Characterization of Nearshore Fish Communities Associated with Rocky Reef Habitats, California North Coast MPA Baseline Study, 2014 to 2015

Sampling was conducted with scientific crews of six: four anglers, a sampler who handled, measured, and tagged fish, and a data recorder. Each of the four anglers used a different combination of baited or un-baited lures that represented gear frequently used by recreational anglers to catch the target species.

Sites were sampled by fishing for 45 minutes in each of four, 500 meter by 500 meter sampling cells, which were randomly selected from a set of cells that covered bottom areas containing at least 20 percent rocky reef habitat, by area. Captains were directed to drift within the cells over areas of rocky habitat for a maximum of 15 minutes per drift, so that at least three areas of habitat within each cell would be sampled.