The california department of fish and wildlife (cdfw) monitors and assesses fisheries and fish stocks, providing science-based recommendations to inform fisheries management decisions under mixed…

The U.S. Department of the Interior Fish and Wildlife Service, Region 8, awarded the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) $1,320,882 under the Sport Fish Restoration program (CFDA 15.605) for the period July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026. This formula grant supports CDFW's fisheries monitoring, assessment, and management activities in support of the Pacific Fishery Management Council (PFMC) and the California Fish and Game Commission. Key deliverables include developing, adopting, amending, and implementing fishery management plans; conducting stock assessments to evaluate the sustainability of fished populations and establish appropriate harvest levels; and collaborating with researchers on biological and management topics of interest.

The grant also emphasizes substantial outreach and public engagement activities designed to enhance recreational fishing community compliance and understanding of current management regulations. Specific products and services include development and maintenance of web-based content, attendance and participation at conferences, public events, and fishery season openers, production of informative outreach materials, and facilitation of public meetings. These coordinated activities ensure that science-based fisheries recommendations inform management decisions across mixed state and federal jurisdictions while maximizing public access to sustainable fishing opportunities.

The california department of fish and wildlife (cdfw) monitors and assesses fisheries and fish stocks, providing science-based recommendations to inform fisheries management decisions under mixed state and federal jurisdiction. Federal support occurs through staff performing analytical work for the pacific fishery management council (pfmc), while products and content produced under this grant are used by the california fish and game commission (commission) in its processes. The work focuses on developing, adopting, amending, and implementing fishery management plans (fmps) for the pfmc and the commission. Additionally, cdfw participates in stock assessments to inform managers on the status of fished populations, including the level of fishery removals that can be safely supported while maximizing fishing opportunities. Cdfw collaborates with researchers on topics of biological or management interest. A key focal area of work under this agreement surrounds outreach efforts and products to assist the recreational fishing community with information to aid with compliance and understanding of current management. Activities range from development and maintenance of web content, attendance at conferences, public events, and fishery season openers, development of informative handout materials, and holding public meetings.