The Oregon Shore-Based Cobb Seamount Fishery, 1991-2003: Catch Summaries and Biological Observations, Information Reports 2011-03

Identification Information

Citation

Originator: Douglas, D.

Publish Date: September 2011

Online Link: None

BPA Project #:

Contact Information

Agency: Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife

Name: Cedric Cooney

Job Position: Natural Resources Data and Systems Manager

Telephone: 503-947-6094

E-Mail Address: cedric.x.cooney@odfw.oregon.gov

Description

Abstract: In 1991, Oregon saw the first commercial landings from a new fishery targeting widow rockfish (Sebastes entomelas) with midwater trawl gear on Cobb Seamount, approximately 280 nautical miles (500 km) slightly northwest of the northern Oregon coast. From 1991 through 2003, approximately 5400 metric tons of widow rockfish (from all catch areas) were landed into Oregon by shore-based midwater trawlers. The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife sampled widow rockfish, sablefish (Anoplopoma fimbria) and other groundfish caught at Cobb Seamount during this time period, in addition to conducting routine sampling of commercial landings from areas closer to shore. Data were collected on length, age, sex, and reproductive maturity of the Cobb Seamount fish. The objectives of this study were to describe the developing fishery for widow rockfish at Cobb Seamount, and to attempt to identify biological differences between widow rockfish from Cobb Seamount and those found closer to shore. It was hoped that such differences could be used to facilitate shoreside enforcement of different fishing regulations for each area. Data collected from landings during the 1991-2003 time period suggest that compared to widow rockfish caught within 200 miles of shore (inside the U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone), the Cobb Seamount population had a smaller average overall size, and a smaller average female size-at-maturity.

Purpose:

Time Period of Content:

Geographic Extent: Northern Oregon Coast

Status: Final

Use Constraints:

Format: PDF File

Data Quality Information

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Data Information

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Entity and Attribute Information

Attributes Description: Field attribute information is available in the attached file(s).

Is a physical copy maintained for reference at Headquarters? No