What to Know About Commercial Fisheries in California

Commercial fishing is a massive, global industry. As the demand for seafood remains consistent all over the world, commercial fisheries are accessed just about anywhere there is water and fish. If you are in the early days of mapping out your commercial or industrial fishing operation, deciding where you will be casting your lines is an important decision. Whether you are opting to trawl close to home, or considering moving to where the fish are biting, California can be an optimal destination for a number of reasons.

California is home to some of the most ideal weather conditions on earth. It also features an expansive coastline on the Pacific that allows for the catch of a diverse array of aquatic life. Before you launch your business in the Golden State, however, there are some important items to cross off your to-do list. First, you should get to know the state’s fisheries. Secondly, you will want to make sure that you have all of the necessary permits to legally operate your enterprise. 

Knowing the Particulars of Your Region

All told, California has more than 1,100 miles of coastline. As you can likely imagine, that allows for a sizable number of diverse fisheries and fishing communities. With so much water to navigate, the state breaks down its fisheries by region. There is the North Coast, North Central Coast, Central Coast, Santa Barbara Channel, and the South Coast. While there are cases of overlap, these different zones also have some unique species offerings. 

Deciding on your region will depend on what you wish to catch and sell, as well as how far you are willing to travel. It is worth remembering also, that these are simply the fisheries within state waters, which covers the area from zero to three nautical miles from shore. Federal waters, which are in the space from three to 200 nautical miles out, are also home to a lot of lucrative fisheries. It is generally a sound business decision to obtain both state and federal permits for commercial fishing on Pacific waters.

Having the Right Permits for Your Commercial Fisheries

Once you have decided where to fish, you will want to obtain the proper permits. Whether you are fishing for Tuna, Rockfish, or another type of species, you will need the correct license for your catch. You may also need to adhere to specific quota rules. State permits can be obtained via the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. Federal permits are issued by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

Of course, there is an easier way to apply for all of the permits you need on one convenient website. At the Commercial Fishing Permits Center, we make it easy to get the permits you need by filling out our streamlined web forms.

Learn More – Explore Our Site Today

Take a moment or two to browse our website. You will find that we have online applications for all of the permits you need and more. If you would like to learn more, please contact one of our customer service agents by phone or email today.