Characterization of Nearshore Fish Communities Associated with Rocky Reef Habitats, California North Coast MPA Baseline Study, 2014 to 2015

To characterize the fish communities associated with nearshore rocky reef habitat, we collaborated with commercial passenger fishing vessel (CPFV) captains and volunteer anglers to conduct hook-and-line surveys in four pairs of MPA and reference sites. Sampling was conducted with scientific crews of six: four anglers, a sampler who handled, measured, and tagged fish, and a data recorder. Each of the four anglers used a different combination of baited or un-baited lures that represented gear frequently used by recreational anglers to catch the target species. Sites were sampled by fishing for 45 minutes in each of four, 500 meter by 500 meter sampling cells, which were randomly selected from a set of cells that covered bottom areas containing at least 20 percent rocky reef habitat, by area. Captains were directed to drift within the cells over areas of rocky habitat for a maximum of 15 minutes per drift, so that at least three areas of habitat within each cell would be sampled. Captured fish were identified to species, measured to the nearest millimeter in fork length, tagged with an external t-bar anchor tag, and returned to the water, using a descending device if needed. Each site was sampled five times, three from June-October 2014, and twice from May-August 2015.