Fisheries Off West Coast States; the Highly Migratory Species Fishery; Pacific Loggerhead Conservation Area Closure
Key claim: NMFS is prohibiting large-mesh drift gillnet fishing off southern California from June–August 2026 based on elevated sea surface temperatures and an 82% probability of El Niño conditions, to protect endangered North Pacific loggerhead sea turtles.
Abstract
(Rule · Commerce Department, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) NMFS is prohibiting fishing with large-mesh drift gillnet (DGN) gear (>=14 inches mesh) off the coast of southern California east of 120[deg] W meridian from June 1, 2026, through August 31, 2026. This prohibition is based on the fact that the NOAA Climate Prediction Center (CPC) has indicated that the sea surface temperature off the coast of southern California for March and April is warmer than normal and there is an 82 percent probability that El Ni[ntilde]o conditions may occur between May-July. This action protects Endangered Species Act-listed loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta), specifically the endangered North Pacific Ocean Distinct Population Segment.
Why this matters
The closure illustrates a climate-triggered management protocol (El Niño SST threshold) that pre-emptively restricts commercial fishing to protect endangered species, showing how ocean-climate indicators are now embedded in routine fisheries rulemaking. For West Coast drift gillnet operators, it means a predictable seasonal loss of fishing grounds; for consumers and food prices, the effect is limited given the small fleet size and available substitutes.