Groundfish RCA Archives
This archive has been established for scientists, researchers, managers, and fishermen to use as a tool for understanding how areas designated as Groundfish Rockfish Conservation Areas (RCAs) have changed since their inception in 2002. There are two ways in which RCAs can change through time. The first is modification of latitude and longitude coordinate points to better approximate a particular depth contour. The second is when managers change which depth contours serve as the boundary lines for an RCA (i.e. an RCA originally bounded by the lines approximating the 75-fm and 150-fm contours may be changed through inseason action to be bounded from the shoreline to 250-fm). To clearly show the temporal changes to Groundfish RCAs, we need to provide information on both of these types of modification.
For each year shown below, there is a set of coordinates in a WinZip file. This .zip file provides coordinates for every depth contour used in defining RCAs throughout that year. This set of coordinates is comprehensive for the year, and includes updated files for all of the coordinate changes published that year in the Federal Register. Coordinate files are in CSV format (comma-delimited ASCII text format). CSV format presents data in a basic format, allowing for easier transitions to different software. CSV files do not allow for multiple worksheets within a single file; therefore, each RCA boundary has its own separate file. File names are standardized, giving first the name of the fathom contour followed by the date it was made effective. Each CSV file contains all of the coordinates delineating a particular fathom depth, including islands, coastwide*. To find RCA boundaries for specific sections of the coast, open the correct depth contour and scroll through the coordinates until the appropriate section of the coast is reached. For detailed user information, please review the Read Me file (PDF 31kb).
*Separate files are provided for the lines at 200 fm and 250 fm that include open areas for petrale sole fishing.
For each year shown below, we provide tables that summarize the changes to RCA boundaries. These tables (separated by gear type and North or South of 40°10′ N. latitude) show which depth contours defined the RCA boundary and how they may have changed during the year. This set of tables is available as a single PDF, viewable with Adobe Acrobat Reader.
In addition to showing boundary line adjustments for RCAs by year (as mentioned above), we are also providing an overview summary of changes in boundary lines defining RCAs over several years. Click here (PDF 41kb) to download a PDF providing this overview.
Please note that any discrepancies between the CSV coordinate files provided here and the coordinates published in the Federal Register will be resolved in favor of the Federal Register.
