Southern California Drift Gillnet Closure to Protect Loggerhead Sea Turtles
AI-generated summary for informational purposes only. Not legal advice. See the original source for the authoritative text.
This rule temporarily bans fishing with large-mesh drift gillnet gear off southern California, east of the 120° W meridian, from June 1 through August 31, 2026. The closure applies because ocean temperatures are warmer than normal and NOAA sees a high chance of El Niño conditions during the period.
AI-generated summary. May contain errors. Refer to official sources for legal decisions.
Key Changes
- Bans large-mesh drift gillnet fishing in the Pacific loggerhead conservation area from June 1 to August 31, 2026
- Applies to U.S. Pacific waters off southern California east of the 120° W meridian
- Uses warmer ocean temperatures and expected El Niño conditions as the trigger for the seasonal closure
Obligations
What this law requires
Do not fish with large-mesh drift gillnet gear with mesh size of 14 inches or greater in U.S. Pacific Ocean waters off southern California east of the 120° W meridian during the Pacific Loggerhead Conservation Area closure.
Do not set or haul back drift gillnet gear in the Pacific Loggerhead Conservation Area east of the 120° W meridian during the closure period.