Recreational Take of Rockfish, Cabezon, Greenling (RCG) and Lingcod Emergency

The California Fish and Game Commission implemented emergency regulations effective August 14, 2025, to revise recreational fishing rules for rockfish, cabezon, greenling, and lingcod off the California coast, specifically north of Point Conception. These changes restore access to fishing depths that had been closed since 2023 to protect quillback rockfish, based on updated scientific stock assessments indicating reduced risk of overlap with vulnerable populations. The action also introduces a sub-bag limit of five canary rockfish within the combined rockfish catch limit and formally adds sunset rockfish, a cryptic species, to the list of federal groundfish species subject to recreational fishing regulations. The regulatory amendments are codified in Title 14 of the California Code of Regulations, updating sections 1.91, 27.25, 27.30, 27.35, 27.40, and 28.55, and are supported by categorical exemptions under the California Environmental Quality Act, asserting minimal environmental impact. All responsibilities for implementation and enforcement rest with state entities—the Fish and Game Commission and the Department of Fish and Wildlife—with no contractor involvement and no financial procurement parameters defined. Compliance is governed by the Magnuson-Stevens Act and the Marine Life Management Act, with the overarching goal of maintaining optimal yield and sustainable fishery practices. Submissions for regulatory review were required to include certified exemption documents and were accepted only via physical mailing to state offices in Sacramento, with a deadline of August 14, 2025.