauma happens when fish are brought from the deep (more pressure) to surface (less pressure). The expansion of gas swells the swim bladder, causing a “pressure shock” that can cause organ damage.

The technique of “venting” or releasing gas within the swim bladder is discouraged.

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BOATING CLEAN AND GREEN

THINGS BOATERS CAN DO�

Prevent oily discharge from the bilge
Spill-proof your oil changes and fueling.
Do not add soap to the bilge.
Minimize boat cleaning and maintenance in the water.
Choose non- toxic bottom paints.
Dispose of hazardous waste properly.
Plan ahead! Manage sewage wastes properly.
Stow it, do not throw it!
Reduce grey water discharges.
Do not spread aquatic invasive species.
Clean, drain, and dry your boat.�

For more information, visit: BoatingCleanandGreen.com

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REPORT SARGASSUM HORNERI

Non-native brown seaweed from China, Korea, and Japan.
Arrived in southern CA in ports of LA early 2000s.
Recently recorded at Monterey Breakwater in June 2020.
Highly invasive – adults fragment easily and each can produce hundreds of fertile eggs in one receptacle (shown in yellow).
Help prevent spread, check vessel props & anchors before transiting!
If spotted, record the date and location and report to CDFW’s Invasive Species Program:

Call (866) 440-9530
Send an email to invasives@wildlife.ca.gov
Fill out the form at: wildlife.ca.gov/Conservation/Invasives/Report

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CLIMATE CHANGE ON THE WEST COAST

Warming Ocean Temperatures:

Much of the northeast Pacific Ocean was warmer than normal from April 19 to July 18, 2020.
Effects most dramatic offshore between Hawaii and Alaska.

Atmospheric Pressure Changes:

High pressure over Gulf of Alaska, Low pressure in NE Pacific in summer of 2019: causes reduced winds

Why is this a concern?

Winds remove heat, mix the surface waters with cooler waters below

Consequence: rapid warming of surface waters in NE Pacific

Marine Heatwaves:

New marine heatwave off the West Coast in Sept, 2019
Researchers monitoring effects on the marine ecosystem, resembles “The Blob” heatwave of 2014.

https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/feature-story/new-marine-heatwave-emerges-west-coast-resembles-blob

Climate has been changing on the west coast- how does this impact our ocean?

Some of the major features that have impacted our coast in recent years include:

Warming ocean temperatures. We have had warmer temperatures from Hawaii to Alaska for the past decade including 2020.
Second, for a few years prior to 2020, a large body of warm surface water, called the “BLOB” placed itself off the west coast south of Alaska, and off the coast of Oregon and Washington. This blob acted like a heatwave in the ocean with major impacts to species distributions, as well as catches of fish and crab.
Finally a high pressure over the Gulf of Alaska created reduced winds in the summer of 2019. The lack of wind is of concern since the winds push the warm surface waters offshore, so that cooler waters upwell, or rise to the surface. This upwelling is responsible for the incredibly productive coastal waters of the West Coast.

These recent changes are of concern to commercial fishermen and anglers as well as coastal communities and are being monitoring carefully.

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STRANGE FISH IN WEIRD PLACES

Recently an influx of warmer water off California has brought unprecedented sightings of marine organisms found outside their typical habitats and range. Larger predatory fish and bigger schools of fish are staying around later in the year. Non-native species not previously recorded in Monterey are now being spotted here. These new species have the potential to displace native species.

To understand the effect that changing oceanic conditions will have on fish and benthic invertebrate communities, the California Undersea Imagery Archive is initiating a crowd-sourcing effort called Strange Fish in Weird Places.
Relying on you and others on the water, they will document your observations of organisms in new and unusual places.
They are requesting any or all of the information below, with an emphasis on the location, depth and date that any imagery was collected:

Desired attribution for use of photo on website and outreach materials
Time and date
Species ID (lowest taxonomic level possible)
Depth (if collected via SCUBA or breath-hold diving)
Location (lat/long if possible, general location if not)

For questions or to report, please contact them at cuia@csumb.edu. They very much appreciate your contributions.

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HELP END MARINE ANIMAL ENTANGLEMENTS

Report lost or abandoned fishing gear at 1-888-491-GEAR or www.seadocsociety.org

They accept ANONYMOUS reports!

Properly Dispose of Fishing Gear

For monofilament and fluorocarbon line:

Recycle lines in designated bins found at most boat ramps, piers, and tackle shops

For non-monofilament line, such as braid or wire

Cut the line into 12-inch or smaller pieces and place into a covered trash can

For hooks and lures

Clip off sharp points to avoid injuring humans and wildlife and dispose of it in covered trash can

Abandoned fishing gear can remain in the ocean for up to 400 years and entangle and kill marine animals.

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If you see a sick or injured marine mammal, please do not approach!

Call North Coast Marine Mammal Center (707) 465-6265

There are a few ways we can make sure our eagerness to view marine wildlife doesn’t disturb them. Please:

Learn before you go. Check out the rules and regulations for the area you are visiting.
Keep your distance – if you see them change behavior or notice you, you are too close
Do not touch for any reason
Do not feed or attract them to you. Interactions with wildlife can change their normal behavior and feeding habits which can result in harm or death to the animal, despite our best intentions
Do not approach sick or abandoned wildlife. If you find a sick or wounded animal, do not approach it, instead call the North Coast Marine Mammal Center as soon as possible
Leave pets at home
Do not harass or chase wildlife
Pack your trash, and
Teach others around you to be responsible viewers. Our marine life thanks you!

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Where to find regulations

How do you find information on fishing rules and regulations on the go? A few ways are available.

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife has a mobile website and an interactive map, listed above, that show MPA boundaries, regulations, and habitat information. While this website only works with internet access, you can check the rules before you head out to make sure you have the information you need for where you’re heading.
FishLegal is a mobile application that does not require internet or phone service. It has information on fish identification, fishing, and MPA boundaries. Get it here at http://fishlegal.info/ or in your cellphones App store.
You can also download maps from Navionics to your Garmin products in advance, to use on the water, but you must have preloaded them while you have access to the internet.
Please note that the FishLegal and Navionics applications are not sponsored by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, so you should always cross-check the information with CDFW to make sure you have the most up-to-date information.

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GET INVOLVED

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CCRFP

California Collaborative Fisheries Research Program (CCFRP) - partnership of people and communities interested in fisheries sustainability.

With help of volunteer anglers and fishing community, we collect data on economically important nearshore species to inform fisheries management and evaluate marine protected areas (MPAs).

If you want to contribute to research and learn more about nearshore fish stocks, become a volunteer angler!

For more information, email Timothy.Mulligan@Humboldt.edu or

jtyburczy@ucsd.edu

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USEFUL MOBILE APPLICATIONS

Seafood Watch

Monterey Bay Aquarium

CA Boating Facility Locator

CA State Parks Division of Boating and Waterways

Pumpout Nav

CA State Parks Division of Boating and Waterways

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Boat US

Boat, weather, tides

CalTIP

CA Department of Fish and Wildlife

FishLegal

Maps & Species info

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1-888-334-CALTIP (1-888-334-2258), DOWNLOAD THE APP CALTIPS

Help stop poaching and polluting:

(707) 964-4719

Local Harbor Patrol

1-800-OILS-911

Report Oil Spills

Noyo Center (whales, dolphins, seals, sea lions and sea turtles): 1 (707) 813-7925

Report Dead Marine Mammals:

Bird AllyX (707) 822-8839; info@birdallyx.net

Report Sick or Dead Seabirds:

visit www. SeabirdProtectionNetwork.org

Help Protect Seabirds:

www.wildlife.ca.gov/Conservation/Invasives/report

Reporting Invasive Species in California:

1(800) 367-8222

24 Hour Vessel Assistance (Fees Involved):

1-877-SOS-WHALE (1-877-767-9425) for distressed whales and dolphins

Statewide Whale Rescue Team

IMPORTANT REPORTING & RESPONSE NUMBERS

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THANK YOU