VR2W raw datafiles

Cowcod are the primary species that have influenced groundfish regulations since 2001 in California waters. More progressive management approaches have been adopted during this time, and many rockfish species, including cowcod, now appear to be rebuilding. This rebuilding has recently translated into increased cowcod catches by both recreational and commercial fishers, and the use of descending devices has become a popular method for releasing these fish with as little harm as possible. However, post-release mortality of cowcod associated with the use of these descending devices is still unclear. We have tagged __ adult individuals using acoustic telemetry methods, and analyses of these movement data are currently underway. We will also tag juvenile and sub-adult cowcod in an effort to estimate size-dependent post-release mortality and movement patterns. This will give us a better understanding of the rebuilding status of the species, and how changes in fishing regulations might affect this rebuilding.