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Remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) have been used to estimate the density of fish and invertebrates on strip transects. However, there is little published information about the accuracy and precision of measurements of transect length and width, a critical component of the density estimate. In this study, we evaluate straight line constant velocity protocols, the accuracy and precision of estimates of transect length from ultra short baseline acoustic tracking, and compare measurements of transect width based on sonar and lasers. When ROV tracking was compared to distances measured on sonar maps, the difference between linear tracked and mapped distance (|LDt-LDm|) averaged 1.7 ± 0.5 m. The error was not significantly different with distance. Our navigation protocols allowed us to maintain relatively constant heading and speed. Distance computed from velocity exceeded mapped distance by 2-4 m. The error was not significantly different with distance. Measurements of transect width made with lasers and sonar were comparable, particularly when the ROV was within 4 m of the substrate. Based on our data, ROV tracking can be used to measure transect length within 2 m. If tracking fails, distance can be estimated from velocity within 2-4 m. Sonar can be used to measure transect width with considerable cost savings.

Lingcod, Ophiodon elongatus, were captured by hook and line (sport rod and reel gear and commercial troll gear) at two coastal California locations and held in aquaria for periods of up to 32 days for evaluation of capture-related mortality. Three of 69 lingcod captured with rod and reel gear died of capture-related injuries (4.3% mortality; 95% confidence interval 0–9.3%). None of 15 lingcod captured with troll gear died of capture-related injuries. Due to the low overall mortality rate, there were no discernable trends in mortality with respect to sex, length, depth of capture, and terminal tackle (bait vs. lure). Of 38 fish with visible hooking wounds, 26 showed evidence of wound healing during the holding period.

Data were collected at twenty-six dive stations at seven discrete latitudes along Fitzgerald Marine Reserve (FMR). Dive stations were targeted at three stratified depth zones: shallow (6.1 m), medium (10.7 m), and deep (16.8 m) in six of the seven locations. Two types of linetransects, emergent and invasive, were completed by separate dive teams at each dive station. The area surveyed totalled 1,510 m2 for emergent and 560 m2 for invasive transects.Reef habitat dominated all depth zones, with moveable boulder and cobble increasing at medium and shallow depths. Encrusting coraline and surface algae dominated (49%), followed by turf (37%), sub-canopy (11.2%), and rare canopy (0.2%). Canopy was found only at shallow depths. Turf and sub-canopy decreased with depth.Only two species of abalone, red, Haliotis rufescens, and flat, H. walallensis, were found. Flat abalone were extremely rare with only two found on invasive transects (0.004 abalone m-2). Red abalone densities were low at both emergent (0.02 abalone m-2, s.e.=O.Ol) andinvasive (0.07 abalone m-2, s.e.=0.03 ) transects. Red abalone concentrations differed significantly by depth and location. No abalone were found at deep depths and only onesport-legal (178 mm shell length) abalone was found at medium depth. One commercial legal (198 mm shell length) abalone was found on the entire survey. Most sport-legal abalone were located in cryptic habitat in shallow invasive transects (38%), compared to 7% on emergent transects. The only evidence of recruitment was found on invasive transects where three young-of-the-year (

(13 pp.)

Nearly 200 species of finfish are taken by the marine recreational fishery along the northern and central California coast. This data report provides estimates of total effort, total catch, and fishery demographics for the years 1981 through 1986 for that fishery. Catch estimate data are presented by number and weight of species, by disposition of the fish caught (e.g. kept or thrown back), by type of access and fishing gear used, and by geographic zone. (311pp.)

The 1989 red abalone sport creel was conducted at eleven keystudy areas in Humboldt, Mendocino, Sonoma, and San Mateo counties where 1,247 divers and 1,408 shorepickers were interviewed. Boat divers were the most successful type of access, followed by shore divers and shorepickers. Shelter Cove, as in 1988, ranked last among study areas in catch rates, return rates, and size of abalone taken.Creel survey and random telephone survey data were combined to estimate effort, take, and return mortality for the red abalone sport fishery in northern and central Californiafrom Monterey through Del Norte counties for 1989. The 1989 telephone survey results showed most red abalone sport fishing trips were in Mendocino county (47.7%) and Sonoma county (40.5%).The results of the 1989 combined creel and telephone surveyindicated 56,178 (35,216 to 77,139) divers, and 24,277 (12,352 to 36,102) shorepickers participated in the fishery. However these estimates were inflated by not considering sportsmen that repeated trips throughout the season. An estimated 88,320 (60,729 to 115,911) diving trips and 46,676 (26,668 to 66,685) shorepicker trips were made. The estimate of landed weight in the shell by both divers and shorepickers combined was 1,160,729 (865,862 to 1,455,595) pounds. Red abalone return mortality in 1989 was 3.3%of total mortality for divers and 6.6% for shorepickers. (97pp.)

Combined creel and random telephone surveys were used to estimate effort, take, and return mortality for the red abalone sport fishery in central and northern California from Monterey to Del Norte counties in 1988. The 1988 telephone survey results showed most red abalone sport fishing trips were in Mendocino county (61.4%) and Sonoma county (18.1%).The 1988 red abalone sport creel was conducted at seven key study areas in Humboldt, Mendocino, and Sonoma counties where 909 divers and 625 shorepicker were interviewed. Divers were more efficient then shorepickers; with higher averaqe catch rates, fewer abalone returned, and larger average sizes taken in all study areas with adequate samples. Diver success continued throughout the sportseason while shorepicker success declined from a peak in May. Comparison to historical northern California creel surveys showed a six-fold increase in diving effort from the 1960's for northern California, with shorepicking effort declining for at least the Arena-Mote Creek Area. Smaller sizes and catch rates from the 1970's suggest declining stocks in northern California.The results of the 1988 combined creel and telephone survey for effort, take, and mortality indicate between 33,182 and 74,658 divers, and 14,303 to 39,639 shorepickers participated in the fishery. However, these counts were an overestimate that included sportsmen that repeated trips throughout the season. Between 63,832 and 115,560 diving trips, and 49,313 to 95,549 shorepicker trips were made. The estimate of landed weight in the shell by divers andshorepickers combined ranged from 889,838 to 1,413,938 pounds. Red abalone return mortality in 1988 as a percent of total mortality was 4.0% for divers and 7.4% for shorepickers.(84pp.)

Field intercept Marine Recreational Fisheries Statistics Survey (MRFSS) data for central and northern California, collected in July to September 1981, is presented in a data report format. Data in this quarterly report are subdivided into three categories: primarily by five geographical areas;secondarily by fishing modes and gear types within each area; and finally by catch definition for each area, mode, and gear type. Tables are presented for these categories, each with three sections: sampled effort, ranked catch, and catch-per-unit-effort (CPUE). Also, within each area,length-frequency histograms and tables are presented for select species. (149pp.)

Field intercept Marine Recreational Fisheries Statistics Survey (MFRSS) data for central and northern California, collected in January to March 1981, is presented in a data report format. Data in this quarterly report are subdivided into three categories: primarily by five geographical areas;secondarily by fishing modes and gear types within each area; and finally by catch definition for each area, mode, and gear type. Tables are presented for these categories, each with three sections: sampled effort, ranked catch, and catch-per-unit-effort (CPUE). Also, within each area,length-frequency histograms and tables are presented for select species. (121pp.)

Field intercept Marine Recreational Fisheries Statistics Survey (MRFSS) data for central and northern California, collected in July to September of 1984, is presented in a data report format. Data in this quarterly report aresubdivided into three categories: primarily by five geographical areas; secondarily by fishing modes and gear types within each area; and finally by catch definition for each area, mode, and gear type. Tables are presented forthese categories, each with three sections: sampled effort, ranked catch, and catch-per-unit-effort (CPUE). Also, within each area, length-frequency histograms and tables are presented for select species. (Document has 205 pages) The supplement (Appendix A) to this report is currently awaiting digitization, as the supplement is on microfiche and is poor quality.

Fleld intercept Marine Recreational Fisheries Statistics Survey (MRFSS) data for central and northern California, collected in October to December of 1986, is presented in a data report format. Data in this quarterly report are subdivided into three categories: primarily by five geographical areas; secondarily by fishing modes and gear types within each area; and finally by catch definition for each area, mode, and gear type. Tables are presented forthese categories, each with three sections: sampled effort, ranked catch, and catch-per-unit-effort (CPUE). Also, within each area, length-frequency histograms and tables are presented for select species. The supplement (Appendix A) to this report is currently awaiting digitization, as the supplement is on microfiche and is poor quality.

Field intercept Marine Recreational Fisheries Statistics Survey (MRFSS) data for central and northern California, collected in July to September 1982, is presented in a data report format. Data in this quarterly report aresubdivided into three categories: primarily by five geographical areas; secondarily by fishing modes and gear types within each area; and finally by catch definition for each area, mode, and gear type. Tables are presentedfor these categories, each with three sections: sampled effort, ranked catch, and catch-per-unit-effort (CPUE). Also, within each area, length-frequency histograms and tables are presented for select species. (PDF contains 137 pages)

Field intercept Marine Recreational Fisheries Statistics Survey (MRFSS) data for central and northern California, collected in October to December 1983, is presented in a data report format. Data in this quarterly report are subdivided into three categories: primarily by five geographical areas; secondarily by fishing modes and gear types within each area; and finally by catch definition for each area, mode, and gear type. Tables are presented for these categories, each with three sections: sampled effort, ranked catch, and catch-per-unit-effort (CPUE). Also, within each area, length-frequency histograms and tables are presented for select species. (133pp.)

Field intercept Marine Recreational Fisheries Statistics Survey (MRFSS) data for central and northern California, collected in October to December 1979, is presented in a data report format. Data in this quarterly report are subdivided into three categories: primarily by five geographical areas; secondarily by fishing modes and gear types within each area; and finally by catch definition for each area, mode, d gear type. Tables are presented for these categories, each with three sections: sampled effort, rankedcatch, and catch-per-unit-effort (CPUE). Also, within each area, length-frequency histograms and tables are presented for select species. (139pp.) The supplement (Appendix A) to this report is currently awaiting digitization, as the supplement is on microfiche and is poor quality.

Field intercept Marine Recreational Fisheries Statistics Survey (MRFSS) data for central and northern California, collected in January to March 1982, is presented in a data report format. Data in this quarterly report are subdivided into three categories: primarily by five geographical areas; secondarily by fishing modes and gear types within each area; and finally by catch definition for each area, mode, and gear type. Tables are presented for these categories, each with three sections: sampled effort, ranked catch, and catch-per-unit effort (CPUE). Also, within each area, length-frequency histograms and tables are presented for select species. (122pp.) The supplement (Appendix A) to this report is currently awaiting digitization, as the supplement is on microfiche and is poor quality.

Field intercept Marine Recreational Fisheries Statistics Survey (MRFSS) data for central and northern California, collected in January to March 1980, is presented in a data report format. Data in this quarterly report aresubdivided into three categories: primarily by five geographical areas; secondarily by fishing modes and gear types within each area; and finally by catch definition for each area, mode, and gear type. Tables are presented forthese categories, each with three sections: sampled effort, ranked catch, and catch-per-unit-effort (CPUE). Also, within each area, length-frequency histograms and tables are presented for select species. (144 page document) The supplement (Appendix A) to this report is currently awaiting digitization, as the supplement is on microfiche and is poor quality.

Field intercept Marine Recreational Fisheries Statistics Survey (MRFSS) data for central and northern California, collected in April to June of 1985, is presented in a data report format. Data in this quarterly report are subdivided into three categories: primarily by five geographical areas;secondarily by fishing modes and gear types within each area; and finally by catch definition for each area, mode, and gear type. Tables are presented for these categories, each with three sections: sampled effort, ranked catch, andcatch-per-unit-effort (CPUE). Also, within each area, length-frequency histograms and tables are presented for select species. (Document has 159 pages) The supplement (Appendix A) to this report is currently awaiting digitization, as the supplement is on microfiche and is poor quality.

Tables of regression values for converting between total, fork, and standard lengths are provided for 41 species of fish from 15 families using preserved and fresh specimens of fish. A table is also included for converting between body length and total length for Pacific herring, Clupea harengus pallasii. (17pp.)

Field intercept Marine Recreational Fisheries Statistics Survey (MRFSS) data for central and northern California, collected in April to June 1982, is presented in a data report format. Data in this quarterly report aresubdivided into three categories: primarily by five geographical areas; secondarily by fishing modes and gear types within each area; and finally by catch definition for each area, mode, and gear type. Tables are presentedfor these categories, each with three sections: sampled effort, ranked catch, and catch-per-unit-effort (CPUE). Also, within each area, length-frequency histograms and tables are presented for select species. (139pp.) The supplement (Appendix A) to this report is currently awaiting digitization, as the supplement is on microfiche and is poor quality.

Field intercept Marine Recreational Fisheries Statistics Survey (MRFSS) data for central and northern California, collected in January to March 1985, are presented in a data report format. Data in this quarterly report are subdivided into three categories: primarily by five geographical areas; secondarily by fishing modes and gear types within each area; and finally by catch definition for each area, mode, and gear type. Tables are presented for these categories, each with three sections: sampled effort, ranked catch, and catch-per-unit-effort (CPUE). Also, within each area, length-frequency histograms and tables are presented for select species. (140pp.)

Field intercept Marine Recreational Fisheries Statistics Survey (MRFSS) data for central and northern California, collected in October to December. 1980, is presented in a data report format. Data in this quarterly report are subdivided into three categories: primarily by five geographical areas; secondarily by fishing modes and gear types within each area; and finally by catch definition for each area, mode, and gear type. Tables are presented for these categories, each with three sections: sampled effort, ranked catch, and catch-per-unit effort (CPUE). Also, within each area, length-frequency histograms and tables are presented for select species. (143pp.)

Field intercept Marine Recreational Fisheries Statistics Survey (MRFSS) data for central and northern California, collected in April to June 1980, is presented in a data report format. Data in this quarterly report aresubdivided into three categories: primarily by five geographical areas; secondarily by fishing modes and gear types within each area; and finally by catch definition for each area, mode, and gear type. Tables are presentedfor these categories, each with three sections: sampled effort, ranked catch, and catch-per-unit-effort (CPUE). Also, within each area, length-frequency histograms and tables are presented for select species. (155pp.) The supplement (Appendix A) to this report is currently awaiting digitization, as the supplement is on microfiche and is poor quality.

Field intercept Marine Recreational Fisheries Statistics Survey (MRFSS) data for central and northern California, collected in January to March 1986, is presented in a data report format. Data in this quarterly report are subdivided into three categories: primarily by five geographical areas;secondarily by fishing modes and gear types within each area; and finally by catch definition for each area, mode, and gear type. Tables are presented for these categories, each with three sections: sampled effort, ranked catch, and catch-per-unit-effort (CPUE). Also, within each area, length-frequency histograms and tables are presented for select species. (143pp.) The supplement (Appendix A) to this report is currently awaiting digitization, as the supplement is on microfiche and is poor quality.

Field intercept Marine Recreational Fisheries Statistics Survey (MWSS) data for central and northern California, collected in July to September 1980, is presented in a data report format. Data in this quarterly report are subdivided into three categories: primarily by five geographical areas;secondarily by fishing modes and gear types within each area; and finally by catch definition for each area, mode, and gear type. Tables are presented for these categories, each with three sections: sampled effort, ranked catch, and catch-per-unit-effort (CPUE). Also, within each area,length-frequency histograms and tables are presented for select species. (Document has 190 pages.) The supplement (Appendix A) to this report is currently awaiting digitization, as the supplement is on microfiche and is poor quality.

Field intercept Marine Recreational Fisheries Statistics Survey (MRFSS) data for central and northern California, collected in April to June 1981, is presented in a data report format. Data in this quarterly report aresubdivided into three categories: primarily by five geographical areas; secondarily by fishing modes and gear types within each area; and finally by catch definition for each area, mode, and gear type. Tables are presented for these categories, each with three sections: sampled effort, ranked catch, and catch-per-unit-effort (CPUE). Also, within each area, length-frequency histograms and tables are presented for select species. (131pp.)

Field intercept Marine Recreational Fisheries Statistics Survey (MRFSS) data for central and northern California, collected in July to September 1979, is presented in a data report format. Data in this quarterly report are subdivided into three categories: primarily by five geographical areas;secondarily by fishing modes and gear types within each area; and finally by catch definition for each area, mode, and gear type. Tables are presented for these categories, each with three sections: sampled effort, ranked catch, and catch-per-unit-effort (CPUE). Also, within each area,length-frequency histograms and tables are presented for select species. (168pp.) The supplement (Appendix A) to this report is currently awaiting digitization, as the supplement is on microfiche and is poor quality.