Age composition of California barracuda, Sphyraena argentea; Pacific bonito, Sarda chiliensis; White seabass, Cynoscion nobilis; and Yellowtail, Seriola dorsalis from Southern California partyboats 1972-1974

Partyboats were sampled during the months of May through October 1972-1974 to collect length frequency data for California barracuda, Sphyraena argentea; Pacific bonito, Sarda chiliensis; white seabass, Cynoscion nobilis; and yellowtail, Seriola dorsalis. Age-length keys were applied to the data to estimate the age composition of each species and an analysis of variance was performed on the results. Ratio estimates were also computed to examine the variation due to month and port complex. The project provided background data for current stock assessments of these species. (Document has 25 pages.

Southern California partyboat sampling study Quarterly Report no. 1

Estimates of the total yearly catch from the partyboat fishery have been collected and published on a routine basis since 1935. Important data relating to the size and age composition of this segment of the marine sportfishery have been lacking. As a consequence, a southern California partyboat sampling study was initiated on April 1, 1975. The main objective of this sampling is to identify and measure all fishes taken by sportsmen on partyboats with primary emphasis given to California barracuda, Sphyraena argentea; yellowtail, Seriola dorsalis; white seabass, Cynoscion nobilis; and rockfishes, Sebastes spp. (22pp.

Southern California partyboat sampling study Quarterly Report No. 4

From 1 April through 30 June, 1976, Department personnel made 146 trips aboard southern California partyboats. A total of 18,218 fishes from 76 species was identified and measured. Otoliths were removed from 674 rockfish carcasses for use in age determination studies. The 10 most common species sampled during this quarter represented 85.2% of the total number of fishes measured. These were, in order of importance: bocaccio, Sebastes paucispinis; kelp bass, Paralabrax clathratus; Pacific bonito, Sarda chiliensis; barred sand bass, Paralabrax nebulifer; chilipepper, Sebastes goodei; California barracuda, Sphyraena argentea; olive rockfish; Sebastes serranoides; white croaker, Genyonemus lineatus; ocean whitefish, Caulolatilus princeps; and vermilion rockfish, Sebastes miniatus. Pacific bonito and California barracuda partyboat landings exceeded those of the entire 1975 season, and sampling data indicate the average length of barracuda caught from partyboats was significantly larger than that of the previous season. (15pp.

Southern California partyboat sampling study Quarterly Report no. 3

During the period January 1 to March 31, 1976, Department personnel made 139 sampling trips aboard southern California partyboats. A total of 22,122 fishes from 73 species was identified and measured. Otoliths were removed from 1,536 rockfish carcasses representing 31 species for use in age determination. Sampling personnel tagged and released 68 California barracuda, Sphyraena argentea, and 18 sablefish, Anoplopoma fimbria. The five most common species sampled during this period represented approximately 79% of the total number of fishes measured. These were, in order of importance; bocaccio, Sebastes paucispinis; chilipepper, Sebastes goodei; olive rockfish, Sebastes serranoides; greenspotted rockfish, Sebastes chlorostictus; and vermilion rockfish, Sebastes miniatus. Bocaccio alone accounted for 52% of the sampled catch. (15pp.

The resurrection : its significance and relevance : inaugural lecture delivered at Rhodes University

Inaugural lecture delivered at Rhodes UniversityRhodes University Libraries (Digitisation

Progress report of research on white seabass, Cynoscion nobilis

A report is made on the feasibility studies of discriminating possible sub-populations, migratory patterns, and maturity of white seabass, Cynoscion nobilis. Biochemical investigations were encouraging and may prove useful in future studies of population structure. The low catch rate of white seabass in southern California precluded tagging substantial numbers of fish and studies of their migratory habits have been terminated until fishing improves. Insufficient numbers of fish also made successful completion of maturity studies impossible and this project is being held in abeyance at the present time. (16pp.

A history of the California live-bait fishing industry

Fishing for live bait was originally introduced in 1910 by Japanese albacore fishermen employing "blanket" nets. The northern anchovy has always been the mainstay of the fishery providing 98 to 99% of the catch since 1957. Prior to that the Pacific sardine contributed 15 to 20% of the catch. In past years, when fishermen had difficulty locating fish, Los Angeles - Long Beach Harbor provided as much as 80% of the entire live-bait catch. A live-bait sampling program was initiated in 1955 by the Department of Fish and Game to maintain a closer check on the relative health of the anchovy resource. This sampling program provides the first visible indication of the yearly spawning success of northern anchovies and Pacific sardines. A brief summary of the fishing conditions from 1957 - 1973 are presented. (26pp.