The California Department of Fish and Game (DFG) is seeking public input in the process of developing 2007 and 2008 fishing regulations for nearshore groundfish. Two regional public meetings are scheduled that members of the public are welcome to attend and provide input and comments.

The public evening meeting dates and locations are as follows:?Į?Ģ Jan. 25, 2006, 6 to 9 p.m., Oakland Public Library, Rockridge Branch, 5366 College Ave., Oakland ?Į?Ģ Jan. 31, 2006, 6 to 9 p.m., DFG Regional Office, 4665 Lampson Ave., Los Alamitos

In addition to discussing issues surrounding the development of the 2007 and 2008 biennial groundfish season and regulations, fisheries managers plan to cover current constraints and potential options for managing fisheries, as well as answer any questions about the process.

The Fish and Game Commission has final approval of regulation options, and the public comments and suggestions received at these meetings will help DFG narrow the range of management options provided to the commission for consideration. DFG will present the proposed nearshore groundfish regulations during the Pacific Fishery Management Council's final regulation adoption hearing during its June 2006 meeting.

New information based on stock assessments completed in 2005 is available regarding the status of cabezon, California scorpionfish, gopher rockfish and eight other rockfish species, lingcod, and eight other groundfish species in California waters. Overfished groundfish species, including canary and yelloweye rockfish, are currently protected while their stocks rebuild and this often constrains fishing opportunities for associated species. DFG will also be developing regulations that maximize fishing opportunities while continuing to conserve these overfished stocks.

For additional information on how the public may provide comments, or for other marine fisheries information, log on to the DFG's Web site at www.dfg.ca.gov/mrd/fishing or to the PFMC Web site at www.pcouncil.org/groundfish/gfcurmgmt.html.

For information on the Fish and Game Commission meeting schedule, go to www.fgc.ca.gov.