Deep-Set and Night-Set Buoy Gear Fishing within State Waters (Nathan Perez/Commission Tracking #2022-01)

The project titled Deep-Set and Night-Set Buoy Gear Fishing within State Waters, tracked as Commission Tracking #2022-01, is an experimental fishing permit (EFP) managed by the California Fish and Game Commission. The primary objective is to test the commercial use of deep-set and night-set buoy gear to collect data on fishing gear impacts and improve fishery management. This research targets highly migratory species, including swordfish, Pacific bluefin tuna, opah, and common thresher shark. The project operates within state waters around the Channel Islands and specific areas off the coast of Santa Barbara, Ventura, Los Angeles, and Orange counties. A major amendment to this Tier 3 permit was approved on August 22, 2025, to increase the number of authorized agents and vessels from three to five. The project is granted a categorical exemption under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines Section 15306, as it is an information collection project not expected to cause significant environmental disturbance. All activities must comply with strict conservation and resource management terms, and the permit is subject to revocation under F&G Code Section 1022 if it is found to adversely impact established fisheries or marine living resources. Executive Director Melissa Miller-Henson serves as the primary point of contact for the lead agency.