Shows
The Vancouver Aquarium has developed a new Rockfish Abundance Survey and we need volunteer divers to help conduct these surveys in the field. By taking part in the Rockfish Abundance Survey, divers will help gather crucial information about a valuable resource with locally depleted stocks. Divers participating in the annual survey will collect information about the size, age and species of rockfish. These data will enable us to determine rockfish abundance around the coast of British Columbia.
Note: The survey is still a work in progress. All comments are welcome.
For data sheets and further information contact:
Phone: 604-659-3440
Email: fishlab@vanaqua.org
August 20 to September 25, 2011
Local British Columbia coast
Conservation of B.C.’s inshore rockfish species is a serious matter owing to the slow maturation, longevity and small home territories of these fishes. They are all too easy to catch, and are still a target of poachers. In 2007, Fisheries and Oceans Canada finalized a total of 164 Rockfish Conservation Areas in B.C., to aid the recovery of BC’s inshore rockfish species. Over the past few years, the Aquarium’s Rockfish Abundance Survey has met with much less interest than the seasonal Lingcod Egg Mass Survey. We’re working to change this.
Recent research findings by the Vancouver Aquarium’s Howe Sound dive research team indicate that, in B.C., some rockfish hide deep in rock piles during winter. Therefore, it has been decided that it was incorrect to suggest that the Rockfish Abundance Survey could be conducted year-round. Late summer typically has good visibility and the rockfish tend to be hovering well above their rocky home sites. Consequently, the Vancouver Aquarium is conducting the Rockfish Abundance Survey in the late summer.
Rockfish are an important part of B.C.’s ocean ecosystem. However, they’re easy targets for fishermen, as they naturally don’t move far from their home territories. The Aquarium team has been working to establish black rockfish where they were once abundant along the shoreline of West Vancouver. They had been fished out in the 1960’s, but signs are emerging that our black rockfish transplants have successfully bred new generations.
How was your visit? Fill in our comment card and let us know.
Find it here
Our special new beluga show, on now until February 29.
Read more
Some dolphins travel in supergroups of more than 300.
Read more
