The Yelloweye Rockfish was first formally described by William Orville Ayres in 1854 as Sebastes ruber. However, it's worth noting that Frank Cramer later described a new species as Sebastolobus ruberrimus in 1895. Despite the taxonomic debate, prevailing usage has recognized Cramer's name as the valid one. The specific name ruberrimus refers to the species' distinct reddish coloration, which intensifies with age.
With its striking appearance, the Yelloweye Rockfish stands out among its marine counterparts. The species exhibits a fascinating color pattern, featuring a red back, transitioning to shades of orange and yellow on the sides, and black fin tips. Juveniles possess two reddish-white stripes along their belly, contributing to their unique visual appeal. Notably, the Yelloweye Rockfish possesses exceptionally strong head spines, adding to its resilience and survival capabilities.
In terms of size, these rockfish can reach impressive lengths of up to 36 inches (0.9 meters). They predominantly inhabit depths ranging from 28 to 215 fathoms (51 to 393 meters), although there have been reports of specimens found as deep as 260 fathoms (475 meters). As they age, Yelloweye Rockfish transition in color, gradually fading from bright orange to a paler yellow, signifying their wisdom and longevity.
Yelloweye Rockfish inhabit rocky areas within the East Pacific, stretching from Baja California to Dutch Harbor in Alaska. These fascinating creatures exhibit a strong affinity for rocky-bottomed regions, often spending their entire lives in the vicinity of a single rock pile. This specialized habitat preference contributes to their distinct ecological role within the marine ecosystem.
Feeding primarily on small fish and other rockfish species, Yelloweye Rockfish play a crucial role in maintaining the balance of their habitat. Larval individuals consume diatoms, dinoflagellates, crustaceans, tintinnids, and cladocerans, while juveniles prefer copepods and euphausiids. As they mature into adults, their diet expands to include demersal invertebrates and smaller fish species.
One of the most remarkable aspects of the Yelloweye Rockfish is its exceptional lifespan. Among the members of the Sebastes genus, this species stands out as one of the longest-lived fish in the world. On average, they live for an astounding 114 to 120 years, with the oldest individuals recorded reaching up to 147 years of age. Such longevity is a testament to their remarkable resilience and the unique life history strategies they employ.
The Yelloweye Rockfish faces significant challenges in terms of conservation and population recovery. Due to their desirable meat, they have been subjected to overfishing, leading to a decline in population numbers since the 1980s. In 2002, they were officially declared overfished, with the population reaching a mere 7 to 13% of its pre-commercial fishing levels.
Given the species' slow reproductive rate and delayed sexual maturity (10 to 20 years), recovery efforts have proven to be an arduous task. Even with stringent fishing restrictions, the recovery process is expected to span several decades. For instance, Washington state has imposed a quota of fewer than 1000 individuals per year, highlighting the need for sustained conservation efforts.
Genetic analysis has shed light on the population structure of Yelloweye Rockfish. Three distinct populations have been identified: the outside coastal population off the coast of Alaska, British Columbia, and the West Coast of the United States; an inside population in the Salish Sea, including the San Juan Islands, Strait of Georgia, and Puget Sound; and a separate stock in Hood Canal. These findings have significant implications for targeted conservation strategies tailored to each population.
To mitigate the decline of the Yelloweye Rockfish, various recovery plans have been implemented. Rebuilding analyses indicate that the recovery process may take several decades, possibly up to a century. Efforts to protect their habitats, enforce fishing regulations, and raise awareness among anglers and the general public are crucial for the successful restoration of their populations.
Recent stock assessments have provided some glimmers of hope, showing an increase in population from the lowest point in 2000 to 2017. With a status-quo harvest policy, the stock has a high probability of being rebuilt by 2027. However, continued vigilance and adherence to conservation measures are necessary to ensure the long-term survival and thriving of this iconic species.