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Gary Greene, Moss Landing Marine Laboratories Using Multibeam Bathymetry to Characterize Rockfish Habitat in the Haro Strait and San Juan Channel Areas of British Columbia, Canada and the San Juan Islands, Washington, USA. |
| Concern about the proper placement and effectiveness of MPAs in regards to bottomfish recovery has highlighted a need to assess current MPAs in the San Juan Islands and the surrounding Transboundary region. Fishing pressure, among other things, has contributed to the depletion of economically important bottomfishes, including rockfish species. To most effectively manage these fisheries, a greater scope of knowledge is necessary regarding bottomfish habitat. Studies have shown that rockfish favor living in areas of high, rugged seafloor relief. This proposed work will provide maps and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) datasets that can be used to support other SeaDoc Society projects and to assist local conservation organizations and government agencies charged with marine resources management. The study sites will be characterized according to bottom types (lithologies and textures) and the amount of seafloor relief (rugosity) that can be used to determine potential habitat for rockfish. MPAs will be evaluated based upon the existence of potential rockfish habitat, and the presence of potential rockfish habitat extending outwards from the MPA (habitat extensions). The recovery of rockfish species will increase local fish stock populations as well as preserve foraging grounds for larger marine animals including pinnipeds and whales. Habitat characterization will provide important information to the health and protection of marine benthic habitats in the Haro Strait and the San Juan Channel areas. |
| Presentations resulting from this research |
| Greene, G., J. Tilden, and W.A. Palsson. April 2003. Using multibeam bathymetry to characterize rockfish habitat in San Juan County, Washington Marine Reserves. Georgia Basin/Puget Sound Research Conference, Vancouver, Canada. (PDF) |