NOAA Technical Memorandum NMFS-AFSC-35

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

National Marine Fisheries Service

Alaska Fisheries Science Center

March 1994

Relative Abundance and

Size Composition of Sablefish

(Anoplopoma fimbria) in the

Coastal Waters of California and

Southern Oregon, 1984-1991

by

N. B. Parks and F. R. Shaw
NOAA Technical Memorandum NMFS

The National Marine Fisheries Service’s Alaska Fisheries Science Center

uses the NOAA Technical Memorandum series to issue informal scientific

and technical publications when complete formal review and editorial

processing are not appropriate or feasible. Documents within this series

reflect sound professional work and may be referenced in the formal

scientific and technical literature.

The NMFS-AFSC Technical Memorandum series of the Alaska Fisheries

Science Center continues the NMFS-F/NWC series established in 1970 by

the Northwest Fisheries Center. The new NMFS-NWFSC series will be used

by the Northwest Fisheries Science Center.

This document should be cited as follows:

Parks, N. B., and F. R. Shaw. 1994. Relative abundance and size

composition of sablefish (Anoplopoma fimbria) in the coastal waters

of California and Southern Oregon, 1984-1991. U.S. Dep. Commer.,

NOAA Tech. Memo. NMFS-AFSC-35, 38 p.

Reference in this document to trade names does not imply endorsement by

the National Marine Fisheries Service, NOAA.
March 1994

NOAA Technical Memorandum NMFS-AFSC-35

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

Ronald H. Brown, Secretary

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

D. James Baker, Under Secretary and Administrator

National Marine Fisheries Service

Rolland A. Schmitten, Assistant Administrator for Fisheries

by

N. B. Parks and F. R. Shaw

Relative Abundance and

Size Composition of Sablefish

(Anoplopoma fimbria) in the

Coastal Waters of California and

Southern Oregon, 1984-1991

Alaska Fisheries Science Center

7600 Sand Point Way N.E., BIN C-15700

Seattle, WA 98115-0070
This document is available to the public through: 

National Technical Information Service 

U.S. Department of Commerce 

5285 Port Royal Road 

Springfield, VA 22161 

www.ntis.gov 
Notice to Users of this Document 

This document is being made available in .PDF format for the convenience of users; however, the 

accuracy and correctness of the document can only be certified as was presented in the original hard 

copy format. 

iii

ABSTRACT

Trap survey results indicate that the relative abundance of

sablefish (Anoplonoma fimbria) off the coasts of California and

southernmost Oregon decreased by 66% in numbers and 64% in

kilograms per trap between 1988 and 1991. Catch rates decreased

at all nine sites sampled. The largest decreases in catch per

unit of effort were in the central part of the survey area;

declines of between 70% and 84% were observed at the Pt. Arena,

Half Moon Bay, Cannel Bay, and Morro Bay sites. Smaller declines

in catch rate (24% to 57%) were observed at the northern (Cape

Sebastian, Pt. St. George, and Cape Mendocino) and southern

(Cortes Bank) sites. Small and undersized sablefish made up 83%

of the catch, down from 90% in 1988, whereas medium and large

sablefish comprised 14% and 3% of the catch, respectively.

Highest catch rates (number/trap) occurred at the depths of 225

and 300 fathoms'. Mean length increased with depth and generally

decreased from north to south within the sampling area.+
THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK
V

CONTENTS

Page

. . 1

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

INTRODUCTION . . . . . .

SURVEY METHODS AND- GEAR 

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION .

Catch Rates and Size

Mean Length by Depth

. .

. .

. .

. .

. .

. .

. .

. .

. .

. .

. .

. .

. .

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

;

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

. .

. .

. .

. .

. .

. .

. .

. .

. .

. .

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

. 2

. 7

Compogition . 8

and by Latitude . 16

Percentage of Females by 'Depth .

* 8 tingth-Weight Relationship . . .

. . .

. . .

. . .

. . . 16

. .

. .

. .

. .

. 21

SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS . .

CITATIONS . . . . . . . : .

APPENDIX . . . . . . . . .

. 24.

. 26.

. 31

. .

. .

. .
INTRODUCTION

The sablefish (Anoplonoma fimbria) has been the most

valuable commercial groundfish species landed on the West Coast

in most years from 1985 to 1990 with an estimated ex-vessel value

averaging $11.5 million.' High demand and relatively high

prices have resulted in heavy fishing pressure on the stocks.

The 1989 optimum yield was set at 10,400 metric tons (t) and was

reduced to 8,900 t in 1990 and 1991 (Methot and Hightower 1990).

Methot (1991) estimated the long-term potential yield to be

6,900 t.

Alaska Fisheries Science Center (AFSC) trap surveys to

measure changes in sablefish relative abundance were begun in

Oregon and Washington waters in 1979 and extended to waters off

California in 1980 (Parks and Hughes 1981; Parks 1982, 1984; and

Parks and Shaw 1983, 1985, 1987, 1988a, 1988b, 1989, 1990).

These surveys measure catch per unit effort (CPUE) at standard

sites to use as indices of sablefish abundance for assessing the

condition of the stock. Collecting biological data such as the

state of maturity and the weight, length, and age composition of

the stock are other important objectives of these surveys. All

fish released alive were tagged as part of an age validation

study in which 75% were injected with oxytetracycline -(OTC) to

mark the bony structures used to age the fish (otoliths), while

1 Pacific Coast Fisheries Information Network (PacFin) as of

30 December 1991. Pacific Marine Fisheries Commission, Metro

Center - Suite 170, 2000 S.W. First Ave., Portland, Oregon

97201-5346.
2

25% were not injected to be used as controls. This report

presents results of the 1991 survey off California and

southernmost Oregon and compares them with results of previous

trap surveys and other assessments of the condition of the West

Coast sablefish stock(s).

SURVEY METHODS AND GEAR

The 1991 survey methods were identical to the 1984 survey

methods (Parks and Shaw 1985) except that conical traps have been

used exclusively since 1986. Methods and trap gear used in

earlier surveys are described in Parks and Shaw (1983).

The conical traps employed in this study were constructed

with a 137 cm-diameter bottom ring and an 65 cm diameter top ring

(Fig. 1). The traps were 71 cm high with a tunnel entrance on

the side: The framework was covered with 5.7 cm 42-thread nylon

webbing,. Tunnels were constructed of 5.1 cm nylon knotless web

and rigged with a 'noose arrangement which closed by a magnesium 

alloy time-release device 24 (+ 1) hours after setting. Ten

traps were attached with C-hooks to gangions at 50 fathom (fm)

(91 m) intervals on a 550 fm groundline of 1.59 cm synthetic line

(Fig. 2). A perforated plastic bait jar containing approximately

2 lb of chopped herring was hung in each trap.

Sampling was conducted during 7 September to 7,October 1991;

from north to south at nine index sites off California and

southern Oregon (Fig. 3). These sites were also sampled in 1984,

1986, and 1988. Ten-trap groundlines were fished along the 225,
Figure 1. --Conical trap used in recent sablefish abundance

indexing surveys.
Figure 2. --A pictorial view of a string of conical trap gear used in. sablefish indexing

surveys.
Figure 3. --Sites sampled off California and southern Oregon

(International North Pacific Fisheries Commission

areas Eureka, Monterey, and Conception) during the

1991 sablefish abundance indexing survey.
6

300, 375; 450, and 525.fm isobaths (standard depths) at all

sites. Additional strings were set opportunistically at 150 fm'

and between 600 and 900 fm to obtain information on the portions

of the population in depths shallower and deeper than those

routinely sampled. Two sets were made at each depth at most

sites. Loran C, Global Positioning System (GPS), and depth

sounders were used to position replicate sets as near as possible

to the locations of the original sets.

At each site, we collected data on the number and weight of

each species captured in each trap, lengths of all sablefish, and

sablefish biological specimens. and data including otoliths,

individual weight, sex, and sexual maturity from a random sample

of the first 20 fish taken at each depth at each site.

An age-validation study was initiated on the 1991 survey in

which sablefish were injected with OTC to mark the age structure

at the point in time that the fish was tagged. Approximately 75%

of all sablefish tagged were injected with an intraperitoneal

dose of 30 mg of OTC per kilogram of weight. The remaining 25%

constituted the control group to determine to what extent the OTC

injection affects survival. Sablefish not required for

biological samples were placed into live tanks supplied with

fresh running seawater immediately upon capture. Usually within

15 minutes of the completion of each haul, all viable sablefish

were measured to the nearest centimeter in a padded tagging
7

cradle, injected, and tagged with a single blue Floy2

 anchor tag

implanted just below the first dorsal fin. Anesthetic was not

used.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

All nine index sites were sampled at the 150, 225, 300, 375,

450, and 525 fm depths. 'The 600-900 fm depth interval was

sampled at all sites except those off Cape Sebastian and Pt.

'Arena. Adverse weather prevented fishing at these depths and

also prevented the second replicate of the 375, 450, and 525 fm

sets off Cape Sebastian.

Same data standardization was necessary at sites where. traps,

were lost or conditions precluded replicating a set. If some

traps on a string were lost, the observed catch for the string

was adjusted by assigning the average catch in the remaining

traps to lost traps. Occasionally, due to weather, gear

conflict, or time constraints, the replicate set at a site could

not be completed. In those cases, the catch in the replicate set

(needed because the index is based on the average of both sets)

was estimated by calculating the rate of decline in CPUE between

the first and second sets at all other sites and-depths and

applying that rate to the catch from the single set; in 1991, the

catch on the second set averaged 0.701 of the catch on the first

2

 Reference to trade name does not imply endorsement by the

National Marine Fisheries Service, NOAA.
8

set,, Catch and size data from individual sampling sites are

given in the Appendix.

Catch Rates and Size Composition

Catch rates (average number of fish per trap), based on data

from standard survey depths (225-525 fm) at the nine abundance

index sites, decreased 66% from 1988 to 1991. The mean catch

rate of 3.6 sablefish. per trap also represents a decrease of 22%

from 1986 and 63% from 1984 (Fig. 4). Standard errors and

coefficients of variation associated with 1984, 1986, 1988, and

1991. mean catches per trap are shown in Table 1. Pair-wise

comparisons between the catch rates (average number of sablefish,'

per trap). among survey years were tested at a level of

significance of c = 0.05. The, Bonferroni joint' testing procedure

(Neter et al. 1985) was used to adjust for the multiple between-.'

year comparisons. Only two of the six possible between-year

comparisons were not significantly different (1984-88 and

1986-91, Table 2).

The mean catch rate of small sablefish (<1.93 kg) in 1991

decreased by 69% since 1988; The CPUE of large fish (>3.18 kg)

held relatively steady at just under 0.1 per trap, while the CPUE

of medium-sized sablefish (1.93 to 3.18 kg) declined 48%. The

1991 catch rates for all size groups are lower than in any of the‘

previous surveys., Catch rates in 1991 were lower at all sites

with the largest decreases occurring at Pt. Arena, Half Moon Bay,
9

Figure 4. --Mean catch rates of sablefish (number/trap) by size

category at standard depths (225-525 fathoms) at two

index sites off California in 1980-82 and nine index

sites off California and southern Oregon in later

years.
10

Table 1. --Mean catch rates, standard errors, and coefficients of

variation for sablefish at index sites off California

and southern Oregon from 1984 to 1991 (standard depths

225-525 fathoms).

Year

Mean

catch rate Standard error

Coefficients

of variation

1984 8.8 0.663 7.5

1986 4.6 0.345 7.5

1988 10.6 1.164 11.0

1991 3.6 0.481 13.4

Table 2 .--Pair-wise -comparisons between the catch rates (average

numbers of sablefish/trap) from various survey years.

Significance judged at 0.05% probability level.

Difference

between Standard 95%.

average error of confidence

Year catch rates, difference

Statistically

interval significant

1984-86. 4.2 0.658 (1.46, 6.94) Yes

1984-88 -1.8 1.340 (-0.94, 4.54) no

1984-91 5.2 0.819 (2.46, 7.94) yes

1986-88

1986-91

-6.0 1.214 (3.26, 8.74) yes

1.0 0.592 (-1.74,.3.74) no'

1980-91 7.0 1.260 (4.26, 9.74) yes
11

Carmel Bay, Morro Bay, and Cape Mendocino (-84%, -83%, -76%,-75%,

and -7O%, respectively). Catch rates declined less at Cape

Sebastian, Cortes Bank, and Pt. St. George (-24%;-46%, and -57%,

respectively). Average sablefish catch rates in weight

(kilograms per trap) from the standard depths decreased 64%

between 1988 and 1991 (Fig. 5). The 1991 value (5.4 kg/trap) was 

down 33% from the previous low in 1986 (8.0 kg/trap).

In 1991, the highest mean catch rates (number/trap) within

the standard sampling depths (225-525 fm) occurred at 225 and

300 fm (Table 3). Catch rates were lowest at 450, 525, and

>600 fm at 1.3, 1.2, and 1.5 fish/trap, respectively.

The sablefish size composition from the 1991 survey was

unimodal, peaking at 48 cm (Fig. 6). Mean length declined from

53.1 and 53.7 cm in 1984, and 1986 to 50.8 and 51.7 cm in 1988 and

1991, respectively. The proportion of small and undersized

sablefish (<1.93 kg) was 75% of the catch in 1986, 90% in 1988,

and 83% in 1991, whereas the proportions of medium (1.93 to

3.18 kg) and large (>3.18 kg) sablefish in 1991 were up slightly

from 1988 to 14% and 3%, respectively (Table 3, Fig. 6). These

proportions are still well below those seen in 1984 and 1986.

The sex-specific size composition for sablefish taken at the

standard depths during the 1991 survey is shown in 'Figure 7. The

mean sizes of males and females were 50.8 and 56.0 cm,

respectively. Based upon calculations of length at 50% maturity

from 1986 survey data (51.9 cm for males and 57.9 cm for females,
12

Figure. 5.--Mean catch rates of sablefish (kg/trap) at standard

depths (225-525 fathoms) at the two original index

sites off California 1980-82, arid at nine sites off

the coasts of California and southernmost Oregon in

later years..
1 3

Table 3.-- The numbers of sablefish, average numbers and weight by trap, and percentage of sablefish by sizea

captured at-southernmost Oregon and California by depth in 1984 , 1986, 1988, and 1991.

a

Large q over 3.18 kg round weight (rd. ut.); medium = 1.93-3.18 kg rd. wt.; small = 1.36-1.93 kg rd. ut.;

and undersized = less than 1.36 kg rd. wt.

bThe,l984 numbers are the result of upward adjustment on rectangular trap catches by 1.265 (a scaling factor

to compensate for the lesser fishing efficiency of the rectangular traps) plus conical trap catches.

cAdjusted upward for missing string(s) of gear, second repetitions not made, or lost traps, based on the

average decline of catch from the first set to the second set or the average catch in remaining traps.

d150 fathom depth fished at the four southern sites only in 1984, at the three northern and three southern

sites only in 1986; and at eight sites in 1988.

e>600 fathom depth not fished in 1984, fished at the four northern sites only in 1986, and fished at the

eight southern sites in 1988, and Cape Sebastian and Pt. Arena sites not fished in 1991.

f

Standard error = 0.750 for 1984, 0.345 for 1986, and 1.16 for 1988.
14 

Figure 6. --Sablefish length compositions for all southern Oregon

 and California index sites combined at standard depths

(225-525 fathoms) for 1984, 1986, 1988, and 1991.
15

Figure 7.--Sablefish length compositions by sex of random samples

taken from standard depths (225-525 fathoms) during

 the 1991 abundance index survey.
Parks and Shaw

of the females

immature.

16

1988a) we calculated that 65% of the males and 68%

'within the standard depths (225-525 fm) were

Mean Length by Depth and by Latitude

Sablefish length compositions were summarized by depth for

the 1991 survey. (Fig. 8). Mean lengths typically increase with

depth (Parks and Shaw 1989) and this was again-true in 1991. The

largest increases occurred between 450 and 525 fm, where mean

lengths increased by just over 3 cm, and between 525 and >600 fm,

where mean lengths increased approximately 9 cm'. The mean 

lengths of sablefish captured at depths greater than 600 fm.

averaged about 19 cm greater-than sablefish captured at 150 fm.

In the 1984 and 1986 surveys, mean length, generally decreased

from north to south (Parks and Shaw 1989). In the 1988 and 1991

surveys, mean length was generally higher at the four northern

sites with the largest fish at the Pt. Arena site -and lower at

the four southern sites (Fig. 9).

The

all four

abundant

Percentage of Females by Depth .

percentage of females of our random samples by depth in

survey years showed that females were generally most

at the. shallowest and deepest depths and least abundant;

at the intermediate depths (Fig. 10). These trends in the

percentage of females were relatively consistent for most survey
17

Figure 8.--Sablefish length compositions and mean lengths by

depth for all sites combined during the 1991 abundance

index survey (>600 fathoms fished at all sites except

Cape Sebastian and Pt. Arena).
18

Figure 8. --(Continued).
19

Figure 9.,--Sablefish mean fork length by site from southern

Oregon and California abundance index surveys in 1984,

1986, 1988, and 1991 (standard depths 225-525

fathoms). 
20

Figure 10. --Percent of females in random samples of sablefish

from National Marine Fisheries Service abundance

index surveys by depth and by survey year.
21

years, especially at depths greater than 600 fm where the percent

of females ranged from 89 to 97%. In the 1991 survey, the

percentage of females at 375 and 450 fm was much higher than in

the three- earlier survey years. In standard depths (225-525 fm),,

females made up 52 to 62% of our random samples in all four

survey years (Fig. 11). For all depths 'combined (150->600 fm),

females made up 57 to 67% of our samples from the 1986, 1988, and

1991 surveys. This predominance of females, which also occurs in

landings of the fixed-gear fishery, may be a result of the

disproportional harvest of males by the trawl fishery. In trawlcaught samples of sablefish in the small size category (less than

58 centimeters fork length) from the Eureka and Monterey

International North Pacific Fisheries Commission areas, a 5,000

fish sample (1,000 fish per year from 1986 through 1991) showed

56.4% to be males.

Length-Weight Relationship

The length-weight, relationship for male and female sablefish

from the 1991 survey is shown in Figure 12. We found no

significant difference in the average weight at length between

males and females, as was the case for surveys conducted off

Oregon and Washington (August and September 1987) and off

southern Oregon and California (September to mid-November 1986)

(Parks and Shaw 1988a, b). In the 1988 survey, the male and

female length-weight relationships were significantly different
22

Figure 11.--Percentage of females in random samples of sablefish

from the National Marine Fisheries Service abundance

index surveys at -the standard depths. (225-525,

fathoms) and at all depths sampled (150->600 fathoms)

by survey year..

1984.

Only standard depths were sampled in
23

Figure 12. --Length-weight relationship derived for sablefish

(sexes combined) collected off southern Oregon and

California in September and October 1991.
24

at the 99.9% level (Parks and Shaw 1989). The 1991 length-weight

relationship for sexes combined is W = .0017812 x L 3.4300R , where

w = weight, in grams and L = length in centimeters (Fig. 12).

SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS

Sablefish catch rates (mean number per trap) in surveys off

California and southern Oregon decreased by 66% between 1988 and

199:L. Catch rates of small and undersized sablefish (<1.93 kg)

declined 69% from 1988.to 1991,'whereas. catch rates of mediumsize sablefish (1.93-3.18 kg) declined 48% and large-size

sablefish (>3.18 kg) declined 3%. Catch rates decreased at all

sites-in 1991, with the largest decreases generally occurring

from Pt. Delgada southward to Morro Bay. The three southern

sites had the highest catch rates. At the Cortes Banksite,

where fishing pressure is probably the lowest, the catch rate was

over twice as great as the rate at the nexthighest site, Carmel

Bay (Appendix-Fig.1). The lowest catch rates were found at the

four sites between Cape Mendocino and Half Moon Bay; Tagging

studies indicate that approximately 29% of the sablefish tagged

in the Conception INPFC area were recovered north 'of the

Conception INPFC area where fishing effort is greater (Shaw

1984). Because fishing pressure is lower at the two southern

sites, a higherpercentage of sablefish tagged in the Conception

INPFC area was recovered outside that area than in other INPFC

areas.
25

In 1991, over 62% of our catch consisted of undersized

(<1.36 kg) sablefish, down from 68% in 1988. The proportion of

small (1.36 to 1.93 kg) sablefish changed only slightly from 22%

in 1988 to 21% in 1991, while the proportion of medium and large

fish rose 9% to 14% and from 1% to 3%, respectively (Appendix

Table 1). The mean length of males was 50.8 cm and the mean

length of females was 56.0 cm (Fig. 7). Mean lengths increased

with depth as, in previous surveys (Parks and Shaw 1989).

Sablefish mean lengths were highest at the northern sites, peaked

at the Pt. Arena site, and were lowest the four southern

sites (Appendix Fig. 2).

While the 1988 survey indicated good recruitment of 2+ and

3+ year old (40-50 cm) sablefish, the low catches of small and

medium fish in 1991 suggest that this substantial group of fish

has apparently been removed from the population since the 1988

survey. As in the 1988 survey, the mean lengths for both sexes

are shorter than our calculated lengths at 50% maturity (51.9 cm

for males and 57.9 cm for. females) (Parks and Shaw 1988a). We

estimate that only about one-third of the population surveyed in

both 1988 and 1991 is sexually mature. The size composition of

the commercial catches indicate that large numbers of sablefish

are being harvested before they have an opportunity to spawn.
26

CITATIONS

Methot, R. D. 1991. Sablefish. In L. L. Low (editor),,Status

of living marine resources off the Pacific Coast of the

United States as assessed in 1991% U.S. Dep. Commer., NOAA

Tech. Memo. NMFS F/NWC-210, 69 p.

Methot, R. 1992. Assessment of the west coast sablefish stock

in 1992. In Status of the Pacific coast groundfish fishery

through 1992 and recommended acceptable biological catches

for 1993. Pacific Fishery Management Council, Metro Center,

Suite 420, 2000 S.W. First Avenue, Portland, OR 97201.

Methot, R., and J. Hightower. 1990. Assessment of the west

coast sablefish stock in 1990 ,and recommendations to

management in 1991, 67 p. In Status of the Pacific-coast

groundfish fishery through 1990. and recommended acceptable

biological catches for 1991. Stock assessment and fishery

evaluation, Appendix Vol. I. Pacific Fishery Management

Council, Metro Center, Suite 420, 2000 S.W. First Avenue,

Portland, OR 97201.

Neter, J., W. Wasserman, and M. H. Kutner. 1985. Applied linear

statistical models. Richard D. Irwin, Inc.; Homewood, IL,

1,127 p.
27

Parks, N. B. 1982.. "Changes in relative abundance and size

composition of sablefish in coastal waters of Washington and,

Oregon, 1979-81, and California, 1980-81. U.S. Dep.

Commer., NOM Tech. Memo. NMFS F/NWC-26, 28 p.

Parks, N. B. 1984. Changes in relative abundance and size

composition of sablefish in coastal waters of Washington and

Oregon, 1979-83.. U.S. Dep. Commer'., NOAA Tech. Memo. NMFS

F/NWC-61, 23 p.

Parks, N. B., and S. E. Hughes. 1981. Changes in relative

abundance and size composition of sablefish in coastal

waters of Washington and Oregon, 1979-80. U.S. Dep. Commer.

NOM Tech. Memo.,NMFS F/NWC-8, 25 p.

Parks, N. B., and F. R. Shaw. 1983. Changes in relative

abundance and size composition of sablefish (Anoplonoma

fimbria) in coastal waters of California, 1980-82. U.S.

Dep. Commer., NOM Tech.. Memo. NMFS F/NWC-51, 16p.

Parks, N. B., and F. R. Shaw. 1985. Abundance and size

composition of sablefish (Anoplonoma fimbria) in the coastal

waters of California and Oregon in 1984. NWAFC Processed

Rep. 85-16, 21 p. Alaska Fish. Sci. Cent. Natl. Mar. Fish.

Serv., NOAA, 7600 Sand Point Way NE., Seattle, WA 98115.
28

Parks, N. B., and F. R. Shaw. 1987: Changes in relative

abundance and size composition of sablefish in coastal

waters of Washington and Oregon 1979-85. U.S. Dep. Commer.,,

NOM Tech. Memo NMFS F/NWC-124, 41 p.

Parks, N. B., and F. R. Shaw. 1988a. Abundance and size

composition of sablefish (Anoplonoma fimbria) in the coastal

waters of California and southern Oregon, l984-86. U.S.-

Dep. Commer., NOM Tech., Memo. F/NWC-125, 29 p.

Parks, N. B., and F. R. Shaw. 1988b: Changes in relative

abundance and size composition of sablefish in coastal

waters of Washington and Oregon, 1979-87. U.S. Dep.

Commer., NOAA Tech. Memo. F/NWC-141, 33 p.

Parks, N. B.; and F. R. Shaw. 1989. Relative abundance and size

composition of sablefish- (Anoplonoma fimbria) in the coastal

waters of California and southern Oregon, 1984-1988. 'U.S.

Dep. Commer., NOAA Tech. Memo. F/NWC-167, 32 p.

Parks, N. B., and F. R. Shaw. 1990. Changes in relative

abundance and size composition of sablefish in coastal

waters of Washington and Oregon, 1979-89. U.S. Dep.

Commer., NOM Tech. Memo. F/NWC-188, 38 p.
29

Shaw, F. R. 1984. Data report: Results of sablefish tagging in

waters off the coast of Washington, Oregon, and California,

1979-83. U.S. Dep. Commer., NOM Tech. Memo. F/NWC-69,

79 p.
3 1

APPENDIX

Individual Index Site Data
sites

Appendix Figure 1 .-- Mean catch rates of sablefish at nine index sites fished off California and

southern Oregon in 1984, 1986, 1968, and 1991 (225525 fathoms),

Appendix Figure 2.--(Continued).
3 6

Appendix Table 1.-- Sablefish catch rates and percentage by size category from southern Oregon and California

index sites by depth in 1984 , 1986, 1986, and 1991 (standard depths 225-525 fathoms).
Appendix Table 2.-- Sablefish catch rates and percentage above the minimum size limit' by index site during the 1991 abundance index survey.
Appendix Table 2.--(Continued).
RECENT TECHNICAL MEMORANDUMS

Copies of this and other NOAA Technical Memorandums are available from the

National Technical Information Service, 5285 Port Royal Road, Springfield, VA 22167.

Paper copies vary in price. Microfiche copies cost $3.50.

AFSC34

33

32

31

30

29

28

27

26

25

24

23

22

21

20

SAMPLE, T. M., and D. G. NICHOL. 1994. Results of the 1990 U.S.-U.S.S.R. cooperative bottom

trawl survey of the eastern and northwestern Bering Sea continental shelf, 183 p. NTIS number

pending.

WEINBERG, K. L., M. E. WILKINS, R. R. LAUTH, and P. A. RAYMORE, JR. 1994. The 1989

Pacific west coast bottom trawl survey of groundfish resources: Estimates of distribution,

abundance, and length and age composition, 168 p. plus Appendices. NTIS number pending.

PEREZ, M. A. 1994. Calorimetry measurements of energy value of some Alaskan fishes and

squids, 32 p. NTIS No. PB94-152907.

RONHOLT. L. L., K. TESHIMA, and W. D. KESSLER. 1994. The groundfish resources of the

Aleutian Islands region and southern Bering Sea 1980, 1983, and 1986, 351 p. NTIS No. PB94-

152915

LORENZ, J. M. 1994. Distribution and habitat of adult salmon in the Situk River, Alaska: Potential

impacts of flooding from Russell Fiord, 27 p. NTIS number pending.

IGNELL, S. E., L. J. SIMON, and M. L. DAHLBERG. 1994. Estimation of salmonid bycatch in the

1989 Japanese squid driftnet fishery, 45 p. NTIS No. PB94-152105.

MORTENSEN, D. G., and H. SAVIKKO. 1993. Effects of water temperature on growth of juvenile

pink salmon (Oncorhynchus qorbuscha), 12 p. NTIS No. PB94-145349.

LOW, L-L. (coordinator). 1994. Status of living marine resources off Alaska, 1993, 110 p. NTIS

No. PB94-149846.

LOW, L-L. (coordinator). 1993. Status of living marine resources off the Pacific coast of the United

States for 1993, 90 p. NTIS No. PB94-133733.

KINOSHITA, R. K., A. GREIG, J. D. HASTIE, and J. M. TERRY. 1993. Economic status of the

groundfish fisheries off Alaska, 1992, 102 p. PB94-142759.

SINCLAIR, E. H. (editor) 1993. Fur seal investigations, 1991, 142 p. NTIS No. PB94-118171.

PARKS, N. B., F. R. SHAW, and R. L HENRY. 1993. Results of a 1988 trawl survey of groundfish

resources of the upper continental slope off Oregon, 164 p. NTIS No. PB94-118163.

YANG, M-S. 1993. Food habits of the commercially important groundfishes in the Gulf of Alaska

in 1990, 150 p. NTIS No. PB94-112463.

KINOSHITA, R. K., and J. M. TERRY. 1993. Oregon, Washington, and Alaska exports of edible

fishery products, 1992, 52 p. NTIS No. PB93-226652.

REEVES, J. E. 1993. Use of lower minimum size limits to reduce discards in the Bristol Bay red

king crab (Paralithodes camtschaticus) fishery, 16 p. NTIS No. PB93-228187.