West Coast Groundfish Purchasing Manual

Home , Bocaccio rockfish, Brill (fish), English sole, Flatfish, Flounder, Lemon sole

U.S. West Coast groundfish manual

FISHCHOICE.COM The U.S. West Coast groundfish fishery is the backbone of many fishing communities. Consisting of more than 90 different species of flatfish, rockfish and roundfish caught in waters off of California, Oregon and Washington, the fishery is a true environmental success story. After being declared a federal disaster in 2000, this fishery has made dramatic improvements through full catch accountability, ecosystem protections, incentives to reduce bycatch and avoidance of overfished species. In 2014, the fishery received Marine Stewardship Council certification and Seafood Watch removed 21 species from “Avoid (red)” status and moved them to either “Good Alternative (yellow)” or “Best Choice (green).”

The abundance, variety, and quality of these fish are still under- appreciated in the marketplace, however, and more than half the fishing quota goes uncaught every year. This Groundfish Manual is your guide to some of the West Coast’s most prominent species. Inside, you will find photos of the fish whole and filleted, along with cooking suggestions, flavor profiles, and details on availability, sustainability and more.

We have chosen these 13 species to profile because they are among the best recognized and studied, but keep in mind that many lesser known species from this fishery, including a number of species of rockfish, are also managed sustainably and deserve a place on America’s table.

Help make U.S. West Coast Groundfish a success story for the ocean, American fishing communities and your business.

West Coast Groundfish Manual | 2 Table of Contents

FLATFISH Dover Sole �� 4 English Sole �� 6 Pacific Sanddab �� 8 Petrale Sole ��10 Starry Flounder ��12

ROCKFISH Chilipepper Rockfish ��14 Longspine Thornyhead ��16 Shortspine Thornyhead ��18 Splitnose Rockfish ��20 Widow Rockfish ��22 Yellowtail Rockfish ��24

OTHER Lingcod ��26 Longnose Skate ��28

Summary tables ��30

3 | West Coast Groundfish Manual • SPECIES SPOTLIGHT •

FISHCHOICE.COM Dover Sole

Dover sole is found from Baja California to the Bering Sea and eastern Aleutian Islands. The elongated body has very small scales and the top side of the fish coloration varies from grayish brown to brown and it DOVER SOLE may include darker spots. Dover Microstomus pacificus sole can reach a maximum of MARKET NAMES: 10 pounds (few are over 2 lbs.), slime sole, slippery sole 2.5 feet, and live more than 50 years.

SOURCING PRODUCT FORMS • Not to be confused with European Dover sole (Solea vulgaris), Dover sole Product Fresh Frozen from the Pacific has a delicate taste and firm-textured flesh, although it is Fillets X X not as mild as European Dover sole. SELLING POINTS • Since flatfish quality can vary H&G X immensely, buyers recommend • Thin, firm fillets that hold looking for Dover sole that has Whole X X well in many preparations uniform color and lacks bruises. • Cooked meat is a clean, • Yellow or gray color fillets indicate old age. COOKING METHODS white color • Fresh fish can last up to 10 days • Forgiving texture and delicate on ice. BAKE POACH SAUTÉ taste makes it popular among • U.S. West Coast fishery is open American consumers year-round, but stops when fishers redirect to other target species. FRY • Dover sole and English sole are often used interchangeably in the market. STEAM Find Suppliers on FishChoice.com

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West Coast Groundfish Manual | 4 • SPECIES SPOTLIGHT •

FISHCHOICE.COM Dover Sole: U.S. West Coast

Fishing Quota Realized 2011 – 2014 = % AVG. Price Paid 35 to Fishermen 2011 – 2014 = 43 Opportunity still per pound available = 5 1 % 25 1 65 1

U.S. West British Seafood Watch Conservation Summary Alaska Coast/CGC* Columbia SEAFOOD WATCH Best Choice Good Alt. Unrated RATINGS Impact Dover sole, found in the waters off CA, OR, WA, BC, and AK, have Best on stock variable abundance that is considered healthy overall. Choice Habitat Dover sole are primarily caught using trawls targeting the fl atfi sh in Good Impacts the soft muddy areas where they live, minimizing habitat impacts. Alternative Bycatch There is little bycatch in the Pacifi c Dover sole fi shery, aided by gear Avoid improvements that help trawlers avoid bycatch hotspots. Dover sole on the U.S. West Coast are managed with other groundfi sh Unrated Management species and measures include: 100% observer coverage on trawlers, gear restrictions and a catch share program.

*California Groundfi sh Collective

U.S. WEST COAST DOVER SOLE LANDINGS U.S. WEST COAST DOVER SOLE DOVER SOLE SUSTAINABILITY BY REGION 2011 – 2014 LANDINGS, AVG. 2011 – 2013

12 Best Choice 10 2014 % 8 1 % % 50 49 6 MSC 4 Certified 2014 2 MILLIONS OF POUNDS British U.S. 0 Alaska Columbia West Coast WA OR CA

5 | West Coast Groundfi sh Manual • SPECIES SPOTLIGHT •

FISHCHOICE.COM English Sole

English sole is found from Baja California to the Bering Sea. The scales on the fish go from smooth to rough from the center of the fish to the edges and coloration of the top side of the fish ENGLISH SOLE Parophrys vetulu ranges from an olive brown to reddish brown and may MARKET NAMES: have white spots. The fish can lemon sole reach lengths of 22 inches (commercial size closer to 14”) and weigh 3+ lbs.

SOURCING PRODUCT FORMS • Usually caught on short trips during spring and summer. Product Fresh Frozen • Fish should have a uniform color and Fillets X X lack bruises. • Yellow or gray color fillets indicate H&G X SELLING POINTS old age. • Affordable and available • English sole has a distinct iodine smell Whole X X year-round that isn’t as strong when cooked. • English sole is a smaller flatfish and its • Thin fillets that hold well in smaller fillets can be a good value. COOKING METHODS many preparations • Fresh fish can last up to 10 days • Cooked meat is a clean, on ice. white color • Dover sole and English sole are often BAKE POACH SAUTÉ used interchangeably in the market. • Forgiving texture and delicate FRY taste makes it popular among American consumers STEAM

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West Coast Groundfish Manual | 6 • SPECIES SPOTLIGHT •

FISHCHOICE.COM English Sole: U.S. West Coast

Fishing Quota Realized 2011 – 2014 = % AVG. Price Paid 1 to Fishermen 2011 – 2014 = 34 Opportunity still per pound available = % 25 5 1 1 99 1 1

U.S. West British Seafood Watch Conservation Summary Alaska Coast/CGC* Columbia SEAFOOD WATCH Best Choice Good Alt. Unrated RATINGS Impact English sole is found primarily along the U.S. West Coast and British Best on stock Columbia. Recent stock assessments show populations are healthy. Choice Habitat English sole are primarily caught in sand and gravel habitats, which Good Impacts minimizes impacts from trawl gear. Alternative Bycatch Bycatch along the U.S. West Coast is closely managed and mandatory Avoid use of selective fl atfi sh trawl nets helps reduce bycatch. English sole management on the U.S. West Coast is considered strong Unrated Management due to measures that include: 100% observer coverage on trawlers, gear restrictions, and a catch share program.

*California Groundfi sh Collective

U.S. WEST COAST ENGLISH SOLE LANDINGS U.S. WEST COAST ENGLISH SOLE ENGLISH SOLE SUSTAINABILITY BY REGION 2011 – 2013 LANDINGS, AVG. 2011 – 2013

25 Best Choice 2014 20 6% 46% 48% 15 10 MSC Certified 2014 X 10,000 POUNDS 5 British U.S. 0 Alaska Columbia West Coast WA OR CA

7 | West Coast Groundfi sh Manual • SPECIES SPOTLIGHT •

FISHCHOICE.COM Pacific Sanddab

Pacific Sanddabis found from Baja California to the Bering Sea and the Sea of Japan. The oval shaped body is light brown with brown, black, yellow or orange markings. Identification of PACIFIC SANDDAB this fish from other sanddabs Citharichthys sordidus requires gill raker (12 – 16) MARKET NAMES: and lateral line (61 – 70) scale Catalina sanddab, counts. One of the smallest soft flounder, megrim flatfish, the fish can reach 16 inches and 2 lbs.

SOURCING PRODUCT FORMS • Pacific sanddab are usually less than 1/2 pound in size and marketed Product Fresh Frozen pan-ready. Fillets X X • Fresh fish can last up to 10 days on ice. Whole X X SELLING POINTS • U.S. West Coast fishery is open year- • Thin, firm fillets that hold well round, but stops when fishers redirect to other target species. Pan Ready X in many preparations • Fresh fillets should have a translucent • Cooked meat is a clean, sheen giving the meat a wet COOKING METHODS white color appearance. • Raw flesh should be very firm and • Pacific sanddab is known smell like the sea, not fishy. BAKE POACH SAUTÉ for its sweet, nutty flavor and is popular among many consumers FRY STEAM Find Suppliers on FishChoice.com

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West Coast Groundfish Manual | 8 • SPECIES SPOTLIGHT •

FISHCHOICE.COM Pacific Sanddab: U.S. West Coast

Fishing Quota Realized 2011 – 2014 = AVG. Price Paid NA to Fishermen 2011 – 2014 = 63 per pound There is no quota specifically for pacific sanddab as it is caught as part of a collective of species 25 1 1 designated as ‘Other flatfish’ 25 1

U.S. West Seafood Watch Conservation Summary C.G.C.* Coast SEAFOOD WATCH Best Choice Good Alt. RATINGS Impact Pacifi c sanddab populations on the U.S. West Coast are currently healthy and have Best on stock been increasing in recent years. Choice Habitat Most Pacifi c sanddab are caught using bottom trawl, however, the fi shing occurs on Good Impacts sandy and gravel habitats minimizing gear impacts. Alternative Bycatch Bycatch in the U.S. West Coast groundfi sh fi shery, which includes Pacifi c sanddab, is Avoid low, and is carefully managed through spatial and gear restrictions. Pacifi c sanddab management on the U.S. West Coast is considered strong and Unrated Management management measures include: 100% observer coverage on trawlers, gear restrictions and a catch share program.

*California Groundfi sh Collective

U.S. WEST COAST PACIFIC SANDDAB LANDINGS U.S. WEST COAST PACIFIC SANDDAB BY REGION 2011 – 2012 PACIFIC SANDDAB LANDINGS, SUSTAINABILITY AVG. 2011 – 2012

20 Best Good Choice Alternative % % 15 2014 2014 79 21 10

California X 10,000 POUNDS U.S. Groundfish 0 West Coast Collective U.S. WEST COAST CGC

9 | West Coast Groundfi sh Manual • SPECIES SPOTLIGHT •

FISHCHOICE.COM Petrale Sole

Petrale sole is found from northern Baja California to the Bering Sea, Aleutian Islands and Gulf of Alaska. The oval- to round-shaped body is uniformly light to dark brown in coloration with smooth PETRALE SOLE skin. Petrale sole can grow up Eopsetta jordani to 2 feet and live 17 years. MARKET NAMES: flounder, California sole, brill, petral

SOURCING PRODUCT FORMS • Whole fish usually weigh between 1 and 3 lbs. and fillets vary from 3 – 10 Product Fresh Frozen ounces. Fillets X X • Fish should have a uniform color and lack bruises. SELLING POINTS H&G X • Yellow or gray color fillets • Affordable and available indicates old age. Whole X X year-round • The best time to buy petrale sole for price is in the winter. • Thin fillets that hold well in • As larger flatfish sell for a premium, COOKING METHODS many preparations smaller fillets can be a good value. • Cooked meat is a clean, • Fresh fish can last up to 10 days white color on ice. BAKE POACH SAUTÉ • Delicate texture and mild taste makes it popular among FRY American consumers STEAM

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West Coast Groundfish Manual | 10 • SPECIES SPOTLIGHT •

FISHCHOICE.COM Petrale Sole: U.S. West Coast

Fishing Quota Realized AVG. Price Paid to Fishermen 2011 – 2014 = % 2011 – 2014 = $1.35 95 per pound Opportunity still available = 25 25 % 25 25 5 25

U.S. West British CGC* Seafood Watch Conservation Summary Coast Columbia SEAFOOD Best Choice Good Alt. Good Alt. WATCH RATINGS Impact Petrale sole, once considered overfi shed along the U.S. West Coast has recovered. The species life history makes it moderately vulnerable to Best on stock Choice fi shing pressure. Habitat Petrale sole are primarily caught in sandy and muddy habitats making Good Impacts impacts from trawl gear minimal. Alternative Bycatch There is little bycatch in the U.S. West Coast petrale sole fi shery as Avoid much of the fi sh is caught in a multispecies integrated fi shery. Petrale sole on the U.S. West Coast is considered strong due to Unrated Management measures that include: 100% observer coverage on trawlers, gear restrictions, and a catch share program.

*California Groundfi sh Collective

U.S. WEST COAST PETRALE SOLE LANDINGS PETRALE SOLE LANDINGS BY PETRALE SOLE SUSTAINABILITY BY SFW RATINGS 2011 – 2014 SUSTAINABILITY, 2011 – 2012

2 Best Good Choice Alternative 2014 2014 % % 3.7% 50.1 46.2 1 MSC Certified 2014 California MILLIONS OF POUNDS British U.S. Groundfish 0 Columbia West Coast Collective WA OR CA CGC

11 | West Coast Groundfi sh Manual • SPECIES SPOTLIGHT •

FISHCHOICE.COM Starry Flounder

Starry Flounder range from Southern California to the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands, the Sea of Japan and the Sea of Okhotsk. The oval body and pointed head ranges in coloration from olive STARRY FLOUNDER to dark brown or black. Starry Platichthys stellatus flounder has light yellow/ MARKET NAMES: orange colored fins with California flounder, distinct black bars. diamond flounder, grindstone

SOURCING PRODUCT FORMS • Fish should have a uniform color and lack bruises. Product Fresh Frozen • Yellow or gray color fillets indicate Fillets X X old age. SELLING POINTS • Starry flounder is one of the biggest H&G X flounders from the Pacific and can • Affordable and available reach 10 – 15 lbs. Whole X X year-round • As larger flatfish sell for a premium, smaller fillets can be a good value. • Thicker fillet has more • Fresh fish can last up to 10 days COOKING METHODS culinary options in on ice. preparation and serving

BAKE POACH SAUTÉ • Cooked meat is a clean, white color • Forgiving texture and delicate FRY taste makes it popular among STEAM American consumers • Texture of starry flounder is more firm than other CULINARY COMPOSITON flounders

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West Coast Groundfish Manual | 12 • SPECIES SPOTLIGHT •

FISHCHOICE.COM Starry Flounder: U.S. West Coast

Fishing Quota Realized 2011 – 2014 = % AVG. Price Paid 1 to Fishermen 2011 – 2014 = 67 Opportunity still per pound available =

% 25 5 1 25 99 1

U.S. West British Seafood Watch Conservation Summary Coast Columbia SEAFOOD Best Choice Unrated WATCH RATINGS Impact Starry fl ounder are found along the coasts from Southern California to the Aleutian Islands. The most recent stock assessment in 2005 showed healthy northern and Best on stock Choice southern populations. Habitat Starry fl ounderare primarily caught using trawls in sandy and muddy habitats that Good Impacts are resilient to fi shing impacts. Alternative Avoid Bycatch There are very few true bycatch species caught in fi sheries targeting starry fl ounder. Starry fl ounder on the U.S. West Coast is considered strong due to measures that Unrated Management include: 100% observer coverage on trawlers, gear restrictions, and a catch share program.

U.S. WEST COAST STARRY FLOUNDER LANDINGS U.S. WEST COAST STARRY STARRY FLOUNDER BY REGION 2011 – 2014 FLOUNDER LANDINGS SUSTAINABILITY AVG. 2011 – 2013

15 Best Choice % % 10 2014 33.4 65.6

British U.S.

THOUSANDS OF POUNDS OF THOUSANDS 0 Columbia West Coast WA OR CA

13 | West Coast Groundfi sh Manual • SPECIES SPOTLIGHT •

FISHCHOICE.COM Chilipepper Rockfish

Chilipepper Rockfish range from Baja California to British Columbia. The fish has an elongated head that lacks spines, a protruding lower jaw and a distinct bright red zone CHILIPEPPER ROCKFISH along its lateral line. Chilipepper Sebastes goodei rockfish differ from bocaccio

MARKET NAMES: rockfish with a smaller mouth Pacific red snapper, and an upper jaw that extends chilipepper sea perch to the center of the eye. This species can grow to 22 inches and live to be 16 years old.

SOURCING PRODUCT FORMS SELLING POINTS • Rockfish skin should be shiny and • Affordable and available bright and is stale if it appears yellow, Product Fresh Frozen orange or wrinkled. year-round Fillets X X • Fillets shouldn’t have signs of • Texture fits nicely between browning, graying or yellowing. H&G X more delicate flounders and • Fillets hold together better with more firm swordfish skin on. Whole X X • Whole fish should have shiny, bright, • Rockfish hold well in many and clear eyes. preparations and remains • Gills should be bright pink or red COOKING METHODS moist when baked (not brick red) and scales should be shining and clinging to the skin. • Whole, dressed rockfish are well suited to cook on • Flesh on fillets should be moist BAKE POACH SAUTÉ and when pressed, bounce back to a barbecue original form. FRY • Chilipepper name adds menu appeal STEAM

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West Coast Groundfish Manual | 14 • SPECIES SPOTLIGHT •

FISHCHOICE.COM Chilipepper Rockfish: U.S. West Coast

Fishing Quota Realized 2011 – 2014 = % AVG. Price Paid 25 to Fishermen 2011 – 2014 = 66 Opportunity still per pound available = 25 % 25 5 75 1

Seafood Watch Conservation Summary CGC* C NON-GC SEAFOOD Best Choice Good Alt. WATCH RATINGS Impact Chilipepper rockfi sh have traits that make them less inherently vulnerable to fi shing pressure than other rockfi sh species and U.S. West Coast populations are currently Best on stock Choice healthy according to the most recent stock assessments from 2006 and 2007. Habitat Most chilipepper rockfi sh are caught using bottom trawl, however, spatial Good Impacts restrictions on fi shing gear help reduce the impact. Alternative Bycatch Bycatch in the U.S. West Coast groundfi sh fi shery, which includes chilipepper Avoid rockfi sh, is low, and is carefully managed through spatial and gear restrictions. Chilipepper rockfi sh management on the U.S. West Coast is considered strong Unrated Management and management measures include: 100% observer coverage on trawlers, gear restrictions and a catch share program.

*California Groundfi sh Collective

U.S. WEST COAST CHILIPEPPER ROCKFISH U.S. WEST COAST CHILIPEPPER ROCKFISH LANDINGS CHILIPEPPER ROCKFISH SUSTAINABILITY BY REGION 2011 – 2012 LANDINGS, AVG. 2011 – 2012

Best Good 31 Choice Alternative 2014 2014 51.5% 48.5% 30 29

MSC 28

Certified X 10,000 POUNDS 2014 California California non-Groundfish Groundfish 27 Collective Collective CGC C NON-GC 15 | West Coast Groundfi sh Manual • SPECIES SPOTLIGHT •

FISHCHOICE.COM Longspine Thornyhead

Longspine Thornyhead range from southern Baja to the Gulf of Alaska. The fish has a thorny spine across its cheek and when landed the body is red with some black on the fins. Longspine LONGSPINE THORNYHEAD thornyheads differ from Sebastolobus altivelis shortspine thornyheads with MARKET NAMES: the third dorsal spine being thornyhead, longer than the fourth. This spinycheek rockfish, idiotfish species can grow to 15 inches and live to be 45 years old.

SOURCING PRODUCT FORMS • Rockfish skin should be shiny and bright and is stale if it appears yellow, Product Fresh Frozen orange or wrinkled. • Fillets shouldn’t have signs of H&G X browning, graying or yellowing. SELLING POINTS • Fillets hold together better with • Affordable and available skin on. Whole X X year-round • Whole fish should have shiny, bright, and clear eyes. • Texture fits nicely between • Gills should be bright pink or red COOKING METHODS more delicate flounders and (not brick red) and scales should be more firm swordfish shining and clinging to the skin. • Rockfish hold well in many • Flesh on fillets should be moist BAKE POACH SAUTÉ and when pressed, bounce back to preparations and remains original form. moist when baked FRY • Whole, dressed rockfish STEAM are well suited to cook on a barbecue

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West Coast Groundfish Manual | 16 • SPECIES SPOTLIGHT •

FISHCHOICE.COM Longspine Thornyhead: U.S. West Coast

Fishing Quota Realized 2011 – 2014 = % AVG. Price Paid 52 to Fishermen 2011 – 2014 = 30 Opportunity still available = % 5 48 25

U.S. West British Seafood Watch Conservation Summary Coast/CGC* Columbia SEAFOOD Best Choice Good Alt. WATCH RATINGS Impact U.S. West Coast populations of longspine thornyheads declined somewhat since the Best on stock 1970s and ’80s, but stocks are currently considered healthy. Choice Habitat Longspine thornyhead fi sheries include both longline and trawl gears, and the combination of spatial restrictions and gear modifi cations help reduce habitat Good Impacts Alternative impacts. Bycatch Bycatch along the U.S. West Coast is closely managed and mandatory use of Avoid selective fl atfi sh trawl nets helps reduce bycatch. Longspine thornyheads management on the U.S. West Coast is considered strong Unrated Management and management measures include: 100% observer coverage on trawlers, gear restrictions and a catch share program.

*California Groundfi sh Collective

U.S. WEST COAST LONGSPINE THORNYHEAD U.S. WEST COAST LONGSPINE THORNYHEAD LANDINGS LONGSPINE THORNYHEAD SUSTAINABILITY BY REGION 2012 LANDINGS, AVG. 2011 – 2013

Best 15 Choice 2014 10.1% 89.9% 10

MSC 5 Certified X 100,000 POUNDS 2014 British U.S. 0 Columbia West Coast WA OR CA

17 | West Coast Groundfi sh Manual • SPECIES SPOTLIGHT •

FISHCHOICE.COM Shortspine Thornyhead

Shortspine Thornyhead range from central Baja, the Gulf of Alaska, the Sea of Japan and the Sea of Okhotsk. The fish has a spiny ridge across its cheek, and is pinkish red with SHORTSPINE THORNYHEAD a white throat when landed. Sebastolobus alascanus Unlike longspine thornyheads, MARKET NAMES: this species lacks an elongated thornyhead, spinycheek rockfish, third dorsal spine. Shortspine idiotfish thornyheads can grow to 30 inches, 20 lbs., and live to 100 years old.

SOURCING PRODUCT FORMS • Rockfish skin should be shiny and bright and is stale if it appears yellow, Product Fresh Frozen orange or wrinkled. Fillets X X • Fillets shouldn’t have signs of browning, graying or yellowing. SELLING POINTS H&G X • Fillets hold together better with • Affordable and available skin on. Whole X X year-round • Whole fish should have shiny, bright, and clear eyes. • Texture fits nicely between • Gills should be bright pink or red COOKING METHODS more delicate flounders and (not brick red) and scales should be more firm swordfish shining and clinging to the skin. • Rockfish hold well in many • Flesh on fillets should be moist BAKE POACH SAUTÉ and when pressed, bounce back to preparations and remains original form. moist when baked FRY • Whole, dressed rockfish STEAM are well suited to cook on a barbecue

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West Coast Groundfish Manual | 18 • SPECIES SPOTLIGHT •

FISHCHOICE.COM Shortspine Thornyhead: U.S. West Coast

Fishing Quota Realized 2011 – 2014 = % AVG. Price Paid 52 to Fishermen 2011 – 2014 = $1.46 per pound Opportunity still available = 25 25 % 25 25 48 25 1

U.S. West British Alaska Seafood Watch Conservation Summary Coast/CGC* Columbia SEAFOOD Best Choice Avoid Good Alt. WATCH RATINGS Impact U.S. West Coast populations of shortspine thornyheads declined somewhat since the 1970s and ’80s, but stocks are currently Best on stock considered healthy. Choice Habitat Shortspine thornyhead fi sheries include both longline and trawl gears, and the combination of spatial restrictions and gear modifi cations Good Impacts Alternative help reduce habitat impacts. Bycatch Bycatch along the U.S. West Coast is closely managed and mandatory Avoid use of selective fl atfi sh trawl nets helps reduce bycatch. Shortspine thornyhead management on the U.S. West Coast is Unrated Management considered strong and management measures include: 100% observer coverage on trawlers, gear restrictions and a catch share program.

*California Groundfi sh Collective

U.S. WEST COAST SHORTSPINE THORNYHEAD U.S. WEST COAST SHORTSPINE THORNYHEAD LANDINGS SHORTSPINE THORNYHEAD SUSTAINABILITY BY REGION 2011 – 2014 LANDINGS, AVG. 2011 – 2013

10 Best LINES Choice 8 TRAWL 2014 % % % 37.6 26.5 32.6 6 4 MSC Certified 2

2014 X 100,000 POUNDS British U.S. 0 Alaska Columbia West Coast WA OR CA

19 | West Coast Groundfi sh Manual • SPECIES SPOTLIGHT •

FISHCHOICE.COM Splitnose Rockfish

Splitnose Rockfish range from Baja California to Prince William Sound, Alaska. When landed the body is dark pink with a pale belly. Splitnose rockfish have large eyes and several sharp head spines. The species is SPLITNOSE ROCKFISH Sebastes diploproa distinguished from aurora and chameleon rockfishes by a deep MARKET NAMES: rock cod notch on its upper jaw. Splitnose rockfish can grow to 18 inches and live to 86 years old.

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FISHCHOICE.COM Splitnose Rockfish: U.S. West Coast

Fishing Quota Realized 2011 – 2014 = % AVG. Price Paid 3 to Fishermen 2011 – 2014 = 30 Opportunity still per pound available = % 25 97 5

U.S. West British Alaska Seafood Watch Conservation Summary Coast* Columbia SEAFOOD Best Choice Avoid Unrated WATCH RATINGS Impact Splitnose rockfi sh populations declined between the 1960s through the 1990s, but have been increasing since 1999 and were found to be Best on stock healthy when they were most recently assessed in 2009. Choice Habitat Splitnose rockfi sh are primarily caught using bottom trawls, but spatial Good Impacts restrictions help mitigate damage to sensitive habitat. Alternative Bycatch in the U.S. West Coast groundfi sh fi shery, which includes Bycatch splitnose rockfi sh, is low, and is carefully managed through spatial and Avoid gear restrictions. Splitnose rockfi sh management on the U.S. West Coast is considered Unrated Management strong and management measures include: 100% observer coverage on trawlers, gear restrictions and a catch share program.

*Midwater & Bottom Trawl

U.S. WEST COAST SPLITNOSE ROCKFISH LANDINGS U.S. WEST COAST SPLITNOSE ROCKFISH BY REGION 2011 – 2014 SPLITNOSE ROCKFISH SUSTAINABILITY LANDINGS, AVG. 2011 – 2013

Best 30 Choice 2014 50.4% 49.6%

MSC Certified 2014

Other California POUNDS OF THOUSANDS 29 Landings Trawl CA TRAWL OTHER

21 | West Coast Groundfi sh Manual • SPECIES SPOTLIGHT •

FISHCHOICE.COM WIDOW ROCKFISH

Widow Rockfish range from Baja California to Kodiak Island, Alaska. When underwater, the fish varies in coloration from brown to orange. Widow rockfish have a WIDOW ROCKFISH short head with a small mouth Sebastes entomelas and are distinguished by black MARKET NAMES: pectoral fin membranes. This widowfish species can grow to 23 inches and live to 60 years old.

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FISHCHOICE.COM WIDOW ROCKFISH: U.S. West Coast

Fishing Quota Realized 2011 – 2014 = % AVG. Price Paid 42 to Fishermen 2011 – 2014 = 46 Opportunity still per pound available = % 25 58 1

U.S. West British Alaska Seafood Watch Conservation Summary Coast* Columbia

SEAFOOD Best Choice Avoid Unrated WATCH U.S. West Coast widow rockfi sh were declared overfi shed in 2001 but RATINGS Impact the stock was rebuilt in 2011 and the population is considered healthy Best on stock overall. Choice Habitat Widow rockfi sh along the U.S. West Coast are caught primarily using midwater trawl gear that has little impact on the ocean bottom Good Impacts habitats. Alternative To avoid catching overfi shed rockfi sh species while targeting widow Bycatch rockfi sh on the U.S. West Coast, Rockfi sh Conservation Areas were Avoid established where fi shing is limited. Widow rockfi sh management on the U.S. West Coast is considered Unrated Management strong and management measures include: 100% observer coverage on trawlers, gear restrictions and a catch share program.

*Midwater & Bottom Trawl

U.S. WEST COAST WIDOW ROCKFISH LANDINGS U.S. WEST COAST WIDOW ROCKFISH BY REGION 2011 – 2013 WIDOW ROCKFISH LANDINGS, SUSTAINABILITY AVG. 2011 – 2013 1% Best 5 Choice 4 2014 % % 51.6 47.3 3 2 MSC Certified X 100,000 POUNDS 1 2014 British U.S. 0 Alaska Columbia West Coast WA OR CA

23 | West Coast Groundfi sh Manual • SPECIES SPOTLIGHT •

FISHCHOICE.COM Yellowtail Rockfish

Yellowtail Rockfish range from San Diego, California to Unalaska Island, Alaska. When landed the body turns a uniform olive brown with some reddish brown spots on the scales. Yellowtail rockfish have YELLOWTAIL ROCKFISH a long head with a protruding Sebastes flavidus lower jaw and is distinguished MARKET NAMES: from olive rockfish by the green rockfish, absence of spines on the head. yellowtail sea perch This species can grow to 26 inches and live to 64 years old.

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FISHCHOICE.COM Yellowtail Rockfish: U.S. West Coast

Fishing Quota Realized 2011 – 2014 = % AVG. Price Paid 28 to Fishermen 2011 – 2014 = 52 Opportunity still per pound available = 25 % 25 1 72 1

U.S. West British B.C. TRAWL Seafood Watch Conservation Summary Coast Columbia SEAFOOD Best Choice Good Alt. AVOID WATCH RATINGS Impact Yellowtail rockfi sh are found along the U.S. West Coast and British Columbia. The species is vulnerable to fi shing pressure, but U.S. West Best on stock Coast populations are healthy. Choice Habitat Yellowtail rockfi sh are caught with a variety of gear types minimizing Good Impacts habitat impacts. Alternative Bycatch in the U.S. West Coast groundfi sh fi shery, which includes Bycatch yellowtail rockfi sh, is low, and is carefully managed through spatial Avoid and gear restrictions. Yellowtail rockfi sh management on the U.S. West Coast is considered Unrated Management strong and management measures include: 100% observer coverage on trawlers, gear restrictions and a catch share program.

U.S. WEST COAST YELLOWTAIL ROCKFISH LANDINGS U.S. WEST COAST YELLOWTAIL ROCKFISH BY REGION 2011 – 2014 YELLOWTAIL ROCKFISH SUSTAINABILITY LANDINGS, AVG. 2011 – 2013

% Best 0.6 2 Choice 2014 50.1% 49.2% 1.5 1

MSC .5 Certified 2014 MILLIONS OF POUNDS B.C. LL, B.C. U.S. 0 JIG, TROLL TRAWL West Coast WA OR CA

25 | West Coast Groundfi sh Manual • SPECIES SPOTLIGHT •

FISHCHOICE.COM Lingcod

Lingcod are actually not cod at all—they are in the same group of fishes as sablefish, Pacific rockfish and scorpionfish. This bottom-dwelling fish only LINGCOD occurs on the West Coast of Ophiodon elongates North America. They grow MARKET NAMES: quickly and mature within a greenling, buckethead, bluefish, few years, which has allowed green cod, buffalo cod them to recover quickly from overfishing. This species can reach 5 feet and 80 pounds and live for more than 20 years.

SOURCING PRODUCT FORMS • Most lingcod is caught as bycatch in other fisheries, but there are Product Fresh Frozen some targeted fisheries, namely Southeast Alaska. Fillets X X • Raw lingcod flesh can have a blue- SELLING POINTS green tint—this is perfectly normal, H&G X and when cooked it turns a snow • A lower cost alternative white color. Steaks X X to halibut • Look for a grayish flesh color and/or • Cooked meat is moist, white, blood spots to signal mishandling. COOKING METHODS and flaky • Dull eyes and faded gills on whole lingcod indicate a lack of freshness. • Versatile culinary options BAKE GRILL BROIL ranging from simple to sophisticated FRY • Available year-round SAUTÉ STEAM Find Suppliers on FishChoice.com CULINARY COMPOSITON

SWEET MEDIUM MEDIUM

MILD STRONG DELICATE FIRM LOW HIGH FLAVOR TEXTURE OIL

West Coast Groundfish Manual | 26 • SPECIES SPOTLIGHT •

FISHCHOICE.COM Lingcod: U.S. West Coast

Fishing Quota Realized 2011 – 2014 = % AVG. Price Paid 16 to Fishermen 2011 – 2014 = $1.08 per pound Opportunity still available = 25 1 % 25 25 1 84 25 5 1

U.S. West British U.S. West Coast Columbia Seafood Watch Conservation Summary Coast Alaska longline & Trawl & Handline trawl Longline Best Choice Good Alt. Good Alt. Unrated In 1999 lingcod was declared overfi shed but several SFW RATING Impact years of strict catch limits helped the fi shery get rebuilt Best on stock ahead of schedule in 2005. Choice Habitat Lingcod are mainly caught by bottom trawls and handlines on the U.S. West Coast. Impact from trawl gear Good Impacts is mitigated from spatial restrictions. Alternative Although bycatch used to be an issue in the lingcod Bycatch fi sheries, bycatch dropped 75% after the implementation Avoid of a management plan on the West Coast in 2011. Lingcod management on the U.S. West Coast is strong. Unrated Management Measures include: 100% observer coverage on trawlers, gear restrictions and a catch share program.

U.S. WEST COAST LINGCOD LANDINGS U.S. WEST COAST LINGCOD LINGCOD SUSTAINABILITY BY REGION 2011 – 2014 LANDINGS, AVG. 2010 – 2012 U.S. Best Good West Coast 6 TRAWL & Choice Alternative Handline LONGLINE 2014 5 2014 4.6% HANDLINE 4 13.4% 65.7% 16.0% 3 MSC 2 Certified

2014 U.S. X 100,000 POUNDS 1 West Coast Alaska British Trawl & 0 Columbia longline WA OR CA

27 | West Coast Groundfi sh Manual • SPECIES SPOTLIGHT •

FISHCHOICE.COM Longnose Skate

Longnose Skate are found on the sea floor from Baja, California to Alaska. The fish is distinguished by a long, sharply pointed snout and its dark brown coloration. Longnose skate can reach lengths of 4+ feet and live up LONGNOSE SKATE to 30 years. Raja Rhina

MARKET NAMES: skate

SOURCING PRODUCT FORMS • The edible part of skate’s fins are referred to as “wings.” Product Fresh Frozen • Skate can be purchased as skin-off Skin-off Wings X X wings, skin-on wings, fillets or whole. • Due to California state regulations Skin-on Wings X X aimed at protecting sharks, longnose SELLING POINTS skate can only be purchased whole form, not as wings, in California. In Fillets X X • Distinct texture makes skate other states both whole and wings a unique seafood option are available. Whole X X • Longonse skate wings average 3 to 5 • Great option for soups, lbs. per wing. and as a replacement for COOKING METHODS • Raw meat is light beige to pink and sharkfin soup turns off-white after cooking. • Skate prefer to eat mollusks, • Avoid buying any skate with an BAKE POACH SAUTÉ crustaceans and small fish ammonia smell. which give give them a • Although similar in appearance to California and big skate, longnose FRY scallop-like taste skate is the dominant skate landed • Affordable and available in California. year-round

CULINARY COMPOSITON Find Suppliers

SWEET MEDIUM MEDIUM on FishChoice.com

MILD STRONG DELICATE FIRM LOW HIGH FLAVOR TEXTURE OIL

West Coast Groundfish Manual | 28 • SPECIES SPOTLIGHT •

FISHCHOICE.COM Longnose Skate: U.S. West Coast

U.S. West Coast Skate SPP. Landings AVG. Price Paid to Fishermen 2011 – 2014 = 36 Longnose Skate = per pound 75% Other Skate = 1 25% 25

U.S. West British Seafood Watch Conservation Summary Coast Columbia SEAFOOD Best Choice Avoid WATCH RATINGS Impact Longnose skate has characteristics that make them inherently vulnerable to fi shing pressure. Although U.S. West Coast populations declined since the 1900s, current Best on stock Choice stocks remain above management targets. Habitat Longnose skates are caught using bottom longline and bottom trawl gear. Spatial Good Impacts management measures have helped mitigate gear impacts along the U.S. West Coast. Alternative Bycatch Bycatch in the U.S. West Coast groundfi sh fi shery which longnose skate is low, and the Avoid multi-species nature of the fi shery makes it diﬃ cult to clearly identify bycatch at times. Longnose skate management on the U.S. West Coast is considered strong and Unrated Management management measures include: gear restrictions, catch limits, and a catch share program.

U.S. WEST COAST LONGNOSE SKATE LANDINGS U.S. WEST COAST LONGNOSE SKATE BY REGION 2011 – 2014 LONGNOSE SKATE SUSTAINABILITY LANDINGS, AVG. 2011 – 2013

Best 15 LONGLINE Choice TRAWL 2014 67.7% 32.3% 10

MSC 5 Certified

2014 X 100,000 POUNDS British U.S. 0 Columbia West Coast OR CA

29 | West Coast Groundfi sh Manual • SUMMARY TABLES •

FISHCHOICE.COM

Species SUmmary: Market conditions and Sustainability

2014 2014 2014 2011 – 2013 2011 – 2013 SFW Rating Marine SFW Rating U.S. Avg. Ex-Vessel Avg. Unfished California Stewardship Species Name Scientific Name West Coast Price Quota Groundfish council Trawl* Collective Certified SEAFOOD WATCH RATINGS Dover Sole Microstomus pacificus $0.43 65% = Best Choice English Sole Parophrys vetulus $0.34 98% = Good Alternative Pacific Sanddab Citharichthys sordidus $0.63 N/A = Avoid Flatfish Petrale Sole Eopsetta jordani $0.74 5% = Unrated

Starry Flounder Platichthys stellatus $0.67 99%

Chilipepper Rockfish Sebastes goodei $0.66 74%

Longspine Thornyhead Sebastolobus altivelis $0.30 48% MARINE STEWARDSHIP Shortspine Thornyhead Sebastolobus alascanus $1.46 48% COUNCIL CERTIFICATION Splitnose Rockfish Sebastes diploproa Rockfish $0.30 97% = Certified Widow Rockfish Sebastes entomelas $0.46 58%

Yellowtail Rockfish Sebastes flavidus $0.52 72%

Lingcod* Ophiodon elongatus $1.08 84%

Other Longnose Skate Raja rhina $0.36 N/A

*U.S. West Coast lingcod fishery assessments include trawl, longline (“Best Choice”), and handline (“Good Alternative”) fisheries.

Strengths of the U.S. West Coast Groundfish Trawl Fishery

• The strong link between [stock] assessments and management actions

• The management plan establishes individual accountability on the part of fishermen and delivers more complete data for fishery managers

• Sensitive habitats are protected in areas of “essential fish habitat,” and additional areas deemed off-limits to bottom trawls

• The management system is transparent and open to the public

• The catch share program provides incentives for sustainable fishing

West Coast Groundfish Manual | 30 • SUMMARY TABLES •

FISHCHOICE.COM

Other U.S. West Coast Groundfish Trawl Fisheries

Species Name Scientific Name Market Name(s) SFW Rating

Arrowtooth Flounder Atheresthes stomias turbot

Errex zachirus, SEAFOOD WATCH

Flatfish Rex Sole longfin sole Glyptocephalus zachirus RATINGS Aurora Rockfish Sebastes aurora rockfish = Best Choice

Blackgill Rockfish (3) Sebastes melanstomus = Good Alternative = Avoid Bocaccio Rockfish (2) Sebastes paucispinis jack, merou = Unrated Canary Rockfish Sebastes pinniger orange rockfish

Darkblotched Rockfish (3) Sebastes crameri blackmouth rockfish Rockfish Grass Rockfish Sebastes rastrelliger

Greenstriped Rockfish Sebastes elongatus

Pacific Ocean Perch Sebastes atrovirens ocean perch

Rougheye Rockfish (3) Sebastes aleutianus

Big Skate Raja binoculata

California Skate Raja inornata

Giant Rattail (Grenadier) (3) Albatrossia pectoralis

Pacific Cod Gadus macrocephalus Alaska cod, grey cod, true cod, P-cod Other Pacific Grenadier Coryphaenoides acrolepis

Sablefish Anoplopoma fimbria black cod

Sablefish (IFQ longline & pot)* Anoplopoma fimbria black cod

* Multiple sablefish fisheries on the U.S. West Coast using longline and pot/trap methods (not trawl) scored SFW Best Choice ratings. Other Lingcod Skate % 2% 5% 4 Estimated % Of Groundfish Landings by Group based on 2012 landings

SPECIES MT rockfish Flatfish Flatfish 10,876 19% Sablefish 4,645 % Bellman, et al.. 2013. Rockfish 4,170 49 Bellman, M.A., Al- Humaidhi, J., Jannot, Skate 1,126 J. Majewski, J. 2013. sablefish Estimated discard and Other 9,38 catch of groundfish % species in the 2012 U.S. 21 west coast fisheries. Lingcod 423 West Coast Groundfish Observer Program, National Marine Total 22,178 Fisheries Service, NWFSC, Seattle, WA.

31 | West Coast Groundfish Manual FISHCHOICE.COM

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