Current Status of Accomplishment or Milestone: The manuscript examining changes in the size of recreationally caught rockfish is in outside review. It contains 15 pages of text and 8 multiple figures. It covers 10 principal species caught by the CPFV fishery in the Monterey Bay area and documents declines in mean size for all of these species over 35 years and compares 4 species to their size in the commercial catch. It will be submitted for publication with Marine Fisheries Review after outside review.
Background: The Monterey Bay area is one of the most important areas for recreational fishing in northern California. These fisheries were surveyed by California Department of Fish and Game under different programs in 1959/60, 1966, and from 1977 to present. When these surveys are combined they give the longest perspective on the species composition and size of rockfish from the CPFV fishery in northern California.
Purpose of Activity/Goal of Project: The purpose was to assess possible declines in the size of rockfish as indicators of the status of these species.
Description of Accomplishment and Significant Results: This paper provides the longest examination of trends in recreationally caught rockfish by assembling 35 years of data from various surveys. It describes declining mean size resulting from a decreased abundance of large fish of several key species. Highest abundance of large fish occurred in the 1977-83 period and may have been the result of a period of high recruitment for several species, coupled with moderate fishing mortality. Declines in size have resulted in mean size of catch below the size of maturity for 50% of females for 6 of the 10 dominant species.
Significance of Accomplishment (e.g., to the Center, to Management, and to NMFS Strategic plan Goals): Rockfish are managed under the groundfish management plan. Bocaccio, chilipepper, yellowtail and widow rockfish are important to both recreational and commercial fisheries. The impact of the recreational fishery is examined relative to the commercial fishery. Declines in the mean sizes in both recreational and commercial fisheries along with declining landings suggest concern for the health of these species.
Problems: This project was delayed by time required for an unanticipated semester long class in geographic information systems and global positioning systems taken in the spring of 1997.
Key Contact: Jan Mason (831-648-9028)