Abstract Despite the growing number of recreational anglers targeting white seabass Atractoscion nobilis in California, no information is available on mortality rates juveniles following catch and release. We captured juvenile (430–577 mm total length) with 4/0 offset circle hooks ( n = 113) or J‐type 108) a net (control, 30) to investigate effect hook type anatomical location. also examined how location affected growth survival for 90 d Offset penetrated lip region significantly more...

The common thresher shark, Alopias vulpinus, is the basis of largest commercial shark fishery in California waters. We used acoustic telemetry to determine diel movement patterns and habitat preferences this species Southern Bight (SCB), where fishing for concentrated. Eight threshers (fork length: 122–203 cm) were tagged with temperature depth-sensing transmitters tracked periods ranging from 22 49 h. Tracked sharks preferentially utilized deep offshore waters, avoided shallower waters over...

Abstract White seabass Atractoscion nobilis (family Sciaenidae) form transient spawning aggregations in the spring and summer throughout southern California northern Baja California, Mexico. Although activity has been linked with sound production other sciaenid fishes, function acoustic characteristics of white sounds have not previously identified. We described behavior characterized generated by 62 maintained within seminatural conditions free‐field environment a net‐pen moored Catalina...

This study tests the hypothesis that common thresher shark Alopias vulpinus uses its elongate caudal fin to both produce thrust and immobilize prey during feeding. Underwater video recorded in southern California from 2007 2009 revealed 34 feeding events, all of which were initiated with upper lobe fin.

Abstract Swordfish (Xiphias gladius) are large, highly-migratory pelagic, fishes that make diel, vertical excursions from the warm, surface layer (e.g. 18–24 °C) to cold waters (∼8 below thermocline (300–600 m). They possess anatomical traits [e.g. medial red muscle (RM) position and an associated vascular rete] could enable metabolic heat-retention result in RM temperature elevation above ambient, or endothermy. We herein provide: (i) expanded descriptions of RM-associated vasculature (i.e....

The common thresher shark (Alopias vulpinus) is a secondary target species of the California drift gillnet fishery (CA-DGN) and supports growing recreational in waters. This study used archival tags to examine movement patterns habitat preferences threshers size range captured CA-DGN (>120 cm fork length). Depth temperature-logging were deployed on 57 subadult adult Southern Bight. Tags from five individuals (8.8%) recovered, 154 days data successfully obtained four these. By night,...

Abstract This study reports on the movements of swordfish tagged within Pacific Leatherback Conservation Area (PLCA), an expansive region (>500,000 km 2 ) off U.S. West Coast that has been seasonally restricted to drift‐gillnet fishing since 2001 reduce leatherback sea turtle ( Dermochelys coricea interactions. Thirteen were outfitted with satellite‐linked archival tags scheduled for short (2–20 days, n = 11) and longer‐term (150 2) data collection. All deployed basking using traditional...

Abstract For ram‐gill ventilators such as tunas and mackerels (family Scombridae) billfishes (families Istiophoridae, Xiphiidae), fusions binding the gill lamellae filaments prevent deformation by a fast continuous ventilatory stream. This study examines gills from 28 scombrid seven billfish species in order to determine how factors body size, swimming speed, degree of dependence upon ram ventilation influence site occurrence type fusions. In family Scombridae there is progressive increase...

This study reports the use of a long‐term acoustic recording system (LARS) to remotely monitor white seabass Atractoscion nobilis spawning sounds at three sites along southern California coastline, adjacent Camp Pendleton. On basis previous studies A. sound production relative periods known activity, LARS were set continuously record ambient for 2 h period around sunset from April June 2009. Acoustic analyses identified courtship on 89, 28 and 45% days locations, respectively. From 474 data,...

Abstract This study reports on the horizontal movements of swordfish ( Xiphias gladius L.) tagged during deep‐set fishery trials off California coastline. Position estimates from several electronic tag types were used to better understand stock structure and regional affiliation with current boundary hypotheses manage in eastern north Pacific. Swordfish outfitted (a) satellite‐linked mark–recapture tags n = 66), (b) data storage that recaptured 16), (c) fin‐mounted Argos transmitters 6), (d)...

This study evaluated the movement patterns of four Pacific sleeper sharks (Somniosus pacificus) outfitted with satellite-based tags off California coast, a region for which there is no reported tracking data. (1.5–2.1 m) attained maximum individual depths ranging from 603–1,323 m, an overall average depth 424 ± 84 m. Depth distribution was relatively similar between day and night, remaining well below thermocline throughout periods at liberty. A 180-cm tagged central exhibited deeper but...