Length and age at maturity of female yelloweye rockfish (Sebastes rubberimus) and cabezon (Scorpaenichthys marmoratus) from Oregon waters based on histological evaluation of maturity, Information Reports 2009-04

Identification Information

Citation

Originator: Hannah, R., J. Thompson, and M. Blume

Publish Date: May 2009

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: Accurate estimates of female age or length at maturity are critical for the conservation of exploited fish stocks. Age at maturity is particularly important, as it strongly influences population model estimates of sustainable harvest rates (Clark 1991) and, along with mean body size, is an important predictor of the risk of overexploitation (Reynolds et al. 2005). For many U.S. west coast groundfish stocks, data on age and length at maturity is of poor quality. The age at maturity curves used in many stock assessments are currently based on macroscopic (visual) assessment of ovary condition. However, there is abundant evidence that histological evaluation of ovarian thin-sections, especially if combined with optimal seasonal sampling, is much more accurate (Gunderson et al. 1980, Wyllie Echeverria 1987, West 1990, Nichol and Pikitch 1994, Hannah and Parker 2007). The age data that have been used to develop curves of age at maturity for some species is also based on outdated ageing methods, such as surface aging of otoliths, as opposed to the more accurate “break and burn” technique (Barss 1989, Wyllie Echeverria 1987, Chilton and Beamish 1982). For other species, such as cabezon (Scorpaenichthys marmoratus), accurate age and growth data, based on thin-sectioning of otoliths, have just recently been developed (Grebel and Cailliet 2003). Information on age and length at maturity that is based on histological evaluation of maturity status and modern ageing techniques is therefore needed for many U.S. west coast groundfish species. Histology-based maturity data has been developed for some U.S. west coast groundfish species. These include darkblotched rockfish (Sebastes crameri, Nichol and Pikitch 1994), petrale sole (Eopsetta jordani, Hannah et al. 2002), greenstriped rockfish (Sebastes elongatus, Shaw and Gunderson 2006), Pacific ocean perch (Sebastes alutus, Hannah and Parker 2007) and rosethorn rockfish (Sebastes helvomaculatus, Shaw and Gunderson 2008). We report here on the development of similar data for female yelloweye rockfish (Sebastes rubberimus) and cabezon.

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Geographic Extent: Newport, Depoe Bay

Status: Final

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Format: PDF File

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Is a physical copy maintained for reference at Headquarters? No