Improving the Survivability of Released Rockfish

Improving the Survivability of Released RockfishHeather Reed, WDFWRon Garner, Puget Sound Anglers

Fish and Wildlife Commission Meeting December 6-7, 2013

1Vulnerable Rockfish in WashingtonYelloweye and canary rockfish are considered overfished in ocean areas In Puget sound, these species and bocaccio rockfish have been listed under the Endangered Species Act The primary tool used all along the US West Coast to rebuild these stocks is to prohibit retentionUnder rebuilding plans only a small amount of mortality is allowed On the coast, the WA recreational yelloweye harvest limit is 2.9 mt (in 2013 and 2014 ), that equates to approximately 1,000 fish Information is subject to changes and amendments over time.2December 6, 2013 Fish and Wildlife Commission Meeting Presentation 2The Fate of Released RockfishRockfish have swim bladders to regulate their position in the water columnGases in the swim bladder expand when fish are brought to the surface causing bulging eyes and possibly forcing the stomach to expand this is called barotraumaNo one likes to see floatersInformation is subject to changes and amendments over time.3

December 6, 2013 Fish and Wildlife Commission Meeting Presentation 3What Can We Do?Get those rockfish down!Recompression devices are simple and easy to use Recent studies have shown that for many rockfish recompression improves survivability compared to fish released at the surfaceYelloweye and canary have shown high recompression survival when caught in deep water

Information is subject to changes and amendments over time.4December 6, 2013 Fish and Wildlife Commission Meeting Presentation4

Types of Descending DevicesInformation is subject to changes and amendments over time.5

December 6, 2013 Fish and Wildlife Commission Meeting Presentation 5Important to RememberChose the device that works best for youReduce the time on deck survivability is greatest when fish are recompressed immediately less than 2 minutes at the surfaceMortality can double with every 10 minutes at the surface Limit handling time and avoid rough handlingWhen properly released even fish with severe signs of barotrauma can surviveVenting is not recommended as it may do more harm than good

Information is subject to changes and amendments over time.6December 6, 2013 Fish and Wildlife Commission Meeting Presentation6Getting the Word OutWDFWDeveloped Protect Washingtons Rockfish brochure and postersUpdated WDFW web pagesPresented information and demonstration on the use of descending devices:Coastal charter offices and fishing groupsPuyallup Sportsman ShowNeah Bay and La Push for lingcod and halibut season openersPuget Sound AnglersDeveloped Save Our Fisheries hand-outsPurchase and distributed hundreds of free descending devicesScheduled WDFW staff attendance at PSA meetingsPresented information and demonstration on the use of descending devices:Puyallup Sportsmans ShowSeattle Boat Show

Information is subject to changes and amendments over time.7December 6, 2013 Fish and Wildlife Commission Meeting Presentation Mortality Rates for Released Yelloweye and Canary RockfishInformation is subject to changes and amendments over time.8December 6, 2013 Fish and Wildlife Commission Meeting Presentation SpeciesDepth (fm)Current Surface MortalityMortality with Descending DevicesCanary Rockfish0-1021%21%10-2037%21%20-3053%21%30-50100%37%50-100100%45%>100100%100%Yelloweye Rockfish0-1022%21%10-2039%21%20-3056%21%30-50100%27%50-100100%45%>100100%100%Video courtesy of the Oregon Dept. of Fish and Wildlife, NewportInformation is subject to changes and amendments over time.9December 6, 2013 Fish and Wildlife Commission Meeting Presentation

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