The Yelloweye Rockfish, scientifically known as Sebastes ruberrimus, is a member of the Scorpaenidae family. It’s notable for its long lifespan and brilliant coloration, which features a vibrant orange body with yellow eyes – giving rise to its common name.
Conservation Status
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the current status of the Yelloweye Rockfish is officially labeled as a Species of Concern. Conservation efforts include reducing fishing pressures, enforcing areas of marine conservation, and adopting careful catch-and-release policies where fishing is allowed.
Statistics
| Length (Average) | Length (Range) | Weight (Average) | Weight (Range) | Average Lifespan |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 22 inches | 16-36 inches | 10 lbs | 5-15 lbs | Up to 120 years |
Distribution
The Yelloweye Rockfish is found in the North Pacific, ranging from the Aleutian Islands of Alaska to Baja California in Mexico. There’s little known about their migration patterns, but they are commonly found in similar habitats throughout their range.
Habitats
Yelloweye Rockfish typically dwell in marine environments. These species thrive in depth ranges of 20 to 900 meters and with temperature ranges of 3 to 15 °C.
When and Where to See
Yelloweye Rockfish are found year-round but are more often spotted in the spring and summer months during their prime spawning season. They’re primarily seen during the day.
Best Fishing Locations
- Fishing Grounds of Prince William Sound, Alaska
- San Juan Islands, Washington State
- The Queen Charlotte Islands, British Columbia
How to Catch
The preferred lure for catching Yelloweye Rockfish is using jigs or heavy spoons. The most effective fishing techniques are bottom fishing or jigging. The best time to catch these fish is during the day, particularly during the spring and summer months.
Identification Guide
Yelloweye Rockfish are recognized by their bright orange-red to yellow body, large bulbous eyes, and spiny dorsal fin. They’re often mistaken for close relatives in the Rockfish family, but yellow eyes distinguish them.
Culinary
Yelloweye Rockfish are highly regarded for their firm, mild-tasting meat. It can be grilled, fried, or steamed, and pairs well with a variety of recipes. Before cooking, clean and fillet the fish carefully. Yelloweye Rockfish is high in protein and rich in Omega-3 fatty acids.
Additional Information
These fish exhibit unique behaviors like solitary living and are slow-growing, late-maturing. They feed on smaller fish and invertebrates. Predators include larger fish and marine mammals. Yelloweye rockfish have become a symbol of the severe impact of overfishing due to their drastic population decline and slow recovery rate.
References and Further Reading
For further reading, refer to publications by the NOAA and various scientific journal articles about Yelloweye Rockfish. Note that prolonged physical stress from catch and release can contribute to lower survivability rates, so advocacy for careful fishing practices is vital.