2 B SIUSLAW NEWS ❚ SATURDAY, JULY 25, 2015 OSU researchers determine popular rockfish is two species www.shoppelocal.biz CORVALLIS — A new analysis confirms that the Blue Rockfish (Sebastes mystinus), a popular and commercially significant rockfish sought by anglers primarily off the California and Oregon coasts, is actually two separate and distinct species. Previous studies had discov- ered some genetic differences between two groups of Blue Rockfishes, but their status as distinct species had never been proven until researchers at Oregon State University, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, and the California State University, Los Angeles, demonstrated distinguishing differences in anatomy, coloration, geograph- ic distribution and genetics. Results of the study have been published in the Fishery Bulletin. “Various researchers have written about the Blue Rockfish for years but it has never been morphologically described as two separate species,” said Ben Frable, an OSU graduate student in the Department of Fisheries and Wildlife and lead author on the study. “There are physical, genetic, and apparent behav- ioral differences between the two species.” Frable and his team named the newly described species Deacon Rockfish (Sebastes diaconus) — a tribute to the nickname given Blue Rockfish by Portuguese fishermen around San Francisco in the 19th century. They called it the “priest fish” because the white bands around its head resembled a clerical collar. D. Wolfe Wagman, a marine biologist with ODFW and co- author on the study, said the discovery may in the future alter how resource managers approach rockfish harvest reg- ulations, which have been par- tially restricted in 2015. Under a federally estab- lished management system, Blue Rockfish are counted as a single species belonging to the “minor near-shore rockfish complex,” which saw signifi- cant reductions in allowable harvest in 2015. In addition to Blue Rockfish, this complex of 11 species includes China, Quillback and Copper rock- fishes — all three of which cannot be legally harvested by recreational fishers in Oregon this year — thus concentrating angling efforts on Black and Blue rockfishes, Wagman said. “Black Rockfish are the major target of the complex and have a separate quota, set at 440 metric tons,” Wagman said. “But the Blue Rockfish quota is much lower and ODFW is concerned that if fishing efforts exceed that quota, then all groundfish fish- ing would have to stop in Oregon because even inciden- tal catch and release of Blue Rockfish would exceed the quota.” However, the discovery of the new Blue Rockfish species throws a different wrinkle into the equation. The original species, Sebastes mystinus, is more prevalent in California, while the newly identified Deacon Rockfish is found from northern California all the way to the Salish Sea near Vancouver, B.C. Both groups are found off the Oregon coast. “This may eventually lead to separate quotas, but as of now — as long as they are still cat- egorized in the ‘minor near- shore rockfish complex’ — they have to be managed as one group with China, Quillback, Copper and other rockfishes in the complex,” Wagman said. Brian Sidlauskas, an OSU ichthyologist and the universi- ty’s Curator of Fishes, said there is no reason to believe that either species of Blue Rockfish is endangered, but that population surveys need to be done. “The original Blue Rockfish (Sebastes mystinus) is consid- ered exploited in parts of California, but the Deacon Rockfish seems fairly robust from Oregon northward,” Sidlauskas said. “In some areas, you find the two species together, yet we haven’t seen any evidence of hybridiza- tion.” Wagman approached Sidlauskas in 2012 and asked him to formally study the tax- onomy of the Blue Rockfish. Andres Aguilar, a fish scientist from California State University, Los Angeles, who had participated in some of the earlier genetic analysis, joined the team as did Frable, who was tasked with examining the historical record, including preserved specimens housed in ichthyological collections throughout the U.S. and Canada. Those records date back to the 1800s and Frable examined 130 museum specimens col- lected from Vancouver Island to northern Baja Mexico to look for differences and simi- larities in fish caught over the past century. To formally “describe” the two species, Frable and col- leagues measured their spines, scales, eye width, dorsal fin length, tip-to-tail length, and other characteristics; and quan- tified differences in body shape, proportion and growth. Some of the 35 measure- ments were clearly distinct between the species. “There are also some possi- ble differences that may require more research,” Frable said. “In talking with port sam- plers, it seems like Deacon Rockfish are caught in slightly deeper waters, while the origi- nal Blue Rockfish is more often found closer to shore. That could prove to be helpful from a management stand- point.” Sidlauskas said the research underscores the importance of preserving historical collec- tions of fishes and other species. “Ben had access to a net- work of ichthyology collec- tions that provide a wealth of data over time and space,” he pointed out. “Some of these fish were preserved 120 to 130 years ago, and that historical perspective is invaluable in providing context for what we see today.” Boys and Girls Club fall sports sign-ups beginning Boys and Girls Club of Western Lane County youth registration for fall sports begins Monday, July 27. Registration forms are available at the club adminis- trative office at 1501 Airport Road. Early-bird pricing is avail- able until Aug. 7. Soccer is $35; volleyball is $40; cheer squad is $35; flag football is $40 and fifth- and sixth-grade tackle football is $85. Prices increase $15 per sport after Aug. 7. All athletes must be regis- tered members of Boys and Girls Club, and pay the annual $25 membership fee. Adults interested in being a coach or referee will receive the following discounts: the first child of an eligible coach is free and each additional child is $25 for the sport in which the parent or guardian coaches. Companies or individuals interested in sponsoring a team or sport should contact Boys and Girls Club at 541-902- 0304 for more information. Sponsors include Tony’s Garage and Goodman’s Floor Covering. Buying or Selling? I can help. 10873 E Mapleton Rd – Private, secluded, scenic, delightfully charming - all words to describe this totally remodeled 2 bdrm, 2 bath, riverfront home with deep water dock. A must see. $285,000. #2229-14570840 Chris Bunch Principal Broker / Property Manager 541 997-8877 1749 Highway 101 • 541-997-1200 VISIT THE GREENMAN For your “growing concerns” Experienced Grower/Consultant on staff. Proud to offer organic and biological gardening solutions. Gardener & Bloome Eden Valley Premium Potting Soil 2 cf bags. Buy 3 bags, get the 4th one free. OMRI Certified Organic Blend. With mycorrhize. Every Tuesday is “Tie dye Tuesday” - Wear tie dye to the store and get 10% off all purchases. 375 Laurel St. Mon-Sat. 9am-5pm 541-741-3106 Tours of Heceta Lighthouse still being conducted daily YACHATS — Heceta Head Lighthouse tours are still being held 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily. Lighthouse maintenance and inspections of the upper levels mean tours will only be conducted on the lawn area adjacent to the lighthouse and in the first level of the light- house, but not up in the tower itself. Heceta Head State Scenic Viewpoint is 14 miles north of Florence on Highway 101, and features the lighthouse, short trails, picnicking, a small beach and a historic lighthouse keepers home managed by the U.S. Forest Service but operat- ed as a bed and breakfast. The park serves an estimat- ed 625,000 visitors each year. Brought to you by this newspaper in partnership with PUBLIC NOTICES Always in your newspaper: Now in your inbox, too. Provided by your home town newspaper, Shoppe is the only online directory featuring local businesses available on your smartphone, tablet or computer. Find exclusive deals and specials, make reservations, or schedule your next appointment. Visit 6KRSSHWRGD\DQGH[SHULHQFHDQHZZD\WR¢´QGORFDO businesses where and when you need them. www.shoppelocal.biz I f n o b o d y k n o w s w h a t ’ s g o i n g o n , n o b o d y c a n d o a n y t h i n g a b o u t i t . That Th T h at at’s ’ s w hy ’s y w e ke e ep e p s sa a y in ay ing g y ourr l loc ocal al and s ta tate te g ovv er e nm m en n t shou sh h ou o u l ld d k eep e e p ee p u bl pu b is ishi hing ng g t the heir ir p pub ub b lil i c no noti ticess in n t the he n newsp spap aper er.. 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