Species
|
California halibut, Paralichthys californicus |
Life history (biology, habitat, range) |
Ranges from S California to BC
relatively fast-growing, sedentary groundfish
sandy and soft bottom habitats in shallow coastal waters
spawns year-round with peak spawning in winter and spring
males mature faster at 2-3 yrs/ 8-9” vs. females at 4-5 yrs/ 15-17”
however, females grow faster |
Stock assessment status |
no recent fishery-independent stock assessment for CA halibut
a swept-area trawl survey by DFG in early 90s estimated biomass at 6.9 million pounds in southern California and 2.3 million pounds in central California |
Vulnerability |
Degraded nursery habitat and species’ limited range; however a relatively fast-growing fish with life history characteristics resilient to fishing pressure |
Protected/declared species interactions |
Halibut trawl - None documented for marine mammals; MMPA observer coverage began 2007 |
Gear types |
Otter trawl, entangling gear (set gill or trammel nets) in S Cal, and hook and line |
Gear specifications |
Trawling in state waters allowed only in “CA Halibut Trawl grounds”
Fishing by gill or trammel nets requires a General Gill/Trammel net permit (RA) and use of associated logbook |
Associated conservation concerns |
Bycatch; sediment plumes; potential biodiversity loss of epibenthic structural invertebrates (e.g. anemones, sponges, bryozoa, colonial tunicates, corals) |
Management, commercial
|
Jurisdiction(s) |
Commission granted authority for halibut trawl in 2004 by SB 1459
Legislature set criteria for gill and trammel nets although Commission sets regulations for their issuance
State-managed species with some take in federal waters; federal LE permit holders allowed 150lbs incidental catch |
FMP |
None; background work to develop a plan expected to slow down given DFG general fund budget reductions
There is current research on trawl impacts as mandated by SB 1459; recent DFG report to Commission but as yet not released to public |
Code sections |
Halibut trawl grounds FGC §§8495-8497
Gill and trammel nets FGC §§8680-8700, 8720-8725 |
Restricted access |
Beginning Apr 2006: CA halibut bottom trawl vessel permits
General gill/trammel net permit (RA; transferable and non-transferable) since at least 1998
|
TAC |
No
Average landings weight was 954,500 lbs for 1997-2007
2006 commercial landings weight was 715,000 lbs for a value of $2,682,687 (see graph below) |
Current seasons, size limits, other restrictions |
Minimum size = 22”
Minimum mesh size for trawl (federal) = 4.5” and for state trawl grounds = 7.5” |
Fishery closures/ MPAs |
Majority of state waters closed to trawling; there are specified CA halibut trawl grounds; some of these closed by Trawl bill, some others automatically set to close absent finding by F&G Commission
Gill and trammel nets prohibited in multiple specific areas north of Point Arguello; and are prohibited in state waters South of Point Arguello, and around the Channel Islands in waters <70 fm or within 1nm, whichever is less |
Proposed regulations |
Initial statement of reasons in case Commission makes a finding to keep open certain trawl grounds slated for closure by SB 1459 (Feb 2008) |
Recreational component |
Gears fished |
Hook and line or spear |
Code section(s) |
14 CCR § 28.15 |
Regulations |
Minimum size = 22”
Bag limit = 5/day S of Pt Sur; 3/day N of Pt Sur |
RecFIN/ CRFS info |
MRFSS (precursor to CRFS) estimated annual rec average of 976000 lbs (slightly less than annual commercial average) from 1980 – 2002, excluding 1990-1992 years where there was no survey data |
Social context |
Participation statewide |
Halibut trawl – 62 then 58 permits issued in its first two seasons
Gill and trammel net permits 149 (down from 255 in 1998) |
Participation by area |
Commercial fishery concentrated between San Diego and Bodega Bay |
Fishing and trade organizations |
Southern California Trawlers Association |
Seafood industry context |
Product forms |
Live market; whole or round fillets |
Seafood selector status |
Seafood Watch: good alternative if hook/line or bottom trawl; avoid if set gillnet |
MSC certification status |
N/A |
Potential for value added |
|
Miscellaneous |
Sources |
DFG Marine Region 2001. California’s Living Marine Resources: A Status Report. California Halibut http://www.dfg.ca.gov/marine/status/ca_halibut.pdf
DFG Marine Region 2004. Annual Status of the Fisheries Report Through 2003. California Halibut http://www.dfg.ca.gov/marine/status/report2003/cahalibut.pdf
Ish, T. and Stroman, F. 2006. Seafood Watch: California Halibut Report. Link to pdf
In late 2007 Department reported to Commission “Information Concerning the California Halibut Trawl Fishery off Southern California” and discussed at Feb 08 meeting (Cal-Span) |
