At this level, data are available that directly relate the production rates of a species or life history stage to habitat type, quantity, quality, and location. Essential habitats are those necessary to maintain fish production consistent with a sustainable fishery and the managed species' contribution to a healthy ecosystem. For those species in which small juveniles occupy very different habitats from large juveniles, EFH levels are identified separately for them. During April and May, mating likely occurs within the known adult habitat from northern California southward. During March to August, pupping occurs in estuaries and shallow costal areas from northern California southward.
Juveniles are pelagic and occur within the adult habitat.
Females release young during the spring in bays and inshore areas. Adults are demersal and occur primarily from central California northward at depths of 3 to 350 m, commonly associated with soft bottoms. Mating likely occurs within the adult habitat. Juveniles are demersal and occur mainly on the continental shelf from central California northward, probably on soft bottom. Juveniles are demersal and likely occur within the adult habitat.