As a result of the North Pacific Council action taken in December of 2019, beginning March 23, 2020, NMFS has new rockfish retention requirements. This action contains two main provisions: requiring full retention and landing of rockfish by CVs using hook-and-line, pot, or jig gear while fishing for groundfish or halibut in the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of the BSAI or GOA, even if the species of rockfish is closed to directed fishing or on prohibited species status. limiting the amount of rockfish that can enter commerce, the maximum commerce allowance (MCA). The MCA would limit the amount of rockfish allowed to enter commerce through barter, sale, or trade. Rockfish in excess of these limits could not be sold but could be kept for personal use, donated, processed into fishmeal, Read more…