The Ragfish, Icosteus aenigmaticus Lockington, 1880: A Synthesis of Historical and Recent Records From the North Pacific Ocean and the Bering Sea

Knowledge of the distribution and biology of the ragfish, Icosteus aenigmaticus, an aberrant deepwater perciform of the North Pacific Ocean, has increased slowly since the first description of the species in the 1880’s which was based on specimens retrieved from a fish monger’s table in San Francisco, Calif. As a historically rare, and subjectively unattractive appearing noncommercial species, ichthyologists have only studied ragfish from specimens caught and donated by fishermen or by the general public. Since 1958, I have accumulated catch records of >825 ragfish. Specimens were primarily from commercial fishermen and research personnel trawling for bottom and demersal species on the continental shelves of the eastern North Pacific Ocean, Gulf of Alaska, Bering Sea, and the western Pacific Ocean, as well as from gillnet fisheries for Pacific salmon, Oncorhynchus spp., in the north central Pacific Ocean. Available records came from four separate sources: 1) historical data based primarily on published and unpublished literature (1876–1990), 2) ragfish delivered fresh to Humboldt State University or records available from the California Department of Fish and Game of ragfish caught in northern California and southern Oregon bottom trawl fisheries (1950–99), 3) incidental catches of ragfish observed and recorded by scientific observers of the commercial fisheries of the eastern Pacific Ocean and catches in National Marine Fisheries Service trawl surveys studying these fisheries from 1976 to 1999, and 4) Japanese government research on nearshore fisheries of the northwestern Pacific Ocean (1950–99). Limited data on individual ragfish allowed mainly qualitative analysis, although some quantitative analysis could be made with ragfish data from northern California and southern Oregon. This paper includes a history of taxonomic and common names of the ragfish, types of fishing gear and other techniques recovering ragfish, a chronology of range extensions into the North Pacific and Bering Sea, reproductive biology of ragfish caught by trawl fisheries off northern California and southern Oregon, and topics dealing with early, juvenile, and adult life history, including age and growth, food habits, and ecology. Recommendations for future study are proposed, especially on the life history of juvenile ragfish (5–30 cm FL) which remains enigmatic.

Channel Islands marine protected areas first 5 years of monitoring: 2003-2008 [Report produced by the California Department of Fish and Game in collaboration with the Partnership for Interdisciplinary Studies of Coastal Oceans (PISCO), Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary, and Channel Islands National Park]

The Channel Islands—sometimes called the Galapagos of North America—are known for their great beauty, rich biodiversity, cultural heritage, and recreational opportunities. In 1980, in recognition of the islands’ importance, the United States Congress established a national park encompassing 5 of California’s Channel Islands (Santa Barbara, Anacapa, Santa Cruz, Santa Rosa, and San Miguel Islands) and waters within 1 nautical mile of the islands. In the same year, Congress declared a national marine sanctuary around each of these islands, including waters up to 6 nautical miles offshore. Approximately 60,000 people visit the Channel Islands each year for aquatic recreation such as fishing, sailing, kayaking, wildlife watching, surfing, and diving. Another 30,000 people visit the islands for hiking, camping, and sightseeing. Dozens of commercial fishing boats based in Santa Barbara, Ventura, Oxnard, and other ports go to the Channel Islands to catch squid, spiny lobster, sea urchin, rockfish, crab, sheephead, flatfish, and sea cucumber, among other species. In the past few decades, advances in fishing technology and the rising number of fishermen, in conjunction with changing ocean conditions and diseases, have contributed to declines in some marine fishes and invertebrates at the Channel Islands. In 1998, citizens from Santa Barbara and Ventura proposed establishment of no-take marine reserves at the Channel Islands, beginning a 4-year process of public meetings, discussions, and scientific analyses. In 2003, the California Fish and Game Commission designated a network of marine protected areas (MPAs) in state waters around the northern Channel Islands. In 2006 and 2007, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) extended the MPAs into the national marine sanctuary’s deeper, federal waters. To determine if the MPAs are protecting marine species and habitats, scientists are monitoring ecological changes. They are studying changes in habitats; abundance and size of species of interest; the ocean food web and ecosystem; and movement of fish and invertebrates from MPAs to surrounding waters. Additionally, scientists are monitoring human activities such as commercial and recreational fisheries, and compliance with MPA regulations. This booklet describes some results from the first 5 years of monitoring the Channel Islands MPAs. Although 5 years is not long enough to determine if the MPAs will accomplish all of their goals, this booklet offers a glimpse of the changes that are beginning to take place and illustrates the types of information that will eventually be used to assess the MPAs’ effectiveness. (PDF contains 24 pages.)

Blue Marlin, Makaira nigricans, Movements in the Western North Atlantic Ocean: Results of a Cooperative Game Fish Tagging Program, 1954-88

Blue marlin, Makaira nigricans, tag and recapture data are summarized for 1954-1988. During this period, 8,447 fish have been tagged and only 30 (0.35 percent) have been returned. Results of the tagging program indicate that blue marlin not only travel considerable distances (7,OOO km from the U. S. Virgin Islands to the Ivory Coast of West Africa), but have remained at large for up to 8 years. Seasonal movements, however, are difficult to determine accurately.

Annual Report of the Game and Fisheries Department for the period Ist July, 1957 to 30th June, 1958

This report follows the now established practice of covering the financial year although, as before, for the sake of continuity and accuracy many of the statistics refer to the calendar year. This year has again been an outstanding one in the field of research on wildlife conservation problems, and culminated in one of the largest short-term biological projects yet carried out in the Protectorate. The latter involved the removal by shooting of nearly 500 hippo from badly over-grazed areas in the Queen Elizabeth National Park, but every carcass was examined by a team of scientists, a variety of scientific data collected, and the meat disposed of for local consumption. Not one animal was wasted.

Annual Report of the Game and Fisheries Department for the period 1st July 1956 to 30th June, 1957

This report continues to cover the period of the financial year. Although, as before, for the sake of continuity and accuracy many of the statistics refer to the calendar year. The year has been notable in particular for the launching of extensive research projects on wild-life conservation problems, and much progress has already been made. This has been rendered possible by the greatly appreciated help and interest of the Fulbright Commission, who arranged for three experienced American wild-life scientists to work on these problems in Uganda. The latter have been working in conjunction with The Game and Fisheries Department's Biologist, as a team under the general Direction of the recently created Fauna Research Committee.

Annual Report of the Game and Fisheries Department for the year ended 31st December 1952

The annual report presents information on Lake Victoria, Lake Albert (including tbe Albert Nile and associated Fisheries)-Report by Lake Albert Fisheries Officer,Lake Kyoga and Waters of Eastern Uganda-Report by Fisheries Officer, Serere. Lakes George, Edward and Waters of Western Uganda -Report by the Fisheries Officer, Kichwamba Fish Farming-Report by the Fisheries Officer, Fish Fanning,dams,crocodiles. It presents information on angaling, Trouting, Nile Perch and Ripon Falls Barbel

Annual Report of the Game and Fisheries Department for the year ended 31st December, 1953

Summary of fish production on main lakes of Uganda 1953, consumption of fish in Uganda 1953, imports and exports of fish, including reports from the different regions Fisheries by Regions (1) Lake Victoria (2) Lake Albert (3) Lake Kyoga and Waters of Eastern Uganda Lakes George, Edward, Fish Farming, Dams and miscellaneous minor waters. It includes information on: Angling which includes Trouting, Nile Perch fishing and Tiger Fishing, Ripon Falls Barbel and Tailpiece.

Annual Report of the Game Department for the year ended 31st December 1938

The annual report presents information on the following under fisheries section Breaches of Game Laws (Fish Sections) Development and Control of the Lake Victoria Fishing Industry. Collection of Statistics Statistical Tables.- (A) Number of half-yearly licences issued (B) Quantities and value of nets imported (C) Dried fish handled by Railways and Steamers (D) Smoked and salted fish exported to the Belgian Congo Mpondwe Customs Post Lake Bunyonyi Lake Mugisha (or Kaiyumbu) Lake Chahafi Lake Mulehe Lake Mutanda Lake Saka Lake Nabugabo Lake Kachira and Lake Kijanebalola Lake Kyoga Commercial Development:- Lake Edward and associated fisheries Uganda Fisheries Limited Nsonzi Fishery, Kigezi Experimental Nets in Lake Victoria Legislation (B) angling a) Trout (b) Nile pereh or mpufa

Annual Report of the Game Department for the year ended 31st December, 1947

) General (2) Legislation (3) Nets (4) Imports and Exports of Dried Fish (B) Economic:- (I) Lake Victoria (2) Lake Albert (including the Albert Nile (3) Lake Edward and Associated Fisheries (4) Lake Kyoga (5) Minor Lakes, Dams and the Victoria Nile (6) Introductions (7) Fish Transfers (8) Crocodiles:- (C) Angling Trout Nile Perch Barbel Tilapia Variabilis

Annual Report of the Game Department for the year ended 31st December, 1948

Fisheries section of the annual report covers the following A. ADMINISTRATION (1) General, (2) Legislation, (3) Nets (4) Imports and Exports of Dried Fish, (B) ECONOMIC :( 1) Lake Victoria, (2) Lake Albert (including the Albert Nile), (3) Lake Edward and Associated Fisheries, (4) Report by Fish Culturist, (5) Lake Kyoga, (6) Minor Lakes and the Victoria Nile, (7) Dams,(8) Introductions,(9) Fish Transfers (10) Crocodiles:(i) Control,(ii) Industry, (iii) General (ll) General Notes, (C) ANGLING:Trout, Nile Perch Barbei, Tilapia variabilis.

Annual Report of the Game Department for the year ended 31st December, 1935

The fisheries section of the Annual report provides information on the following: Development and Control of the Victoria Nyanza Fishing Industry, Preparation of Statistics Statistical Tables: (A) Number of half yearly licences issued; (B) Quantities of nets imported; (0) Dried fish landed from Sese and Kome; (D) Dried fish imported from Mwanza ; (E) Dried fish exported to Belgian Congo; Lake Bunyonyi Lake Mutanda Lake Mureyhe Lake Mugisha (or Raiyumbu) I,ake Saka Lake Wamala Commercial Development: (i) Lake Albert: (ii) Lake Edward (iii) Other Waters (iv) Nsonzi Fishery, Kigezi (v) Introductions Experimental Nets and fisheries legislation

Annual Report of the Game Department for the year ended 31st December 1949

The fisheries section of the Annual report provides information on the following: (1) General information (2) Legislation (3) Nets (4) Imports and Exports of Dried Fish B) Economic:- (1) Lake Victoria (2) Lake Albert (including the Albert Nile) (3) Report by Lake Albert Fisheries Officer (4) Lake Edward and Associated Fisheries (5) Lake Kyoga (6) Minor Lakes and the Victoria Nile (7) Dams and (8)Fish Transfers

Annual Report of the Game and Fisheries Department for the period 1st January, 1954, to 30th June, 1955

The fisheries section of the annual report covers information from the following regions: Lake Albert Region: Introduction Staff Launch Licensing Production Export to the Belgian Congo Marketing Departmental Activities Sporting Fishing Statistics Rainfall and Fish Landing Acholi region Lakes George/Edward Region: Introduction General Lake George The Kazinga Channel-Katunguru Lake Edward Minor Lakes Ruwenzori Trout Fisheries Launch Records of Catches Lake Kyoga Region: Introduction General Lake, Kyoga and Minor Lakes Production and fish farming