Product recovery rates for bled sablefish
By: by M.F. Sigler... [et al.].
Contributors: Sigler, Michael Frederick, 1957-; Alaska Fisheries Science Center (U.S.)
Series: NOAA technical memorandum NMFS-AFSC -- 173.
Publisher: U.S. Dept. of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Marine Fisheries Service, Alaska Fisheries Science Center
Published: 2007
Place of publication: Seattle, Wash
Language: eng
Number of pages: 14
Subjects: Sablefish fisheries -- Alaska.; Sablefish -- Weight -- Research -- Alaska.; Fish culture -- Alaska -- Methodology.; Fishery management -- Alaska.
Description: Accurate catch estimates are necessary for successful fishery management. Catch weights may be affected by fish bleeding; a practice fishermen use to ensure product quality. We conducted field experiments during July 2002 and July 2003 in the Gulf of Alaska to estimate the change in fish weight due to blood loss for sablefish. Fish weights were compared before and after bleeding. Sablefish lost more weight when bled without seawater than when immersed in flowing seawater. Sablefish lost more weight when carefully brought aboard than when gaffed aboard (bled without flowing seawater). Gaffed sablefish lost weight even when not intentionally bled because of blood loss at the gaff wound. The product recovery rate (PRR) currently applied by fishery managers to estimate catch weight for bled sablefish (2.0%) slightly overestimates "blood loss" for fish gaffed aboard (1.7%). The PRR applied by fishery managers for unbled sablefish (0.0%) underestimates "blood loss" for fish gaffed aboard (1.0%). Estimating the actual change in weight due to blood loss for a commercial fishing trip is difficult because it requires accounting for storage methods and handling practices.
Notes: "June 2007."

Includes bibliographical references (p. 9).

Also available online in PDF format via the Alaska Fisheries Science Center home page.