STULL AND TANG: TRAWLS OFF PALOS VERDES, 1973-93 CalCOFl Rep., Vol. 37, 1996

DEMERSAL FISH TRAWLS OFF PALOS VERDES, SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA, 1973-1 993 JANET K. STULL ANI) CHILLI TANG Lo\ Angeles Chunty Sanitation District\ 1OSi Workinin Mill Road Whittirr. California 90607

ABSTRACT needs of 5 million people in 79 cities, including over and epibenthic macroinvertebrates were 70,000 coniinercial establishnients aiid industries. Each monitored on the Palos Verdes Shelf and upper slope, day, 1.25 x 106 meters' (330 million gallons) of partial near Los Angeles, 1973-93. Otter trawls were taken at secondary treated wastewater are discharged into the 12 sites: 4 cross-shore transects with 3 depths (23, 61, ocean off Palos Verdes. Municipal wastewaters have been and 137 ni). Doniiiiant soft-bottom deinersal fish were discharged off Palos Verdes for 55 years. The subnia- Dover (,l/[uostomus pac!ficus), stripetail rockfish (Sebastcs rine outfall system extends about 3 kni offshore from saxicola), (Eopsctta cxilis), Whites Point to a water depth of 60 ni (figure 1). Fish (Citlzariclzthys so~didus), plainfin midshipman (Porich tlzys trawl surveys are a Los Angeles Regional Water Quality mtatus), yellowchin sculpin (Icelirzus quad~iseriatus),and Control Board permit requirement for the discharge of speckled sanddab (Citha~iclitliysst(pacus). Spatial and treated wastewaters. teniporal abundance patterns are reviewed for 28 rep- The demersal fish fauna of the Palos Verdes Shelf and resentative species. slope was first surveyed in 19 11 (Ulrey and Greeley 1928). Two decades of dynaniic environmental conditions Palos Verdes trawl sanipling was initiated in the early off Palos Verdes are documented. Specific factors caus- 1970s. The sampling grid consisted of up to 7 cross- ing fluctuations in fish catches cannot be determined. shore transects (TO-T6), with stations at 3 depths (23, However, water depth greatly influences distributions, 61, and 137 in). Seventy-six trawls were taken from May and niajor temperature shifts and associated biological 1'970 to February 1972 (SCCWRP 1973), and an ad- changes correlate strongest with teniporal variations. The ditional 29 were taken from May 1972 to March 1973. extreme 1982-83 El Niiio event created the largest This 21-station grid was used only until May 1977; there- changes in conmiunity composition. Reduced mass enis- after a subset of 12 stations was sampled (figure 1). In sions of suspended solids and contaminants from the Los fall 1971, net size (headrope length and mesh) and trawl Angeles County Sanitation Districts' submarine outfall speed were changed (SCCWRP 1973; Mearns and Allen system contributed to declining sediment containina- tion, kelp bed expansion, increased food resource di- versity, and greater water clarity. Environmental changes associated with improved wastewater quality stiinulated recovery of demersal fish assemblages. Annual incidence of fin erosion in Dover sole at the outfall station decreased froin over 50% in the early 1970s to zero since the inid- to late 1980s. Pseudotuniors ranged from 0 to 5% in Dover sole iiear the outfall. INTRODUCTION Our goal is to suniiiiarize 21 years of demersal fish trawls at 12 sites off l'alos Verdes, and to better under- stand fluctuations in abundance under changing envi- ronmental conditions. We examine inonitoring data froin the Palos Verdes Shelf and upper slope, 1973-93, and natural and anthropogenic environmental factors. Inci- dence of fin erosion and pseudotumors aniong Dover sole is summarized. The Los Angeles County Sanitation Districts (LACSD) serves the sewage treatment and solid waste inanageinent 118'2s 118'20' Figure 1. Stations sampled by trawl during Palos Verdes monitoring sur- [Manuscript received January 15, 1995.1 veys, 1973-93.

21 1 STULL AND TANG: FISH TRAWLS OFF PALOS VERDES, 1973-93 CalCOFl Rep., Vol. 37, 1996

1978). Therefore we do not use the entire Palos Verdes data, and patterns among similar types of species groups trawl database in this report because of changes in sam- will be reported. pling methods and stations. This report summarizes LACSD’s semiannual and Environmental Conditions quarterly trawl surveys, 1973-93, at 12 stations (figure l), The marine environment and its fish assemblages are along 4 cross-shore transects and 3 isobaths: 23 m (the very dynamic, and much of the variation is not easily inner shelf), 61 m (the midshelf), and 137 m (the upper explained. We review seven types of environmental fac- slope). Characteristic fish assemblages have been reported tors that can profoundly influence fish recruitment, abun- at each of these depths (Mearns et al. 1976; Allen 1982; dance, and succession. Natural phenomena predominate. LACSD 1993; MBC Applied Environmental Sciences Some of the most extreme oceanographic events of the and Applied Management and Planning Group 1993; past century occurred during the last two decades. Also, Cross and Allen 1993). we hypothesize that changes in Palos Verdes fish assem- blages demonstrate recovery as a result of decreasing BACKGROUND emissions from the LACSD ocean outfalls and the asso- The following discussions of environmental condi- ciated ecological improvements. tions and historic fish communities and external anom- 1. Water temperature and El Niio events. Temperature alies are important background material for the study of anomalies measured off Palos Verdes, 1964-93, reveal long-term changes in Palos Verdes fish assemblages. the major warming (El Niiio) trends of 1972-73, Methods and results for LACSD’s Palos Verdes trawl sur- 1976-77, 1981-83, 1987, and 1992-93 (figure 2). Waters veys follow. In the Discussion section, life-history traits were considerably cooler in the 1970s than in the 1980s for indwidual fish species wd be reviewed with the catch and early 1990s. During El Niiio events, species with

PALOS VERDES WATER COLUMN MONTHLY TEMPERATURE ANOMALY 12 - MONTH MID-POINT RUNNING AVERAGE DEG C DEPTH (M)

2 1 0 1 -1 -2 I,,

,,,, 2 1 0 15 -1 -2

2 1 0 35 -1 -2

2 1 0 55 -1 -2

64 65 66 67 68 89 70 71 72 73 74 75 76 77 78 79 80 81 82 83 84 85 86 87 88 89 90 91 92 93 94 YEAR Figure 2. Palos Verdes water column monthly temperature anomaly at water depths 1-55 m from a 60-m near-outfall site. Depth-specific temperature anomaly (12-month midpoint running average) is on left axis; water column depths are on right of figure.

212 STULL AND TANG: FISH TRAWLS OFF PALOS VERDES, 1973-93 CalCOFl Rep., Vol. 37, 1996

southern distributions are more abundant; shallow-water decades, the distribution and composition of benthic as- species occur in deeper waters; and some species with semblages changed dramatically (figure 3; Stull 1995). northern distributions become niore rare (e.g., Radovich For example, benthic species diversity, numbers of arthro- 1961; Mearns 1988). Carlisle (1969) noted major warm pods, and annelid biomass increased, and mollusc bio- water/cold water differences in trawl catches during and mass decreased. Pelagic and nektonic benthopelagic prey after the 1957-59 El Niiio. Also, biological productiv- are favored by some demersal fish, and their availability ity in surface waters decreases during El Niiio events has also fluctuated (figure 4). Because of the 1982-83 El (e.g., Petersen et al. 1986). Warmer or cooler waters in- Niiio, extremely large numbers of temporarily fluence spawning, recruitment, and faunal composition occupied the Palos Verdes Shelf and slope. Trawl catches for several years (Mearns et al. 1980; Love et al. 1986). of Pleuvorzcodes planipes (pelagic red ) were highest in Mearns (1979) and Love et al. (1986) report smaller otter 1984 and 1985; the annual average catch from a 10- trawl fish catches during warm-water events. The major minute otter trawl at T4-137 in 1985 was 22,000. Sicyoniu 1982-83 El Niiio was accompanied by severe storms, ingentis (ridgeback prawn) densities were highest from which altered marine habitats substantially (Dayton and 1983 to 1986, with annual 10-minute trawl averages of Tegner 1984). In 1988, a more intense storm struck 14,000 at TO-137 and over 10,000 at T5-137. the coast, without an associated El Niiio (Seymour 1989). 6. Kelp coverage. Kelp beds provide food and habitat 2. Movement of water masses. Variable currents and to fish. Palos Verdes Mucvocystis pyvfevu virtually disap- water masses influence the recruitment and distribu- peared by the late 1950s, in part because of wastewater tion of organisms (e.g., larval fish, Smith and Moser 1988). discharge (State Water Quality Control Board 1964). Also, niore northerly species can live in the cooler wa- Local recovery began slowly in the mid-l970s, and, since ters of upwelling areas south of headlands. The Kedondo 1978, growth and coverage have been extensive except Canyon brings deeper, colder-water species nearer shore, after severe coastal storms in 1983 and 1988 (Meistrell and its walls, currents, and particle flux influence biota. and Montagne 1983; Wilson and Togstadt 1983; LACSD 3. Topography. Demersal fish have habitat preferences. 1993). The Palos Verdes Shelf is relatively narrow and steep (2-5 7. Daily and seasonal patterns. Activity patterns vary km, 1.7-5.5 degrees); the shelf break is at a water depth daily (more fish are caught in night trawls on Palos Verdes; of 75+ m; and its steeper slope (9-12 degrees) is irreg- LACSD 1983) and seasonally (e.g., Dover sole feeds on ular (figure 1; Emery 1960). The Redondo Canyon to the shelf in suninier and reproduces on the slope in win- the northwest and the San Pedro Sea Valley to the south- ter; Hagerman 1952; Cross 1985). east separate Palos Verdes from adjacent shelves. Silt sed- iments predominate over much of the shelf and slope, Community Structure and Function grading to sand in the nearshore and to sandy silt past In the early 1970s the Palos Verdes deniersal fish fauna Palos Verdes Point and at the outfalls. The rocky inshore showed distinct effects from wastewater discharge, in- area is extensive, and outcrops are coinmon northwest cluding low numbers of species, diversity, abundance, of the peninsula. and biomass in the immediate vicinity of the outfalls 4. Environmental quality. Water clarity over the Palos (Mearns et al. 1976; Allen 1977). In addition, impor- Verdes Shelf has increased since the 1970s (Conversi and tant members of southern California fish assemblages McGowan 1994). Quality of surface sediments has var- were missing (as in Santa Monica Bay; Carlisle 1969), ied greatly both spatially and temporally. Remarkable and diseases such as fin erosion were com;non in some reductions in distributions of contaminants, organic mat- species. ter, and hydrogen sulfide between the 1970s and 1990s Allen (1982) developed a model of the functional relate primarily to improved effluent quality discharged structure of the deniersal fish communities of the south- through LACSD’s ocean outfalls (figure 3, chromium ern California shelf to aid in studying wastewater effects. measured in 1985 at most distant and deepest sites; Stull The model describes the number and type of feeding 1 995). However, bioaccuniulation of historically dis- guilds represented at different water depths froni 10 to charged chlorinated hydrocarbons (specifically DDT and 190 ni, and the species composition (which species of PCBs) is still a concern on Palos Verdes. A partly buried each guild should dominate at different depths). Feeding contaminant reservoir persists in Palos Verdes Shelf and guilds include species with similar foraging behavior, slope sediments; DDT and PCBs are bioaccumulated by based on morphology, diet, and behavior. Palos Verdes marine organisms (Mearns et al. 1991; Stull 1995). trawls were compared to the model to determine which 5. Food availability. Sediinent-dwelling benthic in- expected species and feeding guilds were present or ab- fauna, especially crustaceans and , are favored sent at each depth (LACSD 1988-91). For the most part, foods for many demersal fish (Allen 1982). As surface the functional structure of Palos Verdes assemblages was sediment contamination declined over the past two similar to structures elsewhere in the bight.

213 STULL AND TANG: FISH TRAWLS OFF PALOS VERDES, 1973-93 CalCOFl Rep., Vol. 37, 1996

CHROMIUM

500 MASS EMISSIONS DISCHARGED 150000 .,\

300200

.loot :...-

ORGANIC NITROGEN % dry wt. max = 0.7

CHROMIUM mgldry kg max = 1340

#BENTHIC SPECIES 2 10.1 m max = 140

75

50

25

Figure 3. Palos Verdes environmental quality, 1971-93: LACSD effluent emissions of suspended solids and chromium to the ocean; surface-sediment organic nitrogen and chromium concentrations; number of benthic infaunal species per 0.1 m2.

214 STULL AND TANG: FISH TRAWLS OFF PALOS VERDES, 1973-93 CalCOFl Rep., Vol. 37, 1996

8000

Arthropoda

6000 Echinodermata ’5 2 c others, including Annelida, t Mollusca, Cnidaria and Chordafa n 5 4000 u cp 0 E 8 I 2000

0 Iz1, T Tc1 n les78 79 80 81 82 83 84 85 86 87 88 89 90 91 92 93 Year Figure 4. Palos Verdes epibenthic abundance, 1978-93. Catch is mean of quarterly IO-minute otter trawls at 12 sites: transects TO, TI, T4, and T5, at depths of 23, 61, and 137 m

Prager and MacCall (1990) conducted biostatistical initiated fin erosion in juvenile Dover sole exposed to modeling of contaminant and climate influences on contaminated sediments in the laboratory for 13 months. fish populations of certain Southern California Bight Epidermal pseudotuniors are hypothesized to be a species (northern , Pacific , Pacific niack- parasitic protozoan condition characterized by unusual erel, Pacific whiting, and California ). They could mitotic figures (Myers 1981, in press). They are not not discern effects of contaminants, but caution that this neoplasms. Per Myers, all fish species with “X-cell epi- does not niean that there were no effects. Fish popula- dermal pseudotumors” are in contact with bottom sed- tions are naturally variable, and without niultiple events iments during a large part of their lives. Pseudotumors (trends, peaks) it was not statistically possible to distin- are most common among less than a year in age. guish among the numerous potential explanations for They are found at both polluted and unpolluted sites.

~ changes in abundance or recruitment. Multicollinearity Cross (1988) found frequency higher nearer the LACSD among potential factors was also a complication. outfalls than elsewhere on Palos Verdes. Incidence as high as 50% was found among juvenile flatfish in the External Anomalies Bering Sea, far from pollutant sources (A. J. Mearns, Dover sole (Microstomus pur$czis) is typically a deep- NOAA, pers. conini., 1990). Younger or previously af- water species. Hunter et al. (1990) report 98% of the fected individuals with an immunologic history are more spawning biomass in central California live in cold, low- susceptible. The syndrome produces tumorlike lesions oxygen, slope depths (640-1,005 in). Juveniles settle on skin, gills, and pseudobranchial glands. Myers pos- on the shelf and gradually move downslope over their tulates that the protozoa exist in marine sediments and lifetimc. Dover sole also migrate seasonally, to the shelf that infestation is by contact or feeding. Amoebae mor- in suninier and slope in winter. They feed on benthos phologically similar to the X-cell are widely distributed. (MMS 1987) and may live over 50 years (Hunter et al. 1990). METHODS Among Palos Verdes demersal fish, Dover sole had The sampling grid of 12 stations includes 4 transects the greatest frequency of external anomalies, most com- (TO, T1, T4, and T5), perpendicular to shore and sep- monly fin erosion and epidermal pseudotuniors. Cross arated by 5 to 8 km, each with 3 water depths (23, 61, (1988) found fin erosion more common nearer the out- and 137 m;figure 1). fall; 25% to over 30% of the Dover sole exhibited the Sampling was done with an otter trawl with a 7.6-ni syndrome in 1971-83. The etiology of fin erosion is un- headrope, 3.8-cni (stretch) body mesh, and 1.3-cn1 known, but it has been hypothesized to be related to (stretch) -end mesh. The trawl was towed on bot- sediment contamination. Shenvood and Mearns (1977) tom along the isobath of each station for 10 min at

215 STULL AND TANG: FISH TRAWLS OFF PALOS VERDES, 1973-93 CalCOFl Rep., Vol. 37, 1996 approximately 1 ni/sec, thus traversing about 0.6 km. RESULTS Fish captured during each tow were identified, counted, Species captured, mean catches, and numbers of oc- measured to the nearest cm (standard length for bony currences in 1973-93 Palos Verdes trawls are listed in fish and total length for cartilaginous fish), examined for table 1. Common names derive from Robins (1991). external anomalies, and weighed (composites of all in- Demersal fish populations were highly variable over dividuals of a species) to the nearest 0.1 kg. the 21 years and 73 surveys (876 trawls total).

TABLE 1 Palos Verdes Demersal Fish, 1973-93: All Species Taken, Mean Catches, and Number of Occurrences (Total Number of Fish Taken in 21 Years Was 235,254)

Mean number %I of total Number of Family name Scientific name Common namea per trawlh abundance occurrencesC Spotted ratfish 1.7 51 Horn 0.2 9 Pacific electric ray 0.7 39 Thornback 1.3 70 California skate 1 .o 81 Hat ray 0.7 45 Northern anchovy 18.C 1v Pacific argentine 5.3 88 CXifornia lizardfish 66.7 396 Hundred-hthoiii codling 0.2 9 Pacific hake 16.8 112 Spotted cusk-eel 3.7 138 Uasket\ver In 1078, atid 4/yr in 197Y-93)

216 STULL AND TANG: FISH TRAWLS OFF PALOS VERDES, 1973-93 CalCOFl Rep., Vol. 37, 1996

TABLE 1 (continued) Palos Verdes Demersal Fish, 1973-93: All Species Taken, Mean Catches, and Number of Occurrences (Total Number of Fish Taken in 21 Years Was 235,254)

Mean number %I of total Number of Family name Scientific name Common namea per trawl' abundance occurrencesC - Enibiotocidae White seqxrcli 6.7 61 Kubberhp seaperch 0.4 8 Pile perch 1.7 i 4 Pink superch 38.2 250 Poniacentridae Ulacksniitli 0.2 -3 Zodrcidx I3l&ll eelpout 0.2 9 Blackbelly eelpout 94.(! 280 Uranoscopidae Smooth stargazer 0.7 35 Gobiidae Bay goby 2.6 80 Strimiateidae l"1cific ponlp'lno 0.5 13 UotIiid 1 .2 .3!4 11.7 270 GOsole i.8 141 Curlfin \ole 10.8 165 Spotted 1.I 88 36.0 436 Soleidx Ca1ifomi.i 64.9 374

Rare Species Accounting for <0.01% of Total Catch and Taken in <10 of 876 Trawls Family name Scientific name Common namea Family name scientific name Common name" Myxinidae Pacific ha&h Hexagraiiiiiiidae Umdentlfied co1nbfis11 Scyliorliiiiid~ie S\vell shark Cott1dae rwledd scuipln Carcharhinidae Gray smoothhound Spotfin sculpin 13rown sniootliliound I'acific st~iglioriisculpin Squ&iie Spiny dogfi\b Snubnose sculpin Squatinidx Angel \hark Ilarter sculpin Khinobatidae Sh~ivc.lnose@iitai&li C'lberon Kajidae Sandpaper skate Agoiiidae Soutlierii spearnose poacher Big skxc Northem speamo\e pocichei- Urolophictx Round stingray I'ercichthyidac Giant \ea bm SternopQ chidae Silvery hatckctfish Serranidde Threcidfin bass Myctophidae Northern Iainpfish Carmgidae Jack m'ickei-el Mexican Imipfish Sci'ienidx Unidcntifird croaker Bythitidx Ked bl-l~tllld White seaban Ogcocephalid

217 STULL AND TANG: FISH TRAWLS OFF PALOS VERDES, 1973-93 CalCOFl Rep., Vol. 37, 1996

800 I I I 0 Pleuronediformes '5 600-

CI2 L n9) 5 400 Y am 0 c m Q 5 200

0 73 74 75 76 77 7a 79 ao ai a2 a3 a4 a5 a6 a7 aa a9 90 91 92 93 Year Figure 5. Fish abundance in Palos Verdes trawls, 1973-93. Catch is mean of semiannual or quarterly 10-minute otter trawls at 12 sites: transects TO, T1, T4, and T5 at depths of 23,61, and 137 m.

Regional History Pleuronectiformes (flatfish, mostly and to 1993, as compared to over 30% in 1973-76 and Bothdae, righteye and lefteye ) and Scorpaenidae 1984-8s. (scorpionfish,mostly rockfish) dominated the monitored Seven species account for at least 6% of the total nun- Palos Verdes demersal fish fauna, 1973-93 (figure 5). ber offish taken in trawls between 1973 and 1993 (table Mean catch at the 12 sites ranged from 140 in 1976 to 1): hlicvostonzus pactficus (Dover sole, 17%); Sebastes saxi- 641 in 1973. Flatfish were the most numerous in the cola (stripetail rockfish, 9%));Eopsetta exilis (slender sole, 1990s, accounting for 53%-59% of the fish collected; 8%);Cithavichthys sodidus (Pacific sanddab, 8%));Porichthys they dominated in all years except 1983-84. The pro- notatus (plainfin midshipman, 8%); Icelinus quadviseriatus portion of flatfish increased from 23-m to 137-m water (yellowchin sculpin, 7%); and Cithavichthys stigrnaeus depths. The percentage of rockfish declined over time; (speckled sanddab, 6%). Together they represent 63% they accounted for 4%12% of the total catch from 1988 of the 21-year catch. Dominance changed over time.

TABLE 2 Mean Fish Abundance, Biomass, and Number of Species per Trawl, Palos Verdes, 1973-93 Abundance (meadtrawl) Biomass (mean kg/trawl) Species (mean no./trawl) Year 23 m 61 m 137 m 23 m 61 m 137 m 23 m 61 m 137 m 1973 538 594 791 5.7 23.9 52.7 10 18 16 1974 197 329 539 2.9 10.5 15.2 I 0 12 15 1975 125 276 469 2.1 5.6 19.3 8 14 16 1976 37 155 229 2.4 7.2 17.2 7 11 14 1977 179 478 522 13.0 21.6 20.4 13 15 17 1978 44 151 340 6.4 11.7 13.5 8 8 13 1979 CI 9 283 335 6.7 9.0 14.8 11 12 14 1980 77 226 398 3.6 7.7 19.4 7 13 15 1981 71 187 365 8.2 8.9 13.0 9 13 14 1982 133 242 396 8.5 10.9 15.1 10 14 17 1983 199 306 413 19.7 13.9 17.0 13 15 20 1984 45 215 361 4.2 8.0 10.0 9 13 10 1985 156 384 444 8.9 12.8 20.9 11 17 16 1986 101 48 1 468 10.0 12.3 19.8 1 0 16 17 1987 148 367 483 12.9 13.2 22.5 11 17 17 1988 100 451 499 9.2 14.2 21 .9 10 16 14 1989 77 323 223 8.3 12.8 6.9 9 14 13 1990 61 226 313 8.3 10.9 8.0 10 13 13 1991 66 224 351 5.1 7.7 9.2 9 15 14 1992 39 126 341 4.3 7.1 7.9 8 13 13 1993 58 316 335 .i.2 11.8 8.7 9 14 13

~

21 8 STULL AND TANG: FISH TRAWLS OFF PALOS VERDES, 1973-93 CalCOFl Rep., Vol. 37, 1996

23m 61 m 137m 800 800 , I - $ 600 600 cL L % 400 400 r 0 cm 0 200 200 c m 20 0 73 75 77 79 a1 a3 a5 a7 a9 91 93 73 75 77 79 a1 a3 a5 a7 a9 91 93 73 75 77 79 a1 a3 a5 87 89 91 93 Year Year Year Figure 6. Fish trawled along three Palos Verdes Isobaths, 1973-93. Catch is mean of semiannual or quarterly IO-minute otter trawls at 4 sites (TO, T1, T4, and T5) at each depth.

Table 2 lists average abundance, biomass, and number of capitelhd polychaetes. When inactive, Dover sole is buried species at the three depths over time. in the sediments. It has pelagic eggs and larvae. 2. Sehastes saxirola (stripetail rockfish, figure 7) was a Depth and Site Distributions dominant fish at all three depths in the early 1970s. It Fish distributions and abundances are highly depth persisted longer in cooler waters in upper-slope depths and habitat dependent. Total abundance increased with (137 ni). It was least abundant along the T4 outfall tran- depth from 23-m to 137-in isobaths, and abundance and sect, and most common at TO near Redondo Canyon dominance changed over time (figure 6). and at T5-137. At 137 m, catches increased after the In the following material, site-specific distributions 1982-83 El Nifio. This temperate, outer-shelf/upper- are described for abundant fish species, 1973-93 (figures slope roundfish pursues pelagic prey such as euphausiids. 7-20). The number preceding each species is its rank When inactive, the stripetail rockfish is exposed. It has order in overall abundance for the 21 years. The top 20 internal eggs and pelagic larvae. fish species and selected other taxa are described. (Data 3. Eopretta exilis (slender sole, figure 8) catches at for the other species in table 1 can be provided on re- 137 ni increased from 1986. It was most abundant near quest.) Redondo Canyon (TO-137) and least abundant on tran- Various life-history traits segregate fish species eco- sect T4. This cold-temperate, upper-slope flatfish is a logically. Allen (1982) developed a comprehensive clas- bottom dweller which pursues nektonic benthopelagic sification of the distributional centers, reproductive modes, prey such as . When inactive, this species buries refuge requirements, size, niorphology, diet, foraging be- itself in the sediments. It has pelagic eggs and larvae. havior, and relative abundance of southern California 4. Cithauidzthyr sordidus (Pacific sanddab, figure 8) has soft-bottom fish species. He classifies geographic ranges been abundant in 61 and 137 m and nearer the outfall. as warm temperate (San Diegan faunal region, Point Smaller catches coincided with El Niiio conditions Conception to Magdalena Bay); temperate (distribution (1 976-78, 1983-84, 1989-91). This temperate, outer- center north of southern California but ranges to shelf/upper-slope flatfish pursues pelagic prey such as Magdalena Bay); and cold temperate (distribution cen- euphausiids. When inactive, this species buries itself in ter north of southern California but ranges to central the sediments. It has pelagic eggs and larvae. San Diegan faunal region). Allen (1982) provides de- 5. Poriclzhys notatus (plainfin midshipman, figure 9) tailed specifics, but a brief summary of ranges, feeding also prefers outer-shelf/upper-slope habitats, in partic- habits, refuges (when inactive), and reproductive modes ular T1-61. Small numbers were caught in the 1970s, of Palos Verdes dominants is included with the catch his- and largest catches were at T1-61 following the 1982-83 tories that follow. The information on life-history traits El Niiio. This temperate, outer-shelf/upper-slope round- will be used to show trends in similar types of species fish anibushes pelagic prey such as euphausiids. When groups (Discussion section). inactive, its refuge is burial in the sediments. It is noc- 1. Microstomirs pacZficus (Dover sole, figure 7) was the turnal and has demersal eggs and larvae. most abundant species trawled off Palos Verdes over 6. Icelinus quadriseriatus (yellowchin sculpin, figure 9) the 21 years. It was most common on the slope near the peaked at 61 m following the niajor El Nifio (1985-87); outfalls (T4-137, T5-137) in the 1970s. Numbers de- it was scarce at T4-61 and conmion at Tl-61. Ths warni- clined thereafter. This temperate, upper-slope flatfish is temperate, outer-shelf roundfish ambushes epibenthic a bottom dweller which stalks benthic infauna such as and benthopelagic prey such as gainmaridean amphipods.

219 STULL AND TANG: FISH TRAWLS OFF PALOS VERDES, 1973-93 CalCOFl Rep., Vol. 37, 1996

Dover sole (Microstomus pacificus) TO Ti T4 T5 600

23 9 m 92, i4wrlE Ho 73 75 77 79 81 e3 85 87 w 91 93 f---i73 75 77 79 81 e3 es 87 a9 91 93 iri73 75 77 79 ai 83 85 a7 89 91 93 i-173 75 77 79 ai e3 85 87 89 91 93 600

c m +oo

ro 73 75 77 79 81 8~ 85 a7 89 91 93 73 75 77 79 81 e3 85 a7 89 91 93 :------J73 75 77 79 ai e3 85 a7 89 91 93 i------J 73 75 77 79 81 83 85 87 w 91 93

73 75 n 79 81 e3 85 87 89 91 93 73 75 77 79 ai e3 85 87 w 91 93 73 75 77 79 81 e3 85 87 a9 91 93 73 75 77 79 ai a3 85 87 89 91 93 stripeta il rockfish (Sebas tes saxicola) "I"l---l T----- 600- 600-

23 400- 10- m m- m-

0- 0- 01 73 75 77 79 81 e3 85 87 89 91 93 73 75 77 79 81 e3 85 87 89 91 93 73 75 77 79 81 83 85 87 89 91 93 73 75 77 79 81 e3 85 87 a9 91 93

800,

73 75 77 79 81 e3 es 87 a9 91 93 73 75 77 79 ai e3 85 a7 a9 91 93 73 75 77 79 81 a3 85 87 ea 91 93 73 75 77 79 8% e3 85 a7 ea 91 93

73 75 77 79 01 e3 es 87 89 91 93 73 75 77 79 81 e3 85 87 w 91 93 73 75 77 79 81 e3 85 a7 a9 91 93 73 75 77 79 81 83 85 87 89 91 93 Year Year Year Year Figure 7. Microsfomus pacificus (Dover sole) and Sebastes saxicola (stripetail rockfish) distributions on Palos Verdes, 1973-93.

220 STULL AND TANG: FISH TRAWLS OFF PALOS VERDES, 1973-93 CalCOFl Rep., Vol. 37. 1996

slender sole (Eopsetta exilis) TO Ti T4 TS

F 300- 300- t 23 $ 200- 200- 200 rns 9 100 - loo 3 loo

c 01oi Ir-70- 73 75 77 79 81 a3 85 87 89 91 93 73 75 77 79 81 a3 85 87 89 91 93 73 75 77 79 81 e3 85 87 89 91 93

cF L 61 4 rnn 9 :L100 i 73 75 77 79 81 83 85 87 a9 91 93 73 75 77 79 81 a3 85 87 89 91 93 73 75 77 79 81 83 85 87 89 91 93

400, 1 400, F 137 i “1 I rns 9c rtsl100 73 75 77 79 81 a3 85 87 89 91 93 73 75 77 79 81 a3 85 87 89 91 93 73 75 77 79 81 83 85 87 89 91 93 73 75 77 79 81 a3 85 87 89 91 93

Pacific sanddab (Citharichthys sordidus)

150. 150 cH 150. L 200rl 23 9 100 - 100 - rns 9 50- 50- Im/50

c 0- ou 73 75 77 79 81 a3 85 87 89 91 93 73 75 77 79 81 a3 85 87 89 91 93 73 75 77 79 81 a3 a5 87 89 91 93 73 75 77 79 81 a3 85 87 89 91 93

200- 200-

I50 I501 Fk I I 8 61 $ rns c9 73 75 77 79 81 a3 85 87 89 91 93 73 75 77 79 81 a3 85 87 89 91 93 73 75 77 79 81 83 85 87 a9 91 93 73 75 77 79 81 a3 85 07 09 91 93 Y------200m20072007 cF 150 b 150 i I lWi 137 4 loo rns 9 50 50

0 0 l%d!Ll73 75 77 79 81 a3 85 87 09 91 93 73 75 79 81 a3 85 87 09 91 93 73 75 77 79 81 a3 85 87 89 91 93 73 75 77 79 81 83 85 87 89 91 93 n Year Year Year Year Figure 8. Eopsefta exilis (slender sole) and C/tharichfhyssordidus (Pacific sanddab) distributions on Palos Verdes, 1973-93

22 1 STULL AND TANG: FISH TRAWLS OFF PALOS VERDES, 1973-93 CdCOFl Rep., Vol. 37, 1996

plainfin midshipman (Porichthys notatus) TO Ti T4

300- 300-

23 9 m m- 200- mQ 0 100 f oL I I,i

"i

, , ,,,,*A :I :I 0

yellowchin sculpin (Icelinus quadriseriatus)

Boo' Boo' I! H I! "I I -1 ! 100- 100-

200- m-

I-F :TI 61 m m

0 liL73 75 77 79 ai 83 a5 a7 as 91 93

600

100-

m- 1

Figure 9. Porichthys notatus (plainfin midshipman) and lcelinus quadriseriatus (yellowchin sculpin) distributions on Palos Verdes, 1973-93

222 STULL AND TANG: FISH TRAWLS OFF PALOS VERDES, 1973-93 CalCOFl Rep., Vol. 37, 1996

When resting, this fish species is exposed. It has demersal for epibenthic/benthopelagic prey such as ganiiiiaridean eggs and pelagic larvae. amphipods. At rest it buries itself in sediments. It is noc- 7. Citlmriclztlzys sf@mwus (speckled sanddab, figure 10) turnal, and has pelagic eggs and larvae. is most coniinon at 23 in (TI-23 and T0-23), and its 14. Evrex xachirus (, figure 13) was most abun- abundance has decreased substantially since the early dant in 1973-74, 1979-81, and 1988 at 137 m, especially 1970s. This temperate, inner-shelf flatfish pursues nek- at TO-137 (Kedondo Canyon). It was rare to absent in ton and benthopelagic organisnis such as niysids. When 1983-84 and 1990-93. This cold-temperate, upper-slope resting, this species is buried in sediments. It has pelagic flatfish searches for epibenthic/benthopelagic prey such eggs and larvae. as gaiiiinarid amphipods. When inactive, this species is 8. Gerzyovzeuzus lineatus (white croaker, figure IO) is a buried in the sediments. It has pelagic eggs and larvae. schooling fish captured sporadically, especially at T4-61 15. Sebastes -jordat?i (shortbelly rockfish, figure 14), a (outfall) and T5-23 and T5-61 (closest to Los Angeles cold-temperate, upper-slope neritic roundfish, was more Harbor). Catches were greatest during El Nifio events. frequent in the 1970s than later. Large numbers were This temperate, inner-shelf roundfish searches for in- taken at TI-137 in 198.5 (1,680 in a single trawl) and fauna such as eunicids. Because it is nocturnally active 1976 (217 in one trawl). it is most easily caught at night. It has pelagic eggs and 16. Zarrio1epi.r latiyirzrzis (longspiiie coiiibfish, figure 14) larvae. Partyboat and coiimiercial catches of white croaker catches were highest at 61 ni; they varied considerably. taken off Palos Verdes are reported in Stull et al. 1987. Numbers were lowest nearest the outfall (T4-61) but 9. Sebastes diploproa (splitnose rockfish, figure 11) is an have increased in the 1990s. This temperate, outer-shelf upper-slope species, most coiiiiiion at TO-1 37 and T5- roundfish pursues epibenthic/benthopelagic prey such 137 and least abundant at TI-137. It decreased in abun- as gaiiiiiiarid amphipods. At rest, it is exposed. It has de- dance froin the early 1970s and was relatively rare froni mersal eggs and pelagic larvae. 1986 to 1992. This cold-temperate, upper-slope round- 17. Citlzurirht/z),s~fraXilis(gulf sanddab, figure 15) were fish species pursues pelagic prey such as euphausiids. At frequently taken at canyon site TO-137, and less fre- rest, it is exposed. It has internal eggs and pelagic larvae. quently off the peninsula face (TI-T5), from 1980. This 10. Lycodopsis pac!fica (blackbelly eelpout, figure 11) species is coiiiinon in the Gulf of California. It is an catches are highest at Redondo Canyon Tl-137 in El outer-shelf/upper-slope fish which probably pursues Nifio periods. Overall, catches were larger in the 1980s pelagic prey such as euphausiids. When inactive, this and 1990s than in the 1970s. There was a gradient froni species buries itself in the sediments. It has pelagic eggs north to south along the 137-ni isobath. This cold-teni- and larvae. perate, upper-slope roundfish searches for epibenthic/ 18. Zalembius rosareus (pink seaperch, figure 15) is benthopelagic prey such as gaiiiniarid amphipods. It bur- coiiinion in 61-ni catches except at the outfall site (T4- rows into sediments. It has deinersal eggs and larvae. 61). This warm-temperate, outer-shelf roundfish searches 11. Sebastes dalli (calico rockfish, figure 12) were coin- for epibenthic/benthopelagic prey such as ostracods. mon in the 1970s at 61 ni; populations declined after At rest it is exposed. It has internal eggs and larvae. the 1982-83 El Niiio, and they were rare (except at T5- 19. Pl~uro~iirht/zysverticalis (hornyhead turbot, figure 16) 61) in the 1980s and 1990s. This warm-temperate, outer- prefers shelf depths; it was rarest in the 1970s and most shelf roundfish pursues pelagic prey such as calanoids. common in the mid- to late 1980s, following El Nifio. It seeks crevices or is exposed when at rest. Internal eggs Catches were lower iiearer the outfall (T4-61, T5-61). aiid pelagic larvae characterize the species. This warm-temperate, inner-shelf flatfish stalks infauna 12. Synodus lurioccps (California lizardfish, figure 12) such as wornis (spioiiids). When inactive, prefers shelf depths (23-111 and 61-111 sites); it shows the this species is buried in the sediiiients. It has pelagic eggs clearest pattern of high catches during El Nifio events and larvae. (1976-77 and 1982-83), following storm years (e.g., 20. Scorpaeria pttata (California scorpionfish, figure 1988), and at T4-61 and T5-61. This warm-temperate, 16) was most abundant at 61 111, especially at T4-61. This inner-shelf roundfish ambushes pelagic prey such as an- warin-temperate, outer-shelf roundfish ambushes epiben- chovies. When inactive, it is buried in sediments. It has thic prey such as . It is nocturnal, aiid at rest adults pelagic eggs and larvae. are usually exposed or in crevices. It has pelagic eggs and 13. Symflp/iuriis ntricuuda (California tonguefish, figure larvae. 13) has increased steadily at 61 ni since the early 198Os, 21. Cyinzafqqastcr agqrepta (shiner perch, figure 17) especially at TO-61 and T5-61. Historically, abundances thrived near the outfall in the 1970s (T4-61, T5-61, T4- were lower at T4-61 as compared to other 61-111 sites. 23). This cold-temperate, outer-shelf roundfish schools. In the 1990s, Spp/iurus catches were not smaller at T4- It pursues pelagic prey such as calanoids. At rest it is 61. This warm-temperate, outer-shelf flatfish searches exposed. It has internal eggs and larvae.

223 STULL AND TANG: FISH TRAWLS OFF PALOS VERDES, 1973-93 CalCOFl Rep., Vol. 37, 1996

speckled sa ndda b (Citharichthys stigma eus) TO Tl T4 T5

100

:L0 73 75 77 79 a1 (u as a7 a9 91 93 73 75 n 79 ai (u as a7 as 91 93 73 75 77 79 ai (u as a7 as 91 93 73 75 77 79 ai a3 as a7 as 91 93

500

61 9

73 75 77 79 ai (u as 87 a9 91 93 73 75 77 79 ai (u as a7 a9 91 93 73 75 77 79 ai (u as a7 a9 91 93 73 75 77 79 ai a3 a5 a7 as 91 93

500

137m jrnFi9ZXK) 3oo f I: 73 75 n 79 ai (u as a7 a9 91 93 73 75 77 79 ai (u as a7 as 91 93 ;ri73 75 77 79 ai (u as a7 a9 91 93 ;ri73 75 77 79 ai (u a5 a7 as 91 93 white croaker (Genyonemus lineatus)

f oi 0- 0- 73 75 77 79 ai (u as a7 a9 91 93 73 75 77 79 81 (u as a7 as 91 9~ 73 75 77 79 ai (u as a7 a9 91 93 73 75 77 79 ai (u as a7 as 91 93

600

61m 9Qm i_liu

fo 73 75 77 79 ai (u as 87 as 91 93 \rj73 75 77 79 ai (u as a7 as 91 93 iy\hh-J73 75 n 79 81 (u as a7 as 91 93 \ri 73 75 77 79 ai (u as a7 as 91 93

137 m

73 75 77 79 ai (u as a7 as 91 93 73 75 n 79 ai (u as a7 as 91 93 73 75 77 79 ai 8~ as a7 a9 91 93 73 75 77 79 ai (u as a7 as 91 93 Year Year Year Year Figure 10. Cithanchfhys stgmaeus (speckled sanddab) and Genyonemus /meatus (white croaker) distributions on Palos Verdes, 1973-93

224 STULL AND TANG: FISH TRAWLS OFF PALOS VERDES, 1973-93 CalCOFl Rep., Vol. 37, 1996

splitnose rockfish (Sebastes diploproa) TO Ti T4 TS 300,

m- m-

loo. 100. loo i c oi 0- 010 73 75 77 79 81 83 85 87 89 91 93 73 75 77 79 81 83 85 87 89 91 93 73 75 77 79 81 83 a5 87 89 91 93 73 75 77 79 81 83 85 87 89 91 93

73 75 77 79 81 83 85 a7 89 91 93 73 75 77 79 81 83 85 87 a9 91 93 73 75 77 79 81 83 85 87 89 91 93 73 75 77 79 81 8~ a5 87 89 91 PJ

300

137

73 75 n 79 81 83 85 87 89 91 93 73 75 77 79 81 83 a5 87 89 91 93 73 75 77 79 81 83 85 07 ~9 91 93 73 75 77 79 81 83 85 87 89 91 93

blackbe I I y ee Ipo u t (Lycodopsis pacifica) 150, 150 I5O I1 loo

50 50 I 0 01 73 75 77 79 81 83 a5 87 89 91 93 731 75 77 79 81 83 a5 87 89 91 93 73 75 77 79 81 83 a5 87 89 91 93 73 75 77 79 81 83 85 87 a9 91 93

73 75 77 79 81 83 85 87 89 91 93 73 75 n 79 81 83 85 87 89 91 93 73 75 n 79 81 83 a5 87 89 91 93 73 75 77 79 81 83 85 87 89 91 93 150, , 150, I

loo50 1

73 75 n 79 01 83 a5 07 09 91 93 73 75 n 79 81 83 05 a7 89 91 OJ Year Year Figure 11. Sebastes diploproa (splitnose rockfish) and Lycodopsis pacifica (blackbelly eelpout) distributions on Palos Verdes, 1973-93.

225 STULL AND TANG: FISH TRAWLS OFF PALOS VERDES, 1973-93 CalCOFl Rep., Vol. 37, 1996

calico rockfish (Sebastes dalli) TO Tl T4 T5 ,300

m m-

100 100 - 100

c ou0 0

60

137 LOLAg

m $20

10 ir] 73 75 77 79 ai BJ as a7 a9 91 93 73 75 77 79 ai BJ as 87 a9 91 93 73 75 77 79 ai BJ as a7 ~9 91 93 73 75 77 79 ai BJ as 87 as 91 93 Year Year Year Year Figure 12. Sebastes dalli (calico rockfish) and Synodus lucioceps (California lizardfish) distributions on Palos Verdes, 1973-93

226 STULL AND TANG. FISH TRAWLS OFF PALOS VERDES, 1973-93 CalCOFl Rep., Vol. 37, 1996

California tonguefish ( atricauda) TO T1 T4 T5 80 I

73 75 77 79 01 03 05 07 09 91 93 73 75 77 79 01 03 05 07 09 91 93 73 75 77 79 01 83 05 07 09 91 93 73 75 77 79 01 83 05 07 89 91 93

I wi I wi 1

73 75 77 79 01 03 05 07 09 91 93 73 75 77 79 01 BJ 05 07 09 91 93 73 75 77 79 ai 83 05 07 09 91 93 73 75 77 79 01 03 05 a7 09 91 93

m I 0 ouot 73 75 77 79 01 03 05 07 09 91 93 u

rex sole (Errex zachirus) 150, 1 F t 100- 100 - 100. 100 - b 23 $ ms 50- 50- 50- J 50-

150, I F I- 100- b 61 9 m f 50-

73 75 77 79 01 03 85 07 09 91 93 73 75 77 79 01 03 05 07 09 91 93 73 75 77 79 01 03 05 07 89 91 93

73 75 77 79 01 03 05 07 09 91 93 73 75 77 79 01 03 05 07 09 91 93 73 75 77 79 01 03 05 07 09 91 93 73 75 77 79 01 03 85 07 09 91 93 Year Year Year Year Figure 13 Symphurus atncauda (California tonguefish) and Errex zachfrus (rex sole) distributions on Palos Verdes, 1973-93

227 STULL AND TANG: FISH TRAWLS OFF PALOS VERDES, 1973-93 CalCOFl Rep., Vol. 37, 1996

shortbelly rockfish (Sebastes jordani) T4 TS

I-H b 23 a 200 200 mz9 il loo loo 73 75 77 79 a1 03 as a7 es 91 93 73 75 77 79 ai 03 as a7 es 91 OJ F \ 61 9 200 200 200 f loo loo 73 75 77 79 ai as a7 es 91 OJ

FI- b m 137 9 m% , 200 0 loo ,A, ,I loo

0- h 0- 0 0- 73 75 77 79 ai 03 as a7 a9 91 93 73 75 77 79 ei 03 as a7 91 93 73 75 77 79 a1 03 as a7 es 91 93

(Zaniolepis la tipinnis)

s- s- F a. i 30 3L- 23 mr m m-10 - 9

0- f 0- 73 75 TI 79 ai 03 as e7 a9 91 93 73 75 77 79 a1 03 as a7 a9 91 93 73 75 77 79 e1 03 as a7 es 91 93

I-3 61 mr io 20 9 10 :h10 73 75 77 79 a1 03 as a? a9 91 93 10 il 0 :L:m 73 75 77 79 ai 85 as a7 es 91 93

:u 50, I a- I-H 8 x)- 137 4 3040 i m"8 20- 20 10 - 10 i lo0 i 0 73 75 77 79 ai 03 as a7 es 91 93 73 75 TI 79 ai 03 as a7 es 91 93 73 75 77 79 ai g~ as a7 e9 91 93 li_73 75 77 79 ai g~ 07 91 93 as es Year Year Year Year Figure 14. Sebastes jordani (shortbelly rockfish) and Zaniolepis latipinnis (longspine combfish) distributions on Palos Verdes, 1973-93.

228 STULL AND TANG: FISH TRAWLS OFF PALOS VERDES, 1973-93 CalCOFl Rep., Vol. 37, 1996

gulf sanddab (Cifharichfhys fragilis) TO Tl T4 T5 a0 I

W- 60-

40 . 40-

20- m- ... .-.-.-.-.-.-. 73 75 77 79 ai M a5 a7 a9 91 93 73 75 77 79 ai M 85 a7 as 91 93 73 75 77 79 ai M 85 a7 09 91 93

I

W-

40 . 40

20-

0 b 73 75 77 79 ai M 85 a7 09 91 93

Mj40

73 75 77 79 ai 83 85 a7 a9 91 93

pink seaperch (Zalembius rosaceus)

50, I

40-

M-

20- 10 - -i10 0; 0 1 73 75 77 79 ai M 85 a7 09 91 93 73 75 n 79 ai 83 85 a7 as 91 93

50, I

404 I

m 10 10 73 75 TI 79 ai M 85 a7 a9 91 93 "M :L0

50

HaI- 137 { = m 20 m 0 :nN10 10 0 73 75 TI 79 ai M 85 a7 as 91 93 73 75 77 79 ai M 85 a7 09 91 93 73 75 77 79 ai 85 a7 09 91 93 Year Year Year Figure 15. Cifharichthys fragilis (gulf sanddab) and Zalembius rosaceus (pink seaperch) distributions on Palos Verdes, 1973-93

229 STULL AND TANG: FISH TRAWLS OFF PALOS VERDES, 1973-93 CalCOFl Rep., Vol. 37, 1996

hornyhead turbot (Pleuronichfhys verticalis) TO Tl T4 TS F i 23 9 mo m 20 9 10 10 c 0 0 73 75 77 79 81 83 85 87 89 91 93 73 75 77 79 81 83 85 87 89 91 93 73 75 77 79 81 83 85 87 89 91 93 :~rI73 75 77 79 81 83 85 87 89 91 93

20

73 75 77 79 81 83 85 87 89 91 93 73 75 77 79 81 83 85 87 89 91 93 73 75 77 79 81 83 85 87 89 91 93

40 .

XI-

20-

10.

73 75 77 79 81 a3 85 87 89 91 93 73 75 77 79 81 83 85 87 89 91 93 73 75 77 79 81 83 85 87 89 91 93

California scorpionfish (Scorpaena gutfafa)

20

73 75 77 79 81 83 85 87 89 91 93 73 75 77 79 81 83 85 87 89 91 93 73 75 77 79 81 e3 85 87 69 91 93 73 75 77 79 81 83 85 87 89 91 93

:/------XI

73 75 77 79 81 a3 85 87 89 91 93

20 20 a:10 10 10 0- 0- OI0 73 75 77 79 81Year a3 85 87 89 91 93 0 73 75 77 79 81Year 83 85 87 89 91 93 73 75 77 79 81 a3 85 87 89 91 93 73 75 77 79 81 83 85 87 89 91 93 .%; Year Yea1 :K Figure 16. Pleuronicbtbys verticalis (hornyhead turbot) and Scorpaena guttata (California scorpionfish) distributions on Palos Verdes at 137 m,1973-93.

230 STULL AND TANG: FISH TRAWLS OFF PALOS VERDES, 1973-93 CalCOFl Rep., Vol. 37, 1996

shiner perch (Cymafogaster aggregata) TO Tl T4 TS 400

23mo j_liP; MO 3 100 Io 73 75 77 79 a1 e3 e5 a7 89 91 93 __173 75 77 79 a1 83 e5 07 89 91 93 ii!ri 73 75 77 79 81 83 85 87 89 91 93 73 75 77 79 ai 03 e5 a7 89 91 93

I"1 A

0- 0- 73 75 77 79 ai (u e5 a7 89 91 93 73 75 77 79 ai (u e5 a7 89 91 93 73 75 77 79 ai (u 85 a7 ~9 91 93 73 75 77 79 ai (u e5 a7 ~9 91 93

'O0 1

, , , ~ I 1 lmi :L,,0 0- 01 73 75 n 79 ai (u e5 a7 LIS 91 93 73 75 77 79 ai (u e5 07 as 91 93 73 75 77 79 ai (u e5 07 09 9i 93 73 75 77 79 ai (u e5 a7 89 91 9~

blacktip poacher fXeneretmus latifrons)

I-$4 I 4 m 0 10

73 75 n 79 ai (u e5 a7 89 91 93 73 75 77 79 ai (u e5 07 P 91 93 73 75 77 79 ai (u e5 a7 ~9 91 93 73 75 77 79 ai (u e5 a7 89 oi 93

40, , 40, 4 I 4 :5 , , , , , , ,I ~i,,, , , , , , , io:I,, 73 75 n 79 ai (u e5 a7 a9 91 93 73 75 77 79 ai (u e5 a7 a9 91 93 73 75 77 79 ai (u e5 a7 09 91 93 73 75 77 79 ai (u e5 a7 89 91 93

137m% ~~~;j----J;----Ji40 20io io Io 0 73 75 77 79 ai (u e5 a7 FS 91 93 73 75 77 79 ai (u e5 a7 ~9 9i 93 73 75 n 79 ai (u e5 a7 ~9 91 93 73 75 77 79 ai 83 e5 a7 09 91 93 Year Year Year Year

Figure 17. Cymafogaster aggregafa (shiner perch) and Xenerefmus lafifrons (blacktip poacher) distributions on Palos Verdes, 1973-93.

23 1 STULL AND TANG: FISH TRAWLS OFF PALOS VERDES, 1973-93 CalCOFl Rep., Vol. 37, 1996

22. Xeneretmus latgvons (blacktip poacher, figure 17) declined over time. Data from the 1980s are conserva- was frequently taken along the 137-m isobath, but it was tive; very minor fin anomalies were observed, and it was less abundant at outfall station T4-137. This cold-tem- sometimes difficult to distinguish if the damage was from perate, upper-slope roundfish ambushes epibenthic ben- the trawl net or some other source. thopelagic prey such as gammarid amphipods. At rest it Most Dover sole were taken along the 137-ni isobath. is exposed. It has demersal eggs and pelagic larvae. Figure 21 (dotted line) shows the mean number ofDover 23. Hippoglossina stornuta (bigmouth sole, figure 18) sole of four size classes taken annually at the four Palos was rare in the 1970s, and most common in the mid- Verdes 137-m sites. Dover sole were remarkably abun- to late 1980s, likely in response to El Niiio. It was most dant in the early 1970s, particularly in summer; they numerous near Redondo Canyon (TO-61). This warm- were less common from 1980 to 1993. temperate, outer-shelf flatfish ambushes nektonic or ben- Figure 21 (bars) also shows the mean annual percentage thopelagic prey such as mysids. It is buried when at rest. of Dover sole of the four size classes with fin erosion. It has pelagic eggs and larvae. Fin erosion was a function of sampling site and fish 29. Pavalichthys calijofornicus (, figure size. Most frequent and most severe fin erosion inci- 18) was most common at 23 m in the 1980s, especially dences were found at near-outfall stations (T4 and T5) at T1-23; it was rare in the 1970s. This temperate, inner- in the 1970s. The syndrome was rare at the most distant shelf flatfish ambushes pelagic prey such as . transect, TO, and infrequent at T1. Frequency has been It buries itself in sediments when at rest, and has pelagic very low at all sites from the mid- to late 1980s. eggs and larvae. Fin erosion declined first among smaller sole; the syn- 31. Pleuvonectes vetulus (Enghsh sole, figure 19) was most drome has not been observed in the smallest size class abundant in the early 1970s at scattered sites, 23-137 in. since 1980. The syndrome persisted longer in larger In the 1980s and 1990s it was most often caught at out- individuals; it was rarely observed in the niid-l980s, and fall station T4-61. This temperate, outer-shelf flatfish not observed in the 1990s. searches for infaunal prey such as eunicid polychaetes. It Historically, fewer Dover sole had X-cell epidermal is buried when at rest and has pelagic eggs and larvae. pseudotumors than fin erosion (figures 21 and 22). But 32. Xystveurys liolepis (fantail sole, figure 19) was most there has not been the same relative reduction in pseudo- common along the 23-m isobath from the 1980s and tumors as in fin erosion. Incidence was highest (0-59’6) was abundant only in the mid-1980s at 61 m. This warm- nearest the outfall (T4-137), and lowest among larger temperate, inner-shelf flatfish ambushes epibenthic prey specimens (>I4 cm standard length). such as crabs. It is buried when at rest, and has pelagic eggs and larvae. DISCUSSION 33. decurvens (, figure 20) is Demersal fish that live both in the water column a shelf species which was most prevalent in the early and on the bottom are commonly taken over Palos 1970s at T4-23, T1-23, and T4-61. This cold-temper- Verdes’ soft-bottom habitat. Allen’s (1982) descriptions ate, outer-shelf flatfish stalks benthic infauna such as echi- of functional aspects of southern California soft-bottom urans. At rest it is buried. It has pelagic eggs and larvae. fish communities indicate that the Palos Verdes fish eat 35. Phanevodon fuvcatus (white seaperch, figure 20) is pelagic, benthopelagic, epibenthic, infaunal, and other another inshore species, most numerous in the 1970s at prey. Arthropods are a preferred food, especially eu- T5-23 and T4-23. Ths cold-temperate, inner-shelfround- phausiids, gammarids, shrimp, mysids, and crabs. Many fish searches for epibenthic/benthopelagic prey such as fish taken in the 1980s and 1990s bury themselves in the gammarid amphipods. At rest, it is exposed. It has in- sediments when inactive; others are exposed. The most ternal eggs and larvae. common reproductive strategy includes pelagic eggs and larvae, although a few dominants have internal or de- Among the species not portrayed, Sebastes vosenblatti mersal eggs or larvae. For the entire 21 years, total abun- (greenblotched rockfish), Zaniolepis jenata (shortspine dances and numbers of species tend to be only slightly combfish), and Chitonotns pugettensis (roughback sculpin) lower at outfall station T4 as compared to the other were less common near the outfall. 61-ni sites. It is difficult to establish the causes of the observed External Anomalies spatial and temporal changes in demersal fish catches on Dover sole dorsal and anal fins, which are in frequent Palos Verdes, 1973-93. A multiplicity of hydrodynamic contact with the sediment surface, showed most fin ero- and biological processes influence fish populations on sion; the ventral pectoral fin was more affected than various spatial or temporal scales. Parallel long-term re- the dorsal. Near total losses of most fins were observed gional data that might serve as a reference are unavail- in the early 1970s, but the severity of the syndrome able. Also, the geomorphology of Palos Verdes is unique

232 STULL AND TANG: FISH TRAWLS OFF PALOS VERDES, 1973-93 CalCOFl Rep., Vol. 37, 1996

bigmo ut h so le (Hippoglossina stomata) TO Tl T4 TS

"IIl f 151 10 1 m 5

io BJ ~5 :IIM :iIM bp 73 75 77 79 ai a7 a9 91 93 73 75 77 79 ai IM es a7 a9 91 93 73 75 77 79 ai es a7 09 91 93 73 75 77 79 ai es a7 91 93

-- I I 15 I 1 l5 61 1 m l.1M

0 73 75 77 79 ai BJ es a7 09 91 93 73 75 77 79 ai BJ es a7 a9 91 93 73 75 77 79 ai BJ es a7 09 91 93 73 75 77 79 ai ea es a7 09 91 OJ

E 151

73 75 77 79 ai BJ M a7 09 91 93 73 75 R 79 ai BJ es a7 09 91 93 73 75 77 79 ai BJ es a7 09 91 93 73 75 77 79 ai LU es a7 bp 91 93

Ca Iif0 rn ia halibut (Paralichthys californicus)

t3 151

73 75 77 79 ai BJ es a7 bp 91 93 73 75 77 79 81 BJ es a7 09 91 93 73 75 77 79 ai BJ es a7 09 91 93 73 75 77 79 ai BJ es a7 09 91 93

61 1015 1 I ::] m

73 75 77 79 ai BJ es a7 a9 91 93 73 75 77 79 ai BJ es a7 a9 91 93 73 75 77 79 ai IM es a7 09 91 93 73 75 77 79 ai a3 85 a7 09 91 OJ

20, I E i51 :_._1.~~105

0 73 75 77 79 ai BJ es a7 bp 91 93 73 75 R 79 ai BJ es a7 bp 91 93 73 75 77 79 ai 83 es a7 09 91 93 73 75 77 79 ai BJ 85 a7 09 91 93 Year Year Year Year Figure 18 Hippoglossma stomata (bigmouth sole) and Para//chthyscahforn/cus (California hallbut) distributions on Palos Verdes, 1973-93

233 STULL AND TANG: FISH TRAWLS OFF PALOS VERDES, 1973-93 CalCOFl Rep., Vol. 37, 1996

English sole (Pleuronectes vetulus) TO T1 T4 T5

23 l5io I m

73 75 77 79 81 e3 85 87 89 91 93 73 75 77 79 81 83 85 87 89 91 93 73 75 77 79 81 e3 85 87 09 91 93

20, I E 4 [ir10 73 75 77 79 81 83 85 87 89 9t 93 73 75 77 79 81 83 85 87 89 91 93 73 75 77 79 81 e3 85 87 89 91 93

M, ,M I

c3 151

73 75 n 79 81 e3 85 87 89 91 93 73 75 77 79 81 e3 85 87 89 91 93 fantail sole (Xystreurys liolepis)

81 t- l;-J mor3llF-JB lir--J i;nI n': 0 73 75 ll 79 81 e3 85 87 89 91 93 73 75 77 79 81 (u 85 87 89 91 93 73 75 77 79 81 e3 85 87 89 91 93 73 75 77 79 81 83 85 07 89 91 93

137 2

0

73 75 77 79 81 83 85 87 89 91 93 73 75 '17 79 81 e3 85 87 89 91 93 73 75 77 79 81 e3 85 87 89 91 93 73 75 77 79 81 e3 85 87 89 91 93 Year Year Year Year Figure 19. Pleuronectes vetulus (English sole) and Xystreurys lioleps (fantail sole) distributions on Palos Verdes, 1973-93

234 STULL AND TANG: FISH TRAWLS OFF PALOS VERDES, 1973-93 CalCOFl Rep., Vol. 37, 1996

curlfin sole (Pleuronichthys decurrens) TO Tl T4 TS

73 75 77 79 81 a3 85 87 89 91 93 73 75 77 79 81 a3 85 87 a9 91 93 73 75 77 79 81 83 85 87 a9 91 93 73 75 77 79 81 a3 85 87 a9 91 93

73 75 n 79 ai a3 85 87 89 91 93 73 75 77 79 81 a3 85 87 89 91 93 73 75 77 79 81 a3 85 87 a9 91 93 73 75 77 79 81 a3 85 87 a9 91 93

73 75 77 79 81 a3 85 07 a9 91 93 73 75 n 79 01 a3 M 87 a9 91 93 73 75 77 79 01 a3 85 87 a9 91 93 73 75 77 79 01 a3 M 07 09 91 93 white seaperch (Phanerodon furcatus)

23rng 34j:/~~ 2010 io 73 75 77 79 at a3 85 87 a9 91 93 ;ri73 75 77 79 81 a3 M 87 a9 91 93 i--J73 75 77 79 81 a3 85 87 a9 91 93 &J73 75 77 79 81 a3 85 07 110 01 rn

61 i:~~4 m10

io 73 75 77 79 81 a3 85 87 89 91 93 j--J73 75 77 79 81 a3 85 87 a9 91 93 73 75ti^: 77 79 81 a3 85 87 a9 91 93 ;ri73 75 77 79 81 83 85 87 a9 91 93

b 137 10 20 :I20 m% 0 1ri r----- loi lo1 0 0' 73 75 n 79 ai a3 85 07 a9 91 93 73 75 77 79 81 a3 85 87 a9 91 93 73 75 n 79 01 a3 M 87 a9 91 93 73 75 77 79 81 a3 85 87 a9 91 93 Year Year Year Year

Figure 20. Pleuronichthys decurrens (curlfin sole) and Phanerodon furcatus (white seaperch) distributions on Palos Verdes, 1973-93

235 STULL AND TANG: FISH TRAWLS OFF PALOS VERDES, 1973-93 CalCOFl Rep., Vol. 37, 1996

TO-137 m T1-137 m T4-137 m I <9 cm <9 cm <9 cm t- 300 0 t- 200 4

d I < 400 $ 9-11 cm 9-11 cm t- 300 2 I P f 501 200 4 z Q 100 w I 0

12-14 cm [I: 75 w 0 t- 200 4 z Q 100 w I

0

z -0 u) >I4 cm >I4 cm 0 [I: I I w I 0 z t- LL 200 4 z Q 100 w 5

0 73 77 01 05 09 93 73 77 01 05 09 93 73 77 01 05 09 93 73 77 01 05 09 93 YEAR YEAR YEAR YEAR Figure 21. Percentage of fin erosion and number of Dover sole caught at Palos Verdes 137-m sites, by size class, 1973-93. relative to its regional setting. Moreover, many demer- Water depth created the dominant spatial distribution sal fish species have pelagic eggs and larvae which can pattern. Species exhibit depth preferences from inner be widely dispersed; thus correlations between local en- shelf (23 m) and outer shelf (61 m) to upper slope (137 vironmental factors and catch data are difficult. Also, fish m). Other habitat features that probably influenced fish populations can reflect both present environmental con- distributions include sediment type and quality (sub- ditions and condtions at the time of settlement from the strate, and levels of contaminants and organic matter), plankton. Despite these difficulties, one can speculate and topography (coastal promontory with narrow shelf, on the important processes from correlations with spe- steep slope, canyons, outfall structure, and seasonal up- cific perturbations or from physical/biological habitat welling). characteristics. Stochastic natural events appear to play a major role

236 STULL AND TANG: FISH TRAWLS OFF PALOS VERDES, 1973-93 CalCOFl Rep., Vol. 37, 1996

TO-137 m T1-137 m T4-137 m T5-137 m

73 77 ai a5 a9 93 73 77 a? a5 a9 93 73 77 ai a5 a9 93 73 77 ai a5 a9 93 YEAR YEAR YEAR YEAR Figure 22. Percentage of pseudotumors in Dover sole caught at Palos Verdes 137-11- sites, 1973-93 in shaping community structure. Most of the changes in a very important food resource for the fish that flour- species composition and abundance occurred over the ished during those years. entire Palos Verdes study area, and may have been re- Following are several other examples of distribution gion- or bightwide. patterns and possible environmental correlates. Some Temperature shifts had the greatest effect on Palos of the changes in catches relate to declining wastewater Verdes fish populations. El Nifio events, which are re- emissions (solids, trace contaminants) and associated eco- lated to the strength of the California Countercurrent, logical improvements such as better sediment quality, were a key factor. Residual effects from the most ex- more diverse food resources (e.g., more microcrustacea treme El Niiio (1982-83) persisted in the fish assem- and fewer small polychaetes), increased kelp, and greater blage for several years. The warmer waters of 1982-83, water clarity. The large and ongoing natural variability and of the 1980s and 1990s, brought southerly (mostly alters effects from wastewater discharges and tends to warm-temperate) species northward, changed recruit- confound interpretations. ment patterns, and displaced some fish farther offshore At 23 m, Citharichtkys stigmaeus (speckled sanddab), or to the north. Pleuronectes vetulus (English sole), Pleuronichthys decuvrens Species whose catches increased during or after the (curlfin sole), and Phanevodon furcatus (white seaperch) 1982-83 El Niiio include Merluccius productus (Pacific decreased, and Pavalichthys cal$Jvnicus (California halibut) hake), Xystveurys liolepis (fantail sole), Seviphus politus and Xysteuvys liolepis (fantail sole) increased. Warmer wa- (queenfish), Chitonotus pugettensis (roughback sculpin), ters in the 1980s and 1990s were likely a factor; sedi- Sebastes rosenblatti (greenblotched rockfish), Hkpoglossina ment quality and food resources may have played a role. stomata (bigmouth sole), Pleuronichthys verticalis (horny- At 61 m, Sebastes saxicola (stripetd rockfish), Genyonemus head turbot), Citlzariclzthys~agilis(gulf sanddab), Zalembius lineatus (white croaker), Sebastes dalli (calico rockfish), and rosaceus (pink seaperch), Zaniolepis latipinnis (longspine Cymatogastev aggvegata (shiner perch) decreased. These combfish), Symphurus atricauda (California tonguefish), are water-column fish; many are exposed when at rest. Synodus lucioceps (California lizardfish), Sebastes diploproa The rockfish and shiner perch have internal eggs. (splitnose rockfish), Genyonenzus lineatus (white croaker), S y mp hu vus atricau da (California tongue fish) , Zanio lep is Porichthys notatus (plainfin midshipman), and Icelinus latipinnis (longspine combfish), Pleuronichthys verticalis quadriseriatus (yellowchin sculpin). During this period, (hornyhead turbot), Hippoglossina stomata (bigmouth sole), there were fewer Xenevetmus latifrons (blacktip poacher) and Cithavichthys xanthostigma (longfin sanddab) increased. and Errex xachivus (rex sole), both cold-temperate species. These have pelagic or demersal eggs, and pelagic larvae. Most of the fish species whose catches increased dur- Most are bottom-living fish which bury themselves dur- ing or after the 1982-83 El Niiio consume crustaceans ing periods of inactivity. The increase in bottom dwellers such as shrimp, mysids, euphausiids, crabs, gammarids, may relate in part to improvements in sediment quality, ostracods, or calanoids (Allen 1982). The prey are pri- such as lowered trace contaminants, organic matter, and marily benthopelagic or pelagic, and are taken from hydrogen sulfide. Bottom dwellers themselves play a the bottom or from the water column. During and fol- major role in redistributing contaminants by disturbing lowing the largest El Niiio (1983-86), extremely large the sediments. numbers of Sicyonia ingentis (ridgeback shrimp) and At 137 m, Microstomus pac$cus (Dover sole), Sebastes Pleuvoncodes planipes (pelagic red crab) occurred on the saxicola (stripetail rockfish), Sebastes diploproa (splitnose shelf and upper slope. It is hypothesized that these were rockfish), Errex xackivus (rex sole), and Anoplopoma

237 STULL AND TANG: FISH TRAWLS OFF PALOS VERDES, 1973-93 CalCOFl Rep., Vol. 37, 1996 finzbria (sablefish) decreased. Eopsetta exilic (slender sole), cni) it was last observed in the mid-1980s (figure 21). Porichrhys notatus (plainfin midshipman), Lycodopsis pa$ Absence of the syndrome may result from improved sed- ica (blackbelly eelpout), Sebastes rosenblatii (greenblotched iment quality and reduced emissions of effluent solids rockfish), and Zaniolepisfrenatn (shortspine combfish) in- and contaminants (figure 3). creased. Some species with a more northerly distribu- Pseudotumors were more prevalent in Dover sole tion were more common in the 1970s, whereas some nearer the outfall, as reported by Cross (1988). Historically with a more southern or temperate distribution increased the incidence of pseudotumors was lower than that of in the 1980s and 1990s. fin erosion. Although fin erosion virtually disappeared, Nearshore fish appear to have moved offshore during pseudotumors continue to occur on Palos Verdes, with perturbations. Synodus lucioceps (California lizardfish) lowest frequency in larger Dover sole (>I4 cni). The catches at 23 ni correspond directly with El Niiio and overall incidence ranges from 0-296 at stations distant storm events (increases in 1973, 1977, 1982-83, 1988, from the outfall (TO, Tl), and 0-5'36 near the outfall. and 1992). Cyunatopter apgregain (shiner perch) decreased steadily, but the largest 61-ni populations were also CONCLUSIONS recorded in El Niiio years 1973, 1977, and 1983. 1. Palos Verdes demersal fish catches varied greatly Genyonenzus lirzeatus (white croaker) tended to be more from 1973 to 1993. Spatial and temporal patterns are de- abundant in 61-ni catches in El Niiio years (1977, 1983, scribed, and inferences are made on potentially impor- and 1993). tant environmental processes that influence fish assem- At 137 m, Porichthys notaius (plainfin midshipman) blages. was most abundant on the upper slope after the 1988 2. Water depth was the primary dzterniinant of spa- storms. Two waves of Sebasfes saxicola (stripetail rockfish) tial distributions. Species exhibited particular preferences recruitment came with El Niiio events. for inner-shelf (23-m), outer-shelf (61-m), or upper- Some species characteristic of the Palos Verdes out- slope (137-m) habitats. Wastewater discharge, substrate fall area in the early 1970s decreased thereafter, includ- type, topography, and food resources also influenced ing Cyma togas fer aygrqatu (shiner perch) , Pleuroiz ich thys distributions. decurrens (curlfin sole), Phanerodonfivcatus (white seaperch), 3. Temperature shifts induced more changes in fish Pleuronectes vetulus (English sole), and Micvostonzus pacificus assemblages over time than did any other natural or an- (Dover sole). These have cold-temperate and temper- thropogenic factors. The 1970s were several degrees ate distributions; many prey on various benthic infauna. cooler than the 1980s and 1990s. The major warming Other species that had been absent or rare became trend of the 1982-83 El Niiio, and associated physical more abundant near the outfall, including Symnphurus and biological perturbations, had the most dramatic ef- a tvica u da (California to nguefi s h) , Pleu ro n id?th ys verrica lis fects on demersal fish. Warmer waters, large populations (hornyhead turbot) , Pa vu1 ich thy-~ ca 1[fo ru icus (California of crustaceans, and more southern fish species were halibut), Zaniolepis latipinnis (longspine combfish), and observed. Catches of many fish species increased sub- Lycodopsis pac$ca (blackbelly eelpout). Many are warn- stantially, while a few decreased. The largest changes per- temperate or temperate species, and microcrustaceans sisted for several years. such as gammarids are a common food preference. 4. Many other factors also helped shape the fish pop- Some species, such as Icelinus quadriseriatus (yellowchin ulations over time, including snialler-scaled oceano- sculpin) and Zaniol~pislatipinnis (longspine conibfish) are graphic events, natural hydrodynamic and biological rare near the outfall. Both prey on gammarid amphipods, fluctuations, disturbances such as storms, and anthro- which are less abundant in soft sediments nearer the out- pogenic activities. fall system. Persistent differences in fish assemblages near 5. Fish assemblages recovered in concert with de- the outfall may be due to the nature of the substrate creasing emissions of wastewater solids and contaminants (fine-grained, organically enriched sediments with trace from the outfalls, and with associated ecological im- contaminants), topography (e.g., outfall structure), food provements in Palos Verdes habitats. Some species that resources, or the discharge of treated wastewaters. Also, were abundant near the outfalls in the early 1970s de- historically discharged contaminants such as DDT and clined; some that had been rare increased. Bottom fish, PCBs persist in a partly buried sediment reservoir on which bury themselves in sediments during periods of Palos Verdes (Stull et al. 1988). These may influence the inactivity, became more common, as did species which condition of some fish species (Cross and Hose 1988). prey on crustaceans. Several species are still reduced near Fin erosion was common in Dover sole near the out- the outfall as compared to other Palos Verdes sites. fall. But it has not been induced in Palos Verdes Dover 6. The incidence and severity of fin erosion among sole for inany years: in smallest sole (<9 cni) it has not Palos Verdes Dover sole decreased from the 1970s; it been observed since 1980, and in larger specimens (>14 has not been observed since the mid-1980s. Dover sole

238 STULL AND TANG: FISH TRAWLS OFF PALOS VERDES, 1973-93 CalCOFl Rep., Vol. 37, 1996

epidermal pseudotumors, believed to be a parasitic con- MBC Applied Environmental Sciences and Applied Management and dltion and not a neoplasm, are more frequent near Planning Group. 1993. Santa Monica Bay Characterization Study, 1993. (<50/0) Report for Santa Monica Bay Restoration Project, Montrrey Park, Calif, the outfall than elsewhere on Palos Verdes. They have 290 pp. + app. also been observed in flatfish distant from pollutant Mearns, A. J. 1979. Abundance, composition, and recruitment of tiearshore sources. fish assemblages on the southern California mainland shelf Calif. Coop. Oceanic Fish. Invest. Rep. 2O:lll-119. -. -. 1988. The “odd fish”: unusual occurrences of marine life a\ Indica- ACKNOWLEDGMENTS tors of changing ocean conditions. In Marine organisms as indicators, D. F. We are very grateful to Joe Meistrell and David Soule and G. S. Kleppel, eds. New York: Springer-Verlag. pp. 137-176. Montagne, who supervised most trawl surveys, and to Mearns, A. J., and M. J. Allen. 1978. Use of small otter trawls in coastal bi- ological surveys. U.S. Environ. Prot. Agcy., Environ. lies. Lab., Corvallis, April Ford for fish identification and data input. Jim Ore. EPA-600/3-78-083, 33 pp. Allen of Southern California Coastal Water Research Mearns, A. J., M. J. Allen, L. S. Word, J. Q. Word, C. S. Greene, M. J. Project was actively involved in program development Shenvood, and B. Myers. 1976. Quantitative responses of demersal fish and benthic invertebrate coinmunities to coastal municipal wastewater dis- and modeling from the 1970s; he prepared several charges. Final report to U. S. Environ. Prot. Agcy., Nat. Mar Wdtrr Qual. NPDES annual summaries. Among the long-term pro- Lab., Corvallis, Ore. S. Calif. Coastal Water Res. Proj., El Segundo, Calif. gram participants were Don Cadien, Cheryl Brantley, Grant R801152. Vol. 1, 67 pp.; Vol. 2, 179 pp. Mearns, A. J.,J. Men, M. D. Moore, and M.J. Shenvood. 1980. Distnbution, Irwin Haydock, Doug Hotchhss, Tom Parker, Bill Power, abundance, and recruitment of soft-bottom rockfishes (Scorpaenidae: Kateri Shea, Andrea Smith, Fred Stern, and Tsam Wong, Sebastcs) on the southern California mainland shelf. Calif. Coop. Oceanic but over the years many others contributed. Fish. Invest. Rep. 21:180-190. Mearns, A. J., M. Matta, G. Shigenata, D. Macnonald, M. Buchman, H. Harris, J. Golas, and G. Lauenstein. 1991. Contaminant trends in the Southern LITERATURE CITED California Bight: inventory and assessnient. NOAA Tech. Memo. NOS Allen, M. J. 1977. Pollution-related alterations of southern California ORCA 62, 420 pp. demersal fish communities. Ani. Fish. Soc., Cal-Neva Wildl. Trans. 1977: Meistrell, J. C., and D. E. Montagne. 1983. Waste disposal in southcrn 103-107. California and its effects on the rocky subtidal habitat. In Proc. Symp. on . 1982. Functional structure of soft-bottom fish coniniunities of the the Effects of Waste Disposal on Kelp Communities, W. Bascom, ed. Southern California shelf Ph.D. diss., Univ. Calif., San Diego, La Jolla. Southern California Coastal Water Research Project, Long Beach, Calif., 577 pp. (available from Univ. Microfilins Internatl., Ann Arbor, MI, ref pp. 84-102. no. 8300991). MMS. Minerals Management Service, U.S. Department of Interior. 1987. Carlisle, J. 1969. Results of a 6 year trawl study in the area of heavy waste Ecology of important fisheries species offshore Califomia. Prepared by MBC discharge, Santa Monica Bay, California. Calif. Fish Game 55(1):26-46. Applied Environmental Sciences. OCS Study, MMS86-0093, 252 pp. Conversi, A., and J. A. McGowan. 1994. Natural versus human-caused vari- Myers, M. S. 1981. Pathologic anatomy of papilloma-like tumors in the ability of water clanty in the Southern California Bight. Liiimol. Oceanogr. Pacific ocean perch, Sehasfes nlufus, from the Gulf of Alaska. M.S. thesis, 39(3):632-648. Univ. Wash., Seattle. Cross, J. N. 1985. Fin erosion among collected near a southern California . In press. Pseudotumorous conditions of the skin, gills and associ- municipal wastewater outfall (1971-82). Calif. Ikp. Fish Game, Flsh Bull. ated structures in fish. In The pathobiology of spontaneous and induced 83:195-206. neoplasms in fishes: comparative characterization, nomenclature and lit- . 1988. Fin erosion and epidermal tumors in demersal fish from south- erature. Academic Press. ern California. IJI Oceanic processes in marine pollution. Volume 5. Urban wastes in coastal marine environnients. D. A. Wolfe and 7. P. O’Connor, Petersen, J. H., A. E. Jahn, R. J. Lavenberg, G. E. McGowen, and 11. S. eds. Malabar, Fla.: R. E. Krieger, 273 pp. Grove. 1986. Physical-chemical characteristics and zooplankton bioiiiass Cross, J. N., and L. G. Allen. 1993. Fishes. 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Fish Game, Fi,h Bull. 112, 62 pp. 283-285. Robins, C:. R. (chairman). 1991. Common and scientific n‘iiiies of fishes from Emery, K. 0. 1960. The sea off southern California. New York: John Wiley the United State? and Canada. Am. Fish. Soc., Spec. Publ. 20, 183 pp. & Sons. Seymour, R.J. 1‘>89. Wave observations in the storm of 17-18 January, Hagerman, F. U. 1952. The biology of the Dover sole, Microsforms pac!ficus 1988. Shore and Beach Oct., 1989, pp. 10-13. (Lockington). Calif. Dep. Fish Game, Fish Bull. 85, 48 pp. Shenvood, M. J., and A. J. Mearns. 1977. Environmental significance offin Hunter J. R., J. L. Uutler, C. Kirnbrell, and E. A. Lynn. 1990. Bathymetric erosion in wuthern California demersal fi\hes. Ann. N. Y. Acad. Sci. patterns in size, age, sexual niaturity, water content and caloric density of 298: 177-189. Dover sole, Micrurfonrus pnc$firus. Calif. Coop. Oceanic Fish. Invest. Rep. SCCWKI’. Southern California Coastal Water Research Project. 1973. The 3 1 :1 32-1 44. ecology of the Southern California Bight: implications for water quality LACSD. Los Angeles County Sanitation Districts. 1983. Joint Water Pollution management. El Segundo, Calif. Tech. Rep. 104, 531 pp. Control Plant revised application for modification of secondary treatment requirements for discharges into marine waten. Subnutted to Environniental Smith, 1’. E., and H. G. Moser. 1988. CalCOFI time series: an overview of Protection Agency. fishes. Calif Coop. Oceanic Fish. Invest. Rep. 2956-77. -. -. 1988-93. l’alos Verdes ocean monitonng annual reports, 1988-1993. State Water Quality Control Board. 1964. An investigation of the effects of Submitted to Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Control Uoard. discharged wastes on kelp. California Water Quality Control Board, Love, M. S., J. S. Stephen?, P. A. Morris, M. M. Singer, M. Sandhu, and Sacramento. Publ. 26, 124 pp. T. C. Sciarrotta. 1986. Inshore soft substrata fisheq in the Southern California Stull, J. 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239 STULL AND TANG: FISH TRAWLS OFF PALOS VERDES, 1973-93 CalCOFl Rep., Vol. 37, 1996

Stull, J. K., K. A. Dryden, and P. A. Gregory. 1987. A historical review of Ulrey, A. B., and 1’. 0.Greeley. 1928. A list of the marine fishes (Teleoxei) fisheries statistics and environmental and societal influences off the Palos of southern California with their distribution. Bull. S. Calif. Acad. Sci. Verdes Peninsula, California. Calif. Coop. Oceanic Fish. Invest. Kep. 27(1):1-53. 28:135-1S4 Wilson, K. C., and H. Togstadt. 1983. Storm caused change5 in the Pal05 Stull, J. K., K. Baird, md T. C. Hersen. 1988. Kelationship between de- Verdes kelp forests. 61Proc. Sytnp. on the Effects of Waste Ulsposal on clining discharges of municipal wa5tewater contaiiiiiimt5 and marine sed- Kelp Coniiiiunitieq, W. Bascom, ed. Southern California Coastal Water iment core profiles. 61Oceanic proceses in marine pollution. Voluiiie 5. Research Project, Long Beach, Calif., pp. 301-307. Urban wastes in coastal iilarine environments, 11. A. Wolfe and T. 1’. O’Connor, eds. Malabar, Fla.: R E. Krieger, 273 pp.

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