Species
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Pacific sardine (Sardinops sagax) and Pacific mackerel (Scomber japonicus) are actively managed (Fed)
Northern anchovy (Engraulis mordax) and Jack mackerel (Trachurus symmetircus) are monitored (Fed)
CA Market squid (Loligo opalescens) is monitored (Fed) but managed by California
Pacific bonito (Sarda chiliensis) is caught recreationally |
Life history (biology, habitat, range) |
Pelagic (water-column) schooling species found in coastal waters generally from Mexico to Alaska
Key forage fish species for many predators – other fish, mammals, birds
Highly productive; although abundance is highly dependent on water temperature and nutrient circulation (e.g. upwelling) |
Stock assessment status |
Assessed by NOAA/PFMC
Pacific sardine is assessed each fall in order to set an annual harvest guideline (quota) for the U.S. commercial fishery – 2007 assessment summarized fluctuating stock biomass and declining stock productivity since late 90s, although stock still considered to be ‘reoccupying’ portions of its range due to warmer sea surface temps and increased biomass
Pacific mackerel is assessed each spring; full assessment occurs every three years – 2007 assessment indicated declining spawning stock biomass and current period of low recruits (harvest guideline reduced) |
Vulnerability |
Generally considered resilient to harvest as productivity is more dependent on environmental factors than spawner abundance
Distribution and abundance of CPS could change as result of even minor climate change |
Protected/declared species interactions |
Salmon bycatch; documented minor incidental catch of sea lions and pilot whales
CPS are often important food sources to a variety of marine mammals, seabirds, other fish (e.g. salmon) |
Gear types |
Roundhaul seine, lampara, hook and line; small amounts by trawl, gillnet, and pot |
Gear specifications |
See squid profile for market squid fishery gear provisions
Anchovy take (State) minimum mesh size 5/8” |
Associated conservation concerns |
Bycatch is usually low in CPS fishery because of seine as main gear; however recently some incidental catch of endangered salmon has become a concern off OR and WA
Fisheries may be removing too much of important forage species
Demand for CPS may increase substantially as aquaculture production – and need for fishmeal – increases |
Management, commercial |
Jurisdiction(s) |
Federal - Pacific Fishery Management Council
Market squid authority transferred to CA Fish and Game Commission 2001 |
FMP |
PFMC amended Northern Anchovy Fishery Management Plan to include other 4 species; became CPS FMP in 1999
CPS FMP as amended through 2006 http://www.pcouncil.org/coastal-pelagic-species/fishery-management-plan-and-amendments/
Market squid is also managed by CA state FMP – Market Squid Fishery Management Plan enacted 2005 (also see squid profile) |
Code sections |
FGC §§8150.5-8154; 8180-8190
14 CCR §§ 141-149.3; 158-159; 163-164 |
Restricted access |
Federal Limited Entry (State sardine and mackerel permits discontinued)
Federal Fleet Capacity Goal/Current Fleet Capacity = 5651 GT / 5408 GT
CA Anchovy take permit is open access (anchovy for reduction purposes) |
TAC |
Harvest Guidelines (HG) for entire stock range of Pacific sardine and Pacific mackerel (international)
2006 Pacific sardine landings weight was 1,612,700 lbs for $434,269
2006 Pacific mackerel landings weight was 13,015,000 lbs for $832,642
2006 Northern anchovy was 28,198,300 lbs for $1,297,402
2006 Jack mackerel was 2,572,200 lbs for $198,911
2006 CA market squid was 108,346,500 lbs for $26,943,483
(see graph below) |
Current seasons, size limits, other restrictions |
Observers began onboard CPS vessels in 2004
Non-restrictive (open-access) permits required for Anchovy
CDFG requires logbook reporting of CPS species caught for use as live-bait |
Fishery closures/ MPAs |
None apply |
Proposed regulations |
None currently
Recent amendments to FMP in 2006 were for long-term sardine allocation; and a ban on krill harvest |
Recreational component |
Which species |
Pacific mackerel; bonito |
Gears fished |
Hook and line or pole and line |
Code sections |
N/A |
Regulations |
General finfish bag limits may apply (10 fish/day) |
RecFIN/ CRFS info |
634 mt reported in 2006, caught primarily by shore based anglers followed by those on private charters
1.1 million bonito reported caught over 10-yr period from 1997 - 2007 |
Social context |
Participation coastwide |
65 LE CPS permits initially; 61 today |
Participation by area |
spring/summer Northern (or Central) around Monterey Bay
fall/winter Southern in S. California Bight particularly Channel Islands
Fleet landings in Monterey and Moss Landing in Central CA; in Ventura/Port Hueneme and San Pedro/Terminal Island in Southern CA
Historically the Northern fishery dominated landings, but since ’85-’86 season the Southern fishery larger |
Fishing and trade organizations |
California Wetfish Producers Association |
Seafood industry context |
Product forms |
Canned; fishmeal; salted; possibly some whole fish for premium markets – need more info |
Seafood selector status |
Pacific Sardine: Green Status (best choice)
CA Market Squid: Yellow Status (good alternative) |
MSC certification status |
Gulf of California, Mexico – Sardine Fishery: in assessment
South West Handline Mackerel Fishery: yes
Hastings Fleet Pelagic Fishery: yes |
Potential for value added |
Potential if Mediterranean-style sardine dishes gain in popularity |
Miscellaneous |
Sources |
DFG Marine Region 2001. California’s Living Marine Resources: A Status Report.
Status of Pacific Coast CPS Stock Assessment and Fishery Evalution. Pacific Fishery Management Council. http://www.pcouncil.org/wp-content/uploads/2009_CPS_SAFE_Text_Tables_Final.pdf
Status of Coastal Pelagic Species and Limited Entry Permit Application. National Marine Fishery Services: Southwest Regional Office. http://swr.nmfs.noaa.gov/fmd/cps/cps.htm.
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