Monterey Bay Northern Anchovy Harvest Restricted to Bait Use

Northern anchovy taken from the Monterey Bay area covered by California’s new restriction may be used only for bait, not for the table. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife announced September 11 that its director had enacted the restriction after state health agencies found elevated domoic acid in anchovy samples.

The affected waters run south of Pigeon Point in San Mateo County, at 37° 11.000′ north latitude, to a line due west from Point Lobos in Monterey County, at 36° 31.461′ north latitude. Both commercial and recreational take for human consumption are restricted. Commercial bait harvest remains allowed, but anchovy sold as dead bait must be clearly labeled as not for human consumption or use in pet food.

This action applies to northern anchovy, not every fish in the bay. CDFW specifically says the restriction does not apply to other finfish, including salmon, rockfish, halibut and tuna. Anglers still need to follow the seasons, limits and any separate advisories for those species.

Domoic acid is a neurotoxin produced by a naturally occurring marine alga under certain ocean conditions. Fish can accumulate it without appearing ill. Human exposure can cause gastrointestinal symptoms and dizziness; higher exposures can cause serious neurological harm and can be fatal.

CDFW and state health agencies will continue testing to determine when restrictions can safely be lifted. Before collecting anchovy for food, check the agency’s current fishery and health advisories rather than assuming this is a short closure. CDFW’s domoic acid fishery information line is (831) 649-2883.