Species
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White seabass, Atractoscion nobilis |
Life history (biology, habitat, range) |
Inhabit waters off the coast of California from Point Conception south to Baja, California and the Gulf of Mexico, in or near large kelp beds
Fished recreationally and commercially since early 1900s
Spawning between April and August, with peak in early summer; congregate near shore, either over rocky habitat or near kelp beds
Male maturity: 20 inches, or 3 years of age
Female maturity: 24 inches, or 4 years of age
When mature, found in eelgrass beds and protected bays
When young, found in small drifting debris and algae in shallow areas just outside surf zone |
Stock assessment status |
No formal assessment but considered recovered |
Vulnerability |
Increase in an average of 8.4 pounds in 1990 to 18.5 pounds in 1999.
New management efforts are helping California's population recover
Conservation and enhancement of white seabass stock began 1982, with creation of Ocean Resources Enhancement Hatchery program, to restore fishery through stock enhancement
The appearance of white seabass north of Point Conception suggests the population may be expanding |
Protected/declared species interactions |
Unknown |
Gear types |
Set gill nets; drift gill nets; hook and line – Unlawful to use trawl, purse seine or round haul |
Gear specifications |
Six-inch minimum stretched mesh size for gill and trammel nets
No gill or trammel nets allowed 0-3 miles from shore along mainland
During open season, no more than 20% of number of landed fish may be white seabass of 28 inches or more in total length, up to a maximum of 10 white seabass per load, if taken in gill nets or trammel nets with meshes |
Associated conservation concerns |
Unknown |
Management, commercial |
Jurisdiction(s) |
Fish and Game Commission (Legislature granted it authority for white seabass in 1998 as part of the MLMA) |
FMP |
White Seabass Fishery Management Plan adopted 2002: http://www.dfg.ca.gov/marine/wsfmp/index.asp
Adopted by FGC in 1996; implemented in 1998 with passage of MLMA
Updated in 2001 with preferred management option of current TAC |
Code sections |
FGC §§ 7050, 8051, 8383, 8383.5, 8623(a), 8610(d) and 14 CCR §§ 51-51.05, 155-155.01, 632 |
Restricted access |
No |
TAC |
Limit of 1000 lbs/person/day or 5000 lbs/boat/day
Average landings weight was 307,063 lbs for 1997-2007
2006 commercial landings weight was 403,900 lbs for a value of $799,623
(see graphs below) |
Current seasons, size limits, other restrictions |
Limit of 1 white seabass during closed season
Season closed March 15 – June 15
28” minimum size limit
Landings tax of $.0125 per pound
Incidental catch: No more than two thresher sharks and two shortfin mako sharks may be possessed and solf if taken incidentally in drift gill nets while fishing for white seabass and at least 5 white seabass are possessed and landed at the same time as the incidentally taken catch
Ban on gill and trammel nets extends south of Point Arguello, Santa Barbara County to U.S.-Mexico border; in waters less than 35 fathoms between Point Fermin and the south jetty of Newport Beach; one mile offshore or within 70 fathoms around the channel islands; waters less than 60 fathoms from Point Reyes to Point Arguello |
Fishery closures/ MPAs |
No commercial take in state marine reserves and parks |
Proposed regulations |
N/A |
Recreational component |
Gears fished |
Hook and line using live bait (squid, anchovies, medium-sized sardines), fast trolled spooner, artificial squid, or bone jig
Scuba and free divers |
Code sections |
Title 14 CCR §§27.60; 27.65 |
Regulations |
Recreational season: year-round
Bag limit of 3 white seabass/day,
Limit of 1 white seabass/day during closed commercial season (March 15 – June 15)
Fillets taken from white seabass must be a minimum of 19 inches in length
May be taken recreationally in the following MPAs: Irvine Coast, Laguna Beach |
RecFIN/CRFS info |
Recreational catch made up majority of landings from 1995-2003
Recreational data survey program changed in 2004 |
Social context |
Participation statewide |
Average of 140 vessels over the last 20 years |
Participation by area |
Unknown |
Fishing and trade organizations |
Unknown |
Seafood industry context |
Product forms |
Market names: King croaker, weakfish, sea trout |
Seafood selector status |
Best choice |
MSC certification status |
N/A |
Potential for value added |
Unknown |
Miscellaneous |
Sources |
DFG Marine Region 2001. California’s Living Marine Resources: A Status Report. White Seabass http://www.dfg.ca.gov/marine/status/white_seabass.pdf
Stevens, M. 2003. Seafood Watch Report: White Seabass. Link to pdf
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