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SANTA BARBARA CHANNEL & CHANNEL ISLANDS�BOATING AND FISHING

A brief overview of opportunities on the water

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OVERVIEW OF PRESENTATION

Introduction to Santa Barbara Channel and the Channel Islands
Science of marine conservation
Deep dive into local marine protected areas
Species you may encounter
Guide to fishing around Santa Barbara and the Channel Islands
Local engagement with your coast

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WELCOME TO THE SANTA BARBARA CHANNEL

Sub-marine geology, weather patterns, and currents create diverse marine environment
Abundance of pelagic fish
Home to 18 MPAs and 2 Special Closures:

2 No-Take SMCAs = purple
3 SMCAs = blue
5 SMRs = red
7 MR= red
1 MCA = blue

Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary

SANTA BARBARA

VENTURA

CHANNEL ISLANDS

YOU ARE

HERE!

This slide shows a map of the Santa Barbara Channel waters.

The Santa Barbara Channel is the portion of the ocean that separates mainland Santa Barbara County from the Channel Islands, and is characterized by unique sub-marine geology, weather patterns and currents, which all work together to create an “transition zone,” abundant with pelagic fish, which we will discuss in more detail in the next few slides.
In Santa Barbara County, there are a total of 18 marine protected areas, or MPAs, and 2 special closures. On the coast of the mainland, there are 6 MPAs and surrounding the northern Channel Islands there are 12 MPAs and 2 special closures. There are 2 no-take state marine conservation areas, shown in purple on the map, 3 state marine conservation areas, shown in blue on the map, and 5 state marine reserves, shown in red. There are also 7 state and federal marine reserves (MR) and 1 state and federal marine conservation area (MCA). These are MPAs that extend into federal waters, shown in hatched markings on the map around the Channel Islands.
The spectacular Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary sits off the coast and encompasses 1470 square miles of water from the mean high tide to six nautical miles offshore of Santa Barbara, Anacapa, Santa Cruz, Santa Rosa and San Miguel Islands.

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SANTA BARBARA CHANNEL �Harbors & �Boat Launches

3. Channel Islands Harbor

1. Santa Barbara Harbor

2. Ventura Harbor

4. Port Hueneme

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5. Goleta Pier (Boat launch)

6. Gaviota Pier (Boat launch)

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SCIENCE OF MARINE CONSERVATION

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WHAT IS A MARINE PROTECTED AREA (MPA)?

©Jim Johnston

©California State Parks

©Chad King/NPAA

MPAs 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 can increase abundance, size and biodiversity, meaning a greater variety of marine life, including fish

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

Ex.) Kelp bass benefit from MPAs that protect kelp forests, such as Point Conception SMR

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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

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 & FEDERAL MARINE RESERVES

NO-TAKE STATE MARINE CONSERVATION AREAS

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

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

Exceptions: Restrictions on boating and swimming in Goleta Slough No- Take SMCA

MULTI-USE AREA NATIONAL MARINE SANCTUARIES

CAN Take most species recreationally & commercially with a license.

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

STATE & FEDERAL MARINE

CONSERVATION AREAS

CAN Take certain species recreationally & commercially with a license.

CAN Also 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.

MPAs have varying levels of protections.

On the left is the most restrictive, a State Marine Reserve, or SMR, where all living things are protected from harvest or harm. No take is allowed in SMRs.
State Marine Conservation Areas, or SMCAs, allow some take of certain species. Rules vary by location, species, and fishing gear so you must check the rules before you head out.
To the far right are National Marine Sanctuaries, which are multi-use areas with few restrictions, most types of fishing are allowed in NMS.
Within CINMS there exists a network of Federal no take reserves and conservation areas which compliment the state designations. The Channel Islands Marine Protected Area Network was established first (2003 and 2007) before the CA mainland coast network was established (2012).
All types of MPAs allow non-consumptive recreational activity, such as swimming, diving, sailing, surfing, kayaking.

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FINFISH & COASTAL PELAGIC SPECIES

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

Coastal pelagic species 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, larger 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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SANTA BARBARA CHANNEL MARINE PROTECTED AREAS

STATE & FEDERAL MARINE RESERVES (MR)

STATE & FEDERAL MARINE CONSERVATION AREAS (MCA)

SPECIAL CLOSURES (SC)

Island MPAs

Richard Rock SMR and FMR
San Miguel Island SC
Judith Rock SMR
Harris Point SMR and FMR
South Point SMR and FMR
Carrington Point SMR
Skunk Point SMR
Gull Island SMR and FMR
Painted Cave SMCA
Scorpion SMR and FMR
Footprint SMR and FMR
Anacapa Island SMCA and FMCA
Anacapa Island SMR and FMR
Anacapa Island SC

Mainland MPAs

1. Vandenberg SMR

2. Point Conception

SMR

3. Kashtayit SMCA

4. Naples SMCA

5. Campus Point

SMCA (No-Take)

6. Goleta Slough

SMCA (No-Take)

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

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SMR	Restrictions
Vandenberg and Point Conception State Marine Reserves	Take of all living marine resources, including shells and rocks, is prohibited.
SMCA	Allowable Take
Campus Point and Goleta Slough No-Take State Marine Conservation Areas	Take of all living marine resources, including shells and rocks, is prohibited.
Kashtayit State Marine Conservation Area	Recreational take of finfish, giant kelp by hand, and invertebrates (except rock scallops and mussels) is allowed.
Naples State Marine Conservation Area	Recreational take of white seabass and pelagic finfish by spearfishing is allowed. Commercial take of giant kelp is allowed.

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SMR & MR	Restrictions
Richardson Rock, Harris Point, South Point, Gull Island, Scorpion, Footprint, and Anacapa Island SMR and FMRs; Judith Rock, Carrington Point SMR, and Skunk Point SMRs	Take of all living marine resources, including shells and rocks, is prohibited.
SMCA & Special Closures	Allowable Take
Painted Cave State Marine Conservation Area	Recreational take of spiny lobster and pelagic finfish is allowed.
Anacapa Island State and Federal Marine Conservation Area	Recreational take of lobster and pelagic finfish is allowed. Commercial take of lobster is allowed.
Anacapa Island Special Closure	No nets or traps allowed in waters less than 20 feet deep off the Anacapa Islands. 120 ft brown pelican fledgling area closed January 1- Oct. 31. No person except employees of CDFW or NPS shall enter this area during closure.
San Miguel Island Special Closure	300-yard closure except: March 15- April 30; Oct. 1- Dec. 15 closure reduced to 100 yards. Boats operated by commercial sea urchin divers may enter certain areas only between March 15-April 30 & Oct. 1-Dec. 15 Additional restrictions exist for boating and speed limits, noise, anchoring, landing, and access to offshore rocks and islands.

Here are the regulations for MPAs surrounding the Channel Islands:

The Channel Islands have an extensive network of MPAs, with both federal and state marine reserves and marine conservation areas.
Both Federal and State Marine Reserves prohibit all take of marine resources including shells, and rocks. Federal marine reserves are controlled by the federal government, and they are usually both a federal and a state marine reserve, such as Richard Rock FMR and SMR, and South Point FMR and SMR, etc.
The SMCAs allow certain types of fishing, such as take of pelagic finfish, which are the target of many anglers.
Anacapa Island and San Miguel Island Special Closures were put in place to reduce disturbances to seabird and marine mammal populations. These areas prohibit boating and entry and closures are present in these areas at certain times of year.

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Santa Barbara�Mainland�Marine Protected Areas

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VANDENBERG SMR

Located off Vandenberg Air Force Base in Lompoc
Protects offshore reefs, sandy bottom habitats, and rocky cliffs
Fishing prohibited but can fish nearby at Point Sal and Purisima Point
Critical nesting habitat for brown pelicans, guillemots, cormorants, and oystercatchers

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POINT CONCEPTION SMR

Many shipwrecks due to difficult weather conditions

Largest naval peacetime disaster in 1923

Difficult to access
Important cultural site for Chumash people
Upwelling zone, oil seeps, pinnacles, rocky reefs, kelp forest, deep rock, and harbor seal haul outs

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KASHTAYIT SMCA

Connected to Gaviota State Park, traditional Chumash village site of Kashtayit
Tribal co-management

Recreational take allowed:

Finfish
Invertebrates except rock scallops and mussels
Giant kelp by hand harvest

Common catches include halibut, surf perch, and yellowtail amberjack

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NAPLES SMCA

Protects unique offshore rocky reef, Naples Reef, intertidal areas, surfgrass, kelp forest
Barred surfperch, kelp bass, giant seabass
Recreational spearfishing of white seabass and pelagic finfish allowed
Commercial take allowed: giant kelp by hand or mechanical harvest

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Estuary, tidal creeks, tidal marsh, and wetlands
Nursery area for juvenile fish & invertebrates
Foraging area for migrating birds
No take is allowed
Due to sensitive habitat, no kayaks or SUPs are allowed

GOLETA SLOUGH SMCA (NO-TAKE)

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CAMPUS POINT SMCA (NO-TAKE)

Eelgrass, surfgrass, kelp forest, rocky intertidal, rocky reefs, tidepools, oil seeps, sand, & portions of Devereux Slough
No take allowed
Home of threatened Western snowy plovers, a species of Special Concern
Please be aware of their nests on beach and keep dogs on leash

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Channel Islands�Marine Protected Areas

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Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary & National Park

Galapagos of North America- home to thousands of species, many endemic
NMS protects 1470 square miles of ocean waters from mean high tide to 6 nautical miles offshore
National Park: terrestrial and marine protections
Unique geographic and oceanographic factors make this region incredibly unique
Kelp forests and rocky reefs support incredible biodiversity
Network of 13 MPAs, protecting 21% of sanctuary waters

The five Northern Channel Islands (San Miguel, Santa Rosa, Santa Cruz, Anacapa, and Santa Barbara) are part of both Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary and Channel Islands National Park.
The islands are absolutely spectacular, featuring an incredible diversity of life.
The Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary was established in 1980, protecting 1,470 square miles of ocean encompassing the waters up to six nautical miles offshore around each of the five islands.
In 1980, Channel Islands National Park was also established, protecting Santa Rosa, Santa Cruz, and San Miguel Islands in addition to Anacapa and Santa Barbara Islands, previously designated as Channel Islands National Monument.
The region is very unique due to the oceanographic factors and massive kelp forests which host a variety of life, including prized gamefish, such as kelp bass!
The 11 marine reserves do not allow any take, but there are some marine conservation areas that do, which we will explore in the next few slides.

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SANTA ROSA ISLAND MPAS

South Point MR:

Sandy coves, kelp forests, surfgrass, rocky reef
Popular dive spot: rockfish, red abalone
S.S. Chickasaw wreck

Carrington Point SMR:

Kelp forest, surfgrass, eelgrass
Rock crab, rockfish, blue whales
8.8 mile hike to reach point

Skunk Point SMR:

Only lagoon in northern CI, kelp forest, surfgrass, eelgrass
Snowy plover habitat, harbor seal haul out

* Take is prohibited within any Santa Rosa Island MPAs

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SAN MIGUEL ISLAND MPAS�Largest seabird rookery in North America, only place in world to view 6 species of pinnipeds�

Richardson Rock MR:

Offshore pinnacle, deep waters, high relief rocky habitat
Rockfish, lingcod, abalone

Harris Point MR:

Kelp forests, surfgrass and deep waters with rocky reefs
Red abalone, rockfish (copper, gopher, vermillion), cassin’s auklet

Judith Rock SMR:

Kelp forests and surfgrass
Northern elephant seals, breeding and roosting seabirds and rockfish

San Miguel Island Special Closure:

Restrictions on boating access, includes Point Bennett (pictured), features thousands of pinnipeds

* No take is allowed within any San Miguel Island MPAs

San Miguel Island is the westernmost Channel Island and located closest to Point Conception. The Island features an array of state marine reserves and a special closure.
Richardson Rock SMR and FMR protects Richardson Reef and a small islet five miles off San Miguel Island. The islet is covered with birds and pinnipeds.
Harris Point SMR and FMR protects a variety of marine life including California spiny lobster, wolf eels, rockfish, Risso’s dolphin, Steller sea lion, and great white sharks. The surrounding area is also highly regarded for its beautiful hikes.
Judith Rock SMR protects a beautiful offshore reef called Judith Reef, which is home to many rockfish, nudibranchs, anemones, and more.
San Miguel Island Special Closure protects the coastline, and restricts boating access to protect seabird rookeries and haul out sites for pinnipeds. Point Bennett, included in the Special Closure, is especially famous for pinnipeds, and if you are brave enough to take the 15-mile hike to this area, you will see thousands of pinnipeds hauled out on the beach and in the water, as pictured above. The most common species spotted are harbor seals, northern four seals, northern elephant seals, and California sea lions.

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SANTA CRUZ ISLAND MPAS

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SANTA CRUZ ISLAND MPAS

Scorpion Anchorage

Purple Hydrocoral

*No take is allowed within these MPAs

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ANACAPA ISLAND MPAS

* No fishing nets or traps allowed in waters less than 20 feet deep!

Anacapa Island is the second smallest of the Channel Islands, but the closest to the mainland. Its another spectacular location with amazing views and many recreational opportunities.
The Anacapa Island MPAs are easily accessible by boat and can be enjoyed by divers, snorkelers, swimmers, kayakers, and, fishermen can fish within the SMCA for certain species.
The Anacapa Island SMR and FMR features rocky shores, surfgrass beds, kelp forests, and deep offshore sand and rocky bottom habitats. No take is permitted.
Anacapa Island Special Closure protects breeding brown pelicans and their fledglings from human disturbances. This special closure is closed seasonally during brown pelican fledgling season.
The Anacapa Island SMCA and FMCA has a rocky shoreline habitat, and allows take of spiny lobster both recreationally and commercially, and recreational take of pelagic finfish.

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Footprint MR

Offshore from Anacapa Island
Easy to drift out of boundary
Deep, towering rocky reefs, cobble, boulder fields, sand
Protects black ‘Christmas tree’ coral, cowcod and bocaccio

Santa Barbara MR

Diverse rocky coastline, beaches, surfgrass, kelp forests, sandy bottom
Large mussel beds, white abalone and warm-water rockfish like cowcod

Begg Rock SMR

8 Miles off San Nicolas Island’s west end
Offshore pinnacles, rare purple hydrocoral
Popular SCUBA site
Vertical rock walls

Black ‘Christmas Tree’ Coral

Footprint MR

Begg Rock SMR

Footprint SMR/FMR is an offshore MPA, located between Anacapa and Santa Cruz Islands, and protects more than seven square miles of deep-water communities, reaching to depths of over 4,000 feet.
No take is permitted.
Home to black “Christmas tree” coral, a coldwater species that is rare in California.
Footprint MR is best enjoyed above water, given the strong currents and extreme depths. Boaters can enjoy the views and may get lucky and spot some whales.
All take is prohibited.
Located 75 miles off the coast of Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara Island is the smallest island of the Channel Islands.
Santa Barbara Island SMR and FMR lies on the southeastern side of the island, protecting nearly 13 square miles of mostly sandy bottom habitat to depths of over 1600 feet and provides habitat to species such as garibaldi, rockfish, cowcod, California spiny lobster, sea stars, and sea urchins.
No take is permitted.
Most of the coastline around the island is rocky with some steeper cliffs, which makes it ideal for animals seeking refuge, particularly nesting seabirds like California brown pelicans and Scripps’s murrelet.

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MARINE SPECIES OF INTEREST

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LOCAL SANDY AND ROCKY SHORES FISH

ROCKFISH

BARRACUDA

CALICO BASS

SAND BASS

SURFPERCH

HALIBUT

Rockfish range from the intertidal to almost 10,000 feet deep. They usually live near the bottom around rocky outcrops. 56 different species of rockfish are common in southern California. They are popular not only for their taste, but they are challenging to catch. California barracuda are a frequent catch and mainly feed on anchovy and other small fish. Promising signs of recovery of Calico bass, also known as kelp bass, a prized gamefish. Size limits appear to be working with increases in the abundance found recently. They take 8 years to reach maturity.

California halibut can reach 5 feet, they are ambush predators that camouflage themselves and prey on invertebrates and fish. They commonly eat anchovies, sardines, and squid.

Halibut can be found in sandy, rocky, and even pelagic zones in the area.
CDFW has great resources to help you identify species.

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LOCAL PELAGIC FISH

NORTHERN ANCHOVY

SHEEPHEAD

SWORDFISH

BLACK COD

CDFW

WHITE SEABASS

LINGCOD

Here are some common pelagic fish species.

Anchovies are frequently spotted, and can be used as bait for larger finfish.
The name Sheepshead comes from their teeth and resemblance to a “sheep mouth.” They use their powerful jaws and sharp teeth to pry hard-shelled animals like molluscs, squids, lobsters, crabs and urchins which they crush. A throat plate grinds the shells into small bits and pieces. They can live to at least 21 years, with some reports of 50 years.
Swordfish live in the channel, and can be caught on charter vessels. They feed mainly at night, and travel alone, and are one of the fastest fish in the ocean.
White seabass is an exciting catch, due to their giant size. Statewide there is a minimum size of 28 inches to be legally caught.
Black cod is not actually in the cod family, and occur so deep they are rarely caught recreationally. They can live to be over 90 years of age, also called sablefish. Sablefish is highly prized for its intensely rich, buttery flavour – that’s why it is called “butterfish” – and a delicate texture. Many people prefer to smoke it.

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LOCAL BIRDS, INVERTEBRATES, & MARINE MAMMALS

ROCK CRAB

HUMPBACK WHALE

WHELK

ABALONE

SPINY LOBSTER

RED SEA URCHIN

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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: PIER FISHING

Popular Locations:

Stearns Wharf Pier
Goleta Pier
Travel Hoist Pier
Port Hueneme Pier

Some possible catches:

halibut, corbina, jacksmelt, white croaker, sand bass, calico bass, perch, and shovelnose guitarfish

Fishing from a public pier does not

require a fishing license!

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RECREATIONAL FISHING CHARTERS

Depart from Santa Barbara and Ventura, Channel Islands and Port Hueneme Harbors
Charters welcome anglers of all ages and levels of experience
Catch yellowtail, halibut, white seabass, rockfish, lobster, sand bass, barracuda

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RECREATIONAL WHITE SEABASS FISHERY

Fishing charters to Channel Islands
Season begins in spring, best in summer, not a bass but a croaker
Early in season, white bass caught using live or dead squid, less picky as season continues

“Squid grounds” perfect place to look

Skittish, loud noises scare away
Juveniles easy to catch- 28 inch size limit

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RECREATIONAL FISHING: SHORE FISHING

Santa Barbara & Ventura County Beaches

Many shore-based fishing opportunities in Santa Barbara and Ventura counties

Visit a local bait & tackle shop for ideas

Know before you go- no fishing in MRs

Tips for shore fishing:

Best time of day: early morning or evening
Incoming high tide is best

Channel Island Beaches:

Shore fishing possible on Santa Cruz, Anacapa, and Santa Rosa Islands, outside MRs

A valid California fishing license is required.

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COMMERCIAL FISHING

Part of our cultural heritage
White seabass, spiny lobster, spot prawn, rockfish, squid, sea urchin, flatfish, sea cucumber
Roughly 11 million annually to local economy, according to Commercial Fishermen of Santa Barbara
Local seafood markets at Santa Barbara and Ventura harbors

Commercial fishing in an important component of the cultural heritage of Santa Barbara and Ventura.

Commercial fisheries include White seabass, spiny lobster, spot prawn, rockfish, squid, sea urchin, flatfish, sea cucumber
According to data collected by the Commercial Fishermen of Santa Barbara, commercial scale fishing contributes about 11 million dollars annually to the local economy
Stop by one of the local fish markets to try fish straight from the channel! Three of the most prominent fish companies in the US reside in Ventura Harbor selling squid and related seafood types around the globe, with market squid remaining California’s largest and most lucrative commercial fishery. For over 45 years, fisherman have utilized Ventura Harbor as their port to offload a variety of fish including tuna, halibut, lobster, crab, sea cucumber, prawn, rockfish and sea bass.

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HALIBUT FISHERY

Tom Mattusch

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CALICO BASS (KELP BASS)

Year-round catch (best May-October)

Anglers still successful in winter months

Recreational take only
Abundant in dense kelp forest
Largest bass swim closer to shore and in inner kelp beds
Handle with wet hands or wet rag to minimize damage to protective slime coat
Remove hook carefully with pliers and try to avoid dropping on deck and keep exposure time out of water to a minimum

Expert anglers suggest releasing largest bass,

as they are a slow-growing species

Calico (or kelp bass) are common sportfishing targets in Santa Barbara with its abundant kelp forest.

They are caught year-round, as a game fish only, but the summer and fall months are best, May-October.
They typically feed and swim in different water columns according to the temperature of the water. With higher temperatures, they feed throughout the water column, with larger schools swimming close to the surface.
Anglers advise that in order to catch the largest bass, look in the inner kelp beds, and closer to shore.
Expert anglers also suggest releasing largest bass catches, as they are a slow-growing species. The largest bass are able to produce the greatest number of offspring, so it is mutually beneficial for fish and the anglers to release them. Handle fish with wet hands or a wet rag to minimize damage to protective slime coat. Remove hook carefully with pliers and try to avoid dropping on deck. Keep exposure time out of water to a minimum

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CALIFORNIA SPINY LOBSTER FISHERY

Recreational and commercial fishery
7 lobsters per person
3 ¼ inches, measured in a straight line on midline of back from rear edge of the eye socket to rear edge of body shell
Must have CDFW Spiny Lobster Report Card
Please see CDFW regulations

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BOAT FISHING CHANGES WITH SEASONS

WILL MAKE EXCEL SPREADSHEET OF FISHING SEASONS HERE

Month	January	February	March	April	May	June	July	August	September	October	November	December
Halibut	Good	Good	Good	Good	Excellent	Excellent	Excellent	Excellent	Excellent	Excellent	Good	Good
Calico Bass	Good	Good	Good	Good	Good	Excellent	Excellent	Excellent	Excellent	Excellent	Good	Good
White Seabass	Poor	Poor	Good	Good	Good	Excellent	Excellent	Excellent	Good	Good	Poor	Poor
Rockfish	Closed to boat	Closed to boat	Good	Good	Excellent	Excellent	Good	Good	Good	Good	Poor	Poor
Yellowtail	Poor	Poor	Good	Good	Good	Excellent	Excellent	Excellent	Excellent	Excellent	Good	Poor

Keep in mind, regulations vary by year and season, there may be closures on specific fisheries depending on the year

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

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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 the Santa Barbara Marine Mammal Center: 805-687-3255

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 Santa Barbara 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, visit: www.mlml.calstate.edu/ccfrp/

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USEFUL MOBILE APPLICATIONS

Seafood Watch

Monterey Bay Aquarium

CA Boating Facility Locator

CA State Parks Division of Boating Waterways

Pumpout Nav

Ecom Enterprises, Inc.

Boat US

Boat, weather, tides

CalTIP

CA Department of Fish and Wildlife

Get Certified

California Boater Card

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

Help stop poaching and polluting:

1-888-491-GEAR (4237)

Report lost fishing gear:

www. Boatingcleanandgreen.com

Learn about clean boating and how to recycle fishing line:

Santa Barbara: (805) 687-3255 or Channel Islands: (805) 567-1506

Report Dead or Injured Marine Mammals:

Santa Barbara Wildlife Care Network: 805.681.1080

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