Rockfish

MORE ABOUT WIDOW ROCKFISH

As its name implies, the rockfish hovers along rocky reefs or steep shorelines. This goldish-brown fish is most active at night. It reaches 2 feet (61 cm) length.

Commercial Sources

Widow rockfish are found in the eastern North Pacific, from the Gulf of Alaska to Baja California in Mexico.

The main source of widow rockfish is the United States.

Capture Methods

Widow rockfish come from marine fisheries, not fish farms. They are primarily caught with trawls. Additional types of fishing gear include hooks-and-lines, nets and traps.

MORE ABOUT YELLOWTAIL ROCKFISH

The yellowtail rockfish inhabits rocky reefs or sloping shores and likes to hide amid cracks and crevices on the sea floor. The fish has yellowish-green fins, grows to over 2 feet (61 cm) and can live to over 50 years.

Commercial Sources

Yellowtail rockfish are found in the eastern North Pacific, from Alaska to San Diego, California.

The main source of yellowtail rockfish is the United States.

Capture Methods

Yellowtail rockfish come from marine fisheries, not fish farms. They are primarily caught with trawls. Additional types of fishing gear include hooks-and-lines and nets.

More than 70 types of rockfish live off the U.S. West Coast, and some species can live up to 200 years. This long lifespan often translated into severe overfishing for many rockfish populations and the fishery was declared a federal disaster in 2000. However, a new type of management program that began in 2011 has helped fishermen stay within catch limits, avoid overfished species and stay out of sensitive areas. As a result, these species are now considered a sustainable choice.

More than 70 types of rockfish live off the U.S. West Coast, and some species can live up to 200 years. This long lifespan often translated into severe overfishing for many rockfish populations and the fishery was declared a federal disaster in 20000. However, a new type of management program that began in 2011 has helped fishermen stay within catch limits, avoid overfished species and stay out of sensitive areas. As a result, these species are now considered a sustainable choice.

More than 70 types of rockfish live off the U.S. West Coast, and some species can live up to 200 years. This long lifespan often translated into severe overfishing for many rockfish populations and the fishery was declared a federal disaster in 20000. However, a new type of management program that began in 2011 has helped fishermen stay within catch limits, avoid overfished species and stay out of sensitive areas. As a result, these species are now considered a sustainable choice.

MORE ABOUT PACIFIC OCEAN PERCH

Most Alaska-caught rockfish are considered a "best” choice because the stocks are healthy and the fisheries are managed well.

MORE ABOUT BOCACCIO

Bocaccio, a rockfish species, dwells amid the rocky reefs of the eastern Pacific. It grows to nearly 3 feet (0.9 meter) and is reported to live up to 30 years. It is highly depleted and perhaps endangered.

Commercial Sources

Bocaccio are found in the eastern North Pacific, from Alaska to Baja California in Mexico.

The main source of bocaccio is the United States.

Capture Methods

Bocaccio come from marine fisheries, not fish farms. They are primarily caught with trawls. Additional types of fishing gear include hooks-and-lines, nets and traps.

MORE ABOUT CANARY ROCKFISH

The canary rockfish is bright mottled yellow to orange with a gray background. Instead of laying eggs, this venomous fish gives birth to live young. It can grow to 2.5 feet (76 cm) and live up to 19 years.

Commercial Sources

Canary rockfish are found in the eastern North Pacific, from the Gulf of Alaska to Baja California in Mexico.

The main source of canary rockfish is the United States.

Capture Methods

Canary rockfish come from marine fisheries, not fish farms. They are primarily caught with trawls. Additional types of fishing gear include hooks-and-lines, nets and traps.