Cryptic Speciation in the Blue Rockfish (Sebastes mystinus): Age, Growth and Femaile Maturity of the Blue-Sided Rockfish, a Newly Identifies Species, From Oregon Waters, Information Report 2015-01

Identification Information

Citation

Originator: Hannah, Robert W., David W. Wagman, and Lisa A. Kautzi

Publish Date: 2015

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: Several studies of genetic variation in blue rockfish (Sebastes mystinus) from California and Oregon waters have demonstrated that blue rockfish are actually two reproductively isolated, cryptic rockfish species (Cope 2004, Burford and Bernardi 2008, Burford 2009, Burford et al. 2011). As a result, current published life history information for blue rockfish is based on an unknown mixture of the two species, and can no longer be considered accurate. To begin to generate species-specific life history information requires methods to differentiate the two species for sampling purposes. Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife staff began separating the two species in samples from Newport and Depoe Bay recreational fishery catches based on body shape and pigmentation differences in 2009, specifically for the purpose of gathering species-specific information on age, length and female maturity. This effort was part of a longterm project begun in 2000 aimed at developing improved female maturity information for a variety of groundfish species (Hannah 2014). The purpose of this report is to document, and compare, the new life history information generated from 2009-2014 for the two variants of the blue rockfish. We present a summary of the data gathered on age, growth and female maturity as a function of length and age for both variants.

Purpose:

Time Period of Content: 2009-2014

Geographic Extent: Oregon

Status: Final

Use Constraints:

Format: PDF

Data Quality Information

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Data Information

No data information was supplied.

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? Unknown