Fishing

photo of a school of fish

Recreational and commercial fishing in the sanctuary is managed by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, a state agency, the National Marine Fisheries Service (also called "NOAA Fisheries"), a federal agency, and the Pacific Fishery Management Council. Although the sanctuary is located in federal waters, the authority for management of some commercial and recreational species found within the sanctuary is shared between the state and federal agencies. Recreational fishing within Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuary is closed for most groundfish species. Please refer to current state and federal regulations for up to date information.