Groundfish Exclusion Areas - R7 - CDFW [ds3164]

The Groundfish Exclusion Areas (GEAs) are closed areas intended to protect sensitive habitats (e.g., coral) off the Pacific Coast. GEAs are areas defined by latitude and longitude coordinates (defined in the California Code of Regulations Title 14 Section 27.50 and the Code of Federal Regulations Title 50 Section 660.70) that, when connected in straight lines will create a polygon that is closed to certain groundfish fishing activities. Starting in 2024, GEAs were specified in regulation and eight GEAs are established off Southern California in the area where former Cowcod Conservation Area restrictions were in place for groundfish non-trawl fisheries.