Does Puget Sound Represent a Distinct Population Segment for Yelloweye and Canary Rockfish?

Yelloweye Sebastes ruberrimus and canary Sebastes pinniger rockfish populations in Puget Sound, WA were listed as “threatened” under the U.S. Endangered Species Act in 2010. However, considerable uncertainty characterizes the designation of these “distinct population segments” (DPS) due to limited genetic and demographic information. Much of the evidence for delineating these DPSs was based on genetic evidence from other species in Puget Sound, general life history characteristics of the listed species, and the geographic isolation of Puget Sound. The objectives of this project were (1) to collect new biological and genetic information to determine whether ESA-listed Puget Sound rockfish populations are genetically similar to or distinct from their respective coastal populations and (2) to create working relationships with the recreational fishing community in order to develop sustainable management practices. In 2014, we worked with local recreational charter boat captains to collect fin clips from 40 yelloweye and 33 canary rockfish inside the Puget Sound DPS. These genetic samples are being compared with samples from the outer coasts of U.S. and Canada and the Strait of Georgia. Data collection and analyses will continue through 2015, but we will present preliminary genetic analyses, biological data and interactions with the recreational fishing community.