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Assembly committee approves phase‑out plan allowing gillnet permit transfers until 2027
Summary
AB 1056 would allow current set‑gillnet permit holders to transfer permits until Jan. 1, 2027, permit a one‑time family transfer thereafter, and then make permits nontransferable — a gradual phase‑out proponents said balances fishermen's livelihoods and conservation concerns.
Assemblymember Bennett introduced AB 1056 to permit transfers of set gillnet fishing permits until 2027, allow a 1‑time family transfer after that date, and then make the permits permanently nontransferable. Bennett framed the measure as a gradual reform that preserves livelihoods while preventing expansion of a gear type many stakeholders say produces significant bycatch.
Bennett described the bill as “a 1 time family transfer, to a family member is permissible after 2027, after which the permit will become permanently non transferable.” Supporters including Oceana and the Resource Renewal Institute said the bill aligns with broader California reforms and closes a legislative gap the Fish & Game Commission identified — namely, that the commission has regulatory authority but not statutory authority to limit permit transfers.
Opponents from the Pacific Coast Federation of Fishermen's Associations and regional fishermen's groups said removing transferability sets a precedent against private property expectations in fisheries and could harm multi‑generational family businesses. The opposition urged continued management at the Fish and Game Commission level rather than a legislative remedy.
Committee action: The committee advanced AB 1056 as amended to the Appropriations Committee. The roll call showed a mix of yes, no and abstentions as recorded on the transcript; committee members signaled continuing oversight as the measure moves forward.
