Copper rockfish are an important component of the nearshore rocky reef system and are frequently encountered by scuba divers in this environment. Submersible observations of the biotic community off the Big Sur coast revealed copper rockfish between depths of 72 to 322 ft. Occasionally an individual was observed over sand. Status of Stocks There has been no stock assessment of this species in California. However, there is compelling evidence that copper rockfish populations have severely declined in many areas and large individuals are noticeably less common than in past decades.
Copper rockfish is one of the species taken in the commercial live-fish fishery.
Due to its relatively large size, copper rockfish have been considered one of the premium species in the recreational angler's catch and a prime target for the sport diver.