This feature depicts the 20-fathom boundary waypointsthat can be used in California groundfish regulations. The 20-fathom boundary line is a connection of a series of GPS coordinates published in California regulations (California Code of Regulations Title 14, Section 35.00) that are intended to approximate underwater depth contours. This boundary, as well as the federal Rockfish Conservation Areas, are used in recreational and commercial groundfish regulations to avoid interactions with certain groundfish species of concern. For both the recreational and commercial fisheries, boundary lines may change during the year, between seasons and management area.

Attributes:

• id_area: unique identifying number for a particular coordinate within a particular line.

• area_name: identifying name for a particular line at a particular depth contour, primarily distinguishes between coastwide lines and lines around islands.

• lat_dd: Decimal degree latitude of the waypoint.

• lon_dd: Decimal degree longitude of the waypoint.

• lat_ddm: Decimal degree minute latitude of the waypoint.

• lon_ddm: Decimal degree minute longitude of the waypoint.

• region: Groundfish Management Zone that the waypoint is in.