SACRAMENTO — The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) has announced the 2025 groundfish season structure, which remains largely unchanged from the previous year. The most significant update is the repeal of minimum size limits for greenling, California scorpionfish (sculpin), and cabezon, including the fillet length requirement for sculpin. With this change, both cabezon and greenling can now be filleted at sea, provided the entire skin remains naturally attached at one end of the fillet — a rule that also applies to lingcod.
The regulatory adjustments stemmed from extensive discussions among stakeholders at the Pacific Fishery Management Council (PFMC). Scientists from the Science and Statistical Committee contributed data, while fisheries representatives and analysts from the Groundfish Management Team worked within the parameters set by the Enforcement Consultants (EC) to maximize public access to fisheries while ensuring sustainability. The discussions, which began in 2023, led to federal regulations for 2024 that were subsequently adopted for state waters by the California Fish and Game Commission.
The primary species currently limiting access to certain fishing areas include vermilion rockfish, copper rockfish, and, in northern waters, quillback rockfish. While yelloweye and cowcod rockfish remain species of concern, their impact on fishing regulations was less pronounced compared to the aforementioned species. The overarching objective of the regulatory adjustments was to keep overall catch totals within sustainable limits while allowing as much angler access as possible.
The complexity of balancing conservation efforts with recreational fishing opportunities meant that a simpler approach — such as closing waters between 20 and 50 fathoms in the north or significantly shortening the open season in the south — would have drastically reduced access. Instead, the adopted structure enables a nine-month fishing season, allowing for greater harvest opportunities of other rockfish species while maintaining critical conservation measures.
The decision to remove size restrictions on greenling, cabezon, and sculpin was a direct response to feedback from anglers and charter operators who requested the ability to fillet these species at sea rather than waiting until reaching shore. CDFW analysts reviewed catch data and determined that recreational fishing efforts would remain within allowable harvest limits even without minimum size restrictions. Once it was confirmed that lifting the restriction would not compromise stock sustainability, there was no longer a need to prohibit filleting at sea.
To differentiate these species from similar-looking fillets, such as lingcod, the EC recommended that full skin retention requirements be implemented. This measure ensures proper identification while facilitating enforcement of fishing regulations.
With the 2025 season structure now finalized, discussions will soon turn toward potential adjustments for the 2026 and 2027 seasons. By early next year, Council advisory bodies will begin assessing new data and considering changes that could support conservation goals while maintaining public access to recreational fishing. The results of full stock assessments on chilipepper and quillback rockfish will play a crucial role in shaping future regulations. As always, input from the fishing community and scientific analysis will guide the process to achieve a balanced and sustainable approach to managing California’s valuable groundfish fisheries.
