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BULLETIN

Volume 108 Number 3

BCAS-A108(3) 137-167 (2009) December 2009

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BOARD OF DIRECTORS
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Annual Meeting of the Southern California Academy of Sciences

California State University, Los Angeles May 7-8, 2010

FIRST CALL FOR SYMPOSIA AND PAPERS

The Southern California Academy of Sciences will hold its annual Meeting for 2010 on the
campus of California State University, Los Angeles on Friday and Saturday May 7-8.

Presently the following symposia are in the planning stages. If you would like to organize a
Symposia for this meeting, or have suggestions for a symposia topic, please contact John
Roberts at jroberts@csudh.edu. Organizers should have a list of participants and a plan for
reaching the targeted audience.

Note: Abstracts will be due on April 6, 2010. Check our web page for further information (http://
scas.jsd.claremont.edu/)

Proposed Symposia for 2010

Coastal Sage Scrub Restoration and Fire: organized by Ann Dalkey (adalkey@pvplc.org)
Sustainable Fisheries: organized by Mark Helvey (Mark.Helvey@noaa.gov)

Bar-Coding of Species: organized by M. James Allen (jima@sscwrp.org)

Jellyfish Biomechanics: organized by Julie Kalman (julianne, Kalman@lacity.org)

Reef Biology: organized by Bob Grove (grovers@sce.com) and Dan Pondella (pondella@oxy.edu
Microbial Diversity: organized by Graciela Brelles-Marino (gbrelles@csupomona.edu)

Center for Ocean Science Education Excellence: organized by Linda Chilton (bob Grove as
contact at grovers@sce.com)

Marine Spatial Planning: organized by Lisa Gilbane (lag1000@gmail.com)

Southern California Archaeology: organized by Andrea Murray (apmurray@pasadena.edu)
Contributed papers: Sessions of Contributed Papers will occur both days.

Contributed Papers and Posters: Both professionals and students are welcome to submit
abstracts for a paper or poster in any area of science. Abstracts are required for all papers, as
well as posters, and must be submitted in the format listed on the society webpage. Maximum
poster size is 36 X 48 inches.

In addition Junior Academy members (Research Training Program) will submit papers for
Saturday sessions.

Abstracts of presented papers and posters will be published as a supplement to the August 2010
issue of the Bulletin.

Student Awards: Students who elect to participate are eligible for best paper or poster awards in
the following categories: ecology and evolution, molecular biology,genetics and physiology, and
physical sciences. In addition the American Institute of Fishery Research Biologists will award
best paper and poster in fisheries biology. A paper by any combination of student and
professional co-authors will be considered eligible provided that it represents work done
principally by student(s). In the case of an award to a co-authored paper, the monetary award
and a one year student membership to the Academy will be made to the first author only.

Bull. Southern California Acad. Sci.
108(3), 2009, pp. 137-151
© Southern California Academy of Sciences, 2009

Activities and Catch Composition of Artisanal Elasmobranch
Fishing Sites on the Eastern Coast of Baja California Sur, Mexico

Joseph J. Bizzarro,' Wade. D. Smith,* Robert E. Hueter,’
and Carlos J. Villavicencio—Garayzar*

'Pacific Shark Research Center, Moss Landing Marine Laboratories, 8272 Moss
Landing Rd., Moss Landing, CA 95039, jbizzarro@mlml.calstate.edu
*Oregon State University, Dept. of Fisheries and Wildlife, 104 Nash Hall,
Corvallis, OR 97339-1086
>Center for Shark Research, Mote Marine Laboratory, 1600 Ken Thompson Pkwy.,
Sarasota, FL 34236
*Laboratorio de Elasmobranquios, Departmento de Biologia Marina, Universidad
Autonoma de Baja California Sur, A.P. 19—B., La Paz, B.C.S., México CP 23080

Abstract.—Eighty-three artisanal fishing sites were documented from seasonal
surveys of the Gulf of California coast of Baja California Sur conducted during El
Nino (1998) and La Nina (1999) conditions. The direct targeting of elasmobranchs
was observed at approximately half (48.2%) of these sites. Sharks numerically
dominated sampled landings (71.3%, n = 693), and exceeded those of batoids during
all seasons. Among the primary species in observed landings were the scalloped
hammerhead, Sphyrna lewini (15.2%, n =148), Pacific angel shark, Sguatina
californica (11.6%, n = 113), blue shark, Prionace glauca (11.4%, n = 111), Pacific
sharpnose shark, Rhizoprionodon longurio (11.3%, n = 110), and pygmy devil ray,
Mobula munkiana (8.6%, n = 84).

Increasing concern regarding the status and sustainability of elasmobranch popula-
tions in Mexican waters has prompted the development of a federal management plan
and underscored the need for fundamental information on targeted species (DOF 2007).
Improved management of Mexican elasmobranch fisheries has been hampered, in part,
by a lack of detailed quantitative information on the location and activities of artisanal
fishing sites, species composition of landings, and basic life history information of
targeted species (Castillo—Geniz et al. 1998; Marquez—Farias 2002). This type of data has
recently been provided for two of the four states bordering on the Gulf of California
(Sonora, Bizzarro et al. 2009; Baja California, Smith et al. 2009), one of Mexico’s most
important regions in terms of elasmobranch and overall fisheries production
(CONAPESCA 2003). However, similar information from Baja California Sur is lacking.

Elasmobranchs landings averaged 2.9% of total fishery production in Baja California
Sur during 1998-2003, the most recent available time series. Total landings during this
period ranged from 3628-5459 t (CONAPESCA 2003). Elasmobranch landings from
Baja California Sur comprised 12.1% of national production during 2003 and averaged
12.8% of national production during 1998-2003. Sharks, especially “‘tiburon” (sharks >
1.5 m total length), comprised the majority of reported landings, with rays contributing
an average of 26.3% by weight during 1998-2003 (CONAPESCA 2003).

To improve the understanding, conservation, and management of exploited shark and
ray populations in the western Gulf of California (GOC), a two-year study was

137

138 SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA ACADEMY OF SCIENCES

undertaken during 1998-1999 to describe the extent and activities of the Baja California
Sur artisanal elasmobranch fishery. Specific objectives of this project were to: 1)
determine the locations and activities of elasmobranch fishing sites in Baja California
Sur; 2) determine species composition of elasmobranchs from these sites, and 3) provide
baseline biological information (size composition, sex ratio, reproductive status) for the
primary species in landings.

Study Site Information

Bordered by the Pacific Ocean to the west and south and the GOC to the east
(Figure 1), mainland Baja California Sur contains 2,705 km? of coastline, the most of any
Mexican state (INEGI 2007). Thirteen major offshore islands occur off the central and
southern GOC coast of Baja California Sur (Lindsay 1983). Coastal and insular shelves
and terraces are absent or diminished in most regions of coastal Baja California Sur, with
the notable exception of Bahia Concepcion and Bahia La Paz. Outside these regions, the
shelf is generally rocky and narrow (~ 5-10 km), with a sharp shelf break at
approximately 200 m (Maluf 1983). Within and adjacent to these embayments, the
coastal regions are composed primarily of sandy substrates. Extremely deep water (>
1000 m) occurs within 20 km off the southeastern part of the state (Dauphin and Ness
1991). The only river on the Baja California Peninsula, the Rio Santa Rosalia, flows into
the GOC at the town of Mulege, creating estuarine conditions.

Baja California Sur is one of Mexico’s most important states in terms of fishery
production, accounting for 10.9% of landings and 5.4% of revenues according to the
latest available data (CONAPESCA 2003). These totals ranked third and seventh,
respectively, among Mexican states. The most important fishery resources in Baja
California Sur were, in order of descending landings during 1998-2003: sardines, squids,
and tunas (CONAPESCA 2003). In addition, Baja California Sur is the main source of
abalone, clam, and lobster production. The primary fishery ports in Baja California Sur
are Puerto San Carlos, on the Pacific coast, and La Paz, Loreto, and Santa Rosalia on the
GOC coast.

Materials and Methods

Seasonal surveys of artisanal fishing sites located in Baja California Sur were
conducted during 1998-1999, a time period that included both El Nifio and La Nina
oceanographic conditions (Schwing et al., 2002). Data were collected specifically from
January 9-February 21, March 23—-May 16, September 9-November 15, 1998, and
January 15—February 25, March 3—May 15, June 2-29, September 11-November 13,
1999. Time spent at each camp was typically less than one day and most camps were
visited sporadically within and among seasons. Seasons were defined as follows: spring
(March—May), summer (June-August), autumn (September-November), and winter
(December—February).

Locations of fishing sites were determined from maps, local knowledge of fishing
activity, and exploration. Once located, the exact position of each site was determined
with a handheld Global Positioning System unit. At each site, artisanal fishing vessels
(“pangas”’), typically 5.5—-7.6 m long, open—hulled fiberglass boats with outboard motors
of 55-115 hp, were sampled and fishermen were interviewed to determine fishery targets,
elasmobranch species composition, fishing locations, gear types, ex—vessel prices, and
markets. All references to mesh size of gillnets indicate stretched mesh size (the distance
between knots when the mesh is pulled taut). Type of fishing site (A = little to no

ELASMOBRANCH FISHING ALONG THE EAST COAST OF BAJA CALIFORNIA SUR

-112° W

30° N

esp Sonora
Californias, ..

California

26° N

Pacitic Ocean

150 Kilometers

-112° W

139

30° N

26° N

Fig. 1. Study site of Baja California Sur in northwestern Mexico. Artisanal fishing camp locations are

depicted with black dots.

infrastructure, B = moderate infrastructure, C = significant infrastructure), permanence
(1 = permanent, 2 = seasonal), period of activity, and number of active pangas were

recorded for each site.

Elasmobranch landings were identified to lowest possible taxonomic level, enumerated,
sexed, and measured whenever possible. Gymnurid rays (1.e., Gymnura crebripunctata, G.
marmorata) and sharks of the genus Mustelus (1.e., M. albipinnis, M. californicus, M.
dorsalis, M. lunulatus) were grouped into species complexes (1.e., Gymnura spp., Mustelus
spp.) because of taxonomic confusion within these genera during the time of surveys.

140 SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA ACADEMY OF SCIENCES

Taxonomic problems involving these groups have since been resolved (Castro—Aguirre et
al. 2005; Smith et al. in press). Standard measurements (e.g., stretched total length, disc
width) were consistently recorded on linear axes to the nearest 1.0 cm for sampled sharks
and rays whenever possible. Disc width was recorded for skates (Rajidae), but converted
to total length using the relationships estimated by Castillo—Géniz (2007).

All measured specimens were utilized to determine size composition and sex ratio of
landings. For all species with = 50 measured individuals, potential differences in the size
composition of landed females and males were examined using parametric and non—
parametric approaches, as appropriate. Raw size data were first evaluated for normality
and equality of variances using Shapiro—Wilk and two-tailed variance ratio (F) tests,
respectively (Zar 1999). When data were determined to be normally distributed and of
equal variance, two-tailed tests were applied to test the hypothesis that mean sizes of
females and males did not significantly differ (a = 0.05) among landings. Size data that
did not meet these assumptions were transformed (log, square root) and re-examined
with Shapiro Wilk and two-tailed F—tests. If transformations were unsuccessful, size data
were evaluated using two-tailed non-parametric Mann—Whitney U tests (Zar 1999).
Additionally, the assumption of equal sex ratios (1:1) within the landings was tested using
chi-square analysis with Yates correction for continuity (Zar 1999).

Reproductive status was assessed for males and females and specimens were classified
as either mature or immature. Males with fully calcified claspers that could be easily
rotated, coiled epididymides, and differentiated testes were considered mature (Pratt
1979; Ebert 2005). Female maturity was determined by macroscopic inspection of the
ovaries and uteri (Martin and Cailliet 1988; Ebert 2005). Mature females had oviducal
glands that were well-differentiated from the uteri, and vitellogenic follicles generally
>1.0 cm diameter and/or egg capsules in utero.

Results
Fishing Sites and General Fishery Characteristics

A total of 83 artisanal fishing sites, broadly termed “camps,” was documented in Baja
California Sur during 85 survey days in 1998-99 (Table 1). However, directed
elasmobranch fishing effort was observed at only 48.2% of these locations (n = 40).
The remaining sites either did not target elasmobranchs (n = 9) or directed elasmobranch
fishing efforts could not be determined (n = 34) at the time of the survey. Most fishing
camps were active throughout the year (66.3%, n = 55). However, 15 camps were found
to be occupied seasonally (18.1%) and the period of use could not be determined for 13
additional camps (15.7%). Fishing camps with little to no infrastructure were common in
BCS (45.8%, n = 38). Lacking electricity or sources for water, fishermen from nearby
towns or cities (e.g. La Paz, Loreto) lived at and fished from such camps for extended
periods. Fishing camps were typically established in remote locations, including islands
(e.g., BCS-45, BCS—46). Thirty (36.1%) of the surveyed sites contained moderate
infrastructure. Artisanal fishing activities were also observed in association with cities or
larger towns (e.g., BCS—20, BCS—71, BCS—77). The number of active pangas ranged from
one at several camps to approximately 450 at BCS—77, and varied seasonally. Camps or
landing sites that exclusively targeted elasmobranchs were rarely observed. Fishing sites
were principally nearshore for small coastal sharks and rays, and offshore (to distances of
60 km) for large pelagic sharks.

Artisanal fisheries identified along the eastern coast of Baja California Sur were diverse
and highly opportunistic. Activities, targets, and gear use changed seasonally within

ELASMOBRANCH FISHING ALONG THE EAST COAST OF BAJA CALIFORNIA SUR 141

Table 1. Descriptive information for all artisanal fishing camps documented in Baja California Sur (BCS) during 1998-1999.

Type = A (little to no infrastructure), B (moderate infrastructure), and C (significant infrastructure); Perm. (Permanence) = |
(permanent) and 2 (seasonal); Active = period of fishing activity; #Pangas = number or range of operational artisanal fishing vessels
at the time of survey(s); Elasmo. (elasmobranchs targeted) = Yes (elasmobranchs were targeted during the year) and No (there was
no directed fishery for elasmobranchs). Zero values listed for #Pangas indicate that the camp was temporarily inactive (because

of weather, holidays, etc.) or seasonally abandoned at the time of survey. In all instances, U = unknown.

Camp Code Camp Name Latitude Longitude Type Perm. Active #Pangas Elasmo.
BCS-01 La Playa 23.054 -109.671 C 1 Year-Round 11-171 No
BCS-02 La Playa II 23.247 -109.437 A 2 Oct-Feb 2 U
BCS-03 Los Frailes 23.389 -109.439 A 2 Sep-Apr 17-80 Yes
BCS-04 La Ribera 23.454 -109.433 B | Year-Round 13-50 No
BCS-05 Los Barriles 23.675 -109.707 (C | Year-Round 0-80 No
BCS-06 Las Pilitas DBE TIIA -109.710 A D Nov-Jun 1 Yes
BCS-07 Punta Pescadero 23.791 -109.708 A l Year-Round 4-5 U
BCS-08 La Tina 23.817 -109.730 B | Year-Round 1-4 U
BCS-09 San Javier (Los Algodones) 23.832 -109.736 B 1 Year-Round 1-2 Yes
BCS-10 EI Cardonal 23.843 -109.743 B 2 6 Months 3-5 Yes
BCS-11 La Linea 23.866 -109.766 B l Year-Round 1 U
BCS-12 San Isidro 23.894 -109.789 B 1 Year-Round 1-4 Yes
BCS-13 Boca del Alamo 23.901 -109.805 B l Year-Round 6-12 Yes
BCS-14 Ensenada de Los Muertos 23.997 -109.831 B | Year-Round 3 Yes
BCS-15 Punta Arenas 24.051 -109.834 B l Year-Round 3-40 Yes
BCS-16 La Ventana 24.051 -109.992 B l Year-Round 7-8 Yes
BCS-17 El Sargento 24.079 -109.992 U I Year-Round 11-150 U
BCS-18 Canechica 24.149 -109.864 A D, Noyv-Jun 3 Yes
BCS-19 La Loberita 24.197 -109.815 A | Year-Round 2 Yes
BCS-20 La Paz 24.152 -110.317 EC 1 Year-Round 8-20 Yes
BCS-21 El Quelele 24.203 -110.508 A 1 Year-Round I U
BCS-22 Los Rodriguez 24.205 -110.536 B Year-Round 3 U
BCS-23 Punta Leon 24.218 -110.566 A 1 Year-Round 1-2 Yes
BCS-24 Las Pacas 24.228 -110.577 B I Year-Round 4-6 U
BCS-25 Pichilingue 24.267 -110.317 B D U 11 U
BCS-26 El Sauzoso 24.311 -110.641 U I Year-Round 3 No
BCS-27 San Juan de la Costa 24.381 -110.683 A 1 Year-Round 2-4 Yes
BCS-28 La Cueva de San Gabriel 24.427 -110.370 A 1 Year-Round | U
BCS-29 E] Saladito 24.443 -110.688 U U U 0-2 Yes
BCS-30 El Empachado 24.446 -110.374 A Year-Round l U
BCS-31 La Cueva Cropola 24.447 -110.367 B 1 Year-Round 2 Yes
BCS-32 La Partida 24.531 -110.368 B 1 Year-Round 10 U
BCS-33 La Cueva (La Partida) 24.532 -110.383 B l Year-Round U U
BCS-34 Punta Coyote 24.710 -110.700 A 2 8 Months 2 No
BCS-35 El Portugues 24.757 -110.690 A 2 Sep-Apr 2-3 Yes
BCS-36 EI Pardito 24.858 -110.586 A l Year-Round 4-5 Yes
BCS-37 San Evaristo 24.915 -110.714 B | Year-Round 9-20 Yes
BCS-38 La Palma Sola 24.933 -110.633 B 2 6 Months 6 U
BCS-39 Nopolo 24.995 -110.758 A 1 Year-Round 7 U
BCS-40 La Curva de Punta Alta 25.009 -110.759 A 1 Year-Round 3 U
BCS-41 Punta Alta 25.012 -110.759 U 1 Year-Round 5-6 No
BCS-42 Los Burros 25.049 -110.825 A 1 Year-Round 2 U

fishing camps and a diverse variety of organisms including teleosts, squids, and shrimps
were often targeted from vessels in the same camp. An influx of fishermen, particularly
from the state of Chiapas, immigrated to some camps in Baja California Sur to target
large sharks and pelagic rays during summer and autumn. Elasmobranchs landed in
remote locations were typically filleted, salted, and dried as a method of preservation and
sold for local (Baja California Sur) consumption. Elasmobranchs were also directly
consumed within fishing camps and were partially relied upon as a component of
subsistence fisheries. Buyers often traveled to select camps to purchase salted or fresh
elasmobranchs directly from the fishermen. Typical ex—vessel prices were similar for

142 SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA ACADEMY OF SCIENCES

Table 1. continued.

Camp Code Camp Name Latitude Longitude e Perm. Active #Pangas Elasmo.
BCS-43 Timbabichi 25.264 -110.947 A 1 Year-Round 5 No
BCS-44 Agua Verde DOLL -111.068 B l Year-Round 4-10 Yes
BCS-45 Isla Catalina, Punta Sur 25.613 -110.788 A 2 Jul-Apr 0 U
BCS-46 Isla Monserrat 25.707 -111.044 A U U U U
BCS-47 Ensenada Blanca 25132 -111.255 B l Year-Round 5-13 Yes
BCS-48 Ligui 25.749 -111.266 B ] Year-Round 0-9 No
BCS-49 Puerto Escondido 25.818 -111.312 Cc 2 U 0 U
BCS-50 Juncalito 25.843 -111.341 B l Year-Round 2-15 Yes
BCS-51 Ensenada Amarilla-Rincon 25.867 -111.183 A D 5 Months D U
BCS-52 Col. Zaragoza 25.883 -111.347 Cc l Year-Round 9 U
BCS-53 Nopolo II 25.939 -111.358 Cc I Year-Round 0 U
BCS-54 Loreto 26.024 -111.343 E l Year-Round 25-200 Yes
BCS-55 Puerto Balandra 26.022 -111.164 A 2 11 Months 0-5 Yes
BCS-56 Ensenadita 26.121 -111.290 A D U 2 Yes
BCS-57 San Bruno 26.226 -111.386 B l Year-Round 0-125 U
BCS-58 San Juanico 26.414 -111.450 B 2 3 Months 8 Yes
BCS-59 Palo San Juan 26.457 -111.472 U U U 3 U
BCS-60 El Manglito 26.553 -111.764 A 2 4-6 Months 2-6 Yes
BCS-61 San Nicolas 26.559 -111.557 B 1 Year-Round 2-14 Yes
BCS-62 El Sauce 26.558 -111.567 A 1 Year-Round 2-3 Yes
BCS-63 El Cardancito 26.566 -111.577 A ] Year-Round 7 Yes
BCS-64 La Huertita 26.589 -111.786 U 1 Year-Round 1-5 Yes
BCS-65 La Ramadita 26.586 -111.573 B l Year-Round 7-16 Yes
BCS-66 Requeson 26.635 -111.826 A D U 2-5 U
BCS-67 E] Frijol 26.650 -111.831 A yD 3 Months 5 U
BCS-68 Santa Rosa 26.783 -111.667 A ] Year-Round 2 U
BCS-69 Guadalupe 26.843 -111.844 A 2 U 2 Yes
BCS-70 Los Hornitos 26.874 -111.851 A l Year-Round U U
BCS-71 Mulege 26.903 -111.959 G l Year-Round 4-80 Yes
BCS-72 Cooperativa de los Del Real 27.033 -112.017 A 2 6 Months 5 U
BCS-73 Punta Coloradito 27.060 -111.986 A 1 Year-Round 3 No
BCS-74 San Rafaelito 27.149 S223 A 2 U 0-6 U
BCS-75 San Bruno (2) PYM -112.169 B l Year-Round 10-50 Yes
BCS-76 San Lucas DTRD23 -112.220 B ] Year-Round 4-120 Yes
BCS-77 Santa Rosalia 27.328 -112.259 (Se l Year-Round 8-450 Yes
BCS-78 Santa Maria 27.429 -112.326 B l Year-Round 0-15 Yes
BCS-79 Punta la Reforma 27.583 -112.414 A U U 0 U
BCS-80 La Reforma 27.595 -112.444 A U U 0 U
BCS-8 1 Santana 27.673 -112.608 B Year-Round 4-8 Yes
BCS-82 La Trinidad 27.829 -112.729 A 2 U 0 U
BCS-83 Mojon 27.905 -112.775 A 2 U 0 Yes

teleosts and large sharks ($10-$20(MX)/kg). However, small sharks and rays were sold
for considerably lower prices (= $5(MX)/kg). Overall, markets for elasmobranchs were
primarily associated with Baja California and Baja California Sur cities (e.g., Ensenada,
La Paz, Loreto, Los Cabos), but also included Mexico City and the US. Skins and jaws of
some sharks (e.g., silky shark, Carcharhinus falciformis) were occasionally retained and
sold. At sites with more infrastructure, sharks and rays were typically dressed and sold
fresh to local buyers or cooperatives.

Among the 96 sampled vessels for which gear type and set (e.g., bottom, surface)
details were available, bottom set gillnets were found to be the most common fishing
method (38.5%) with surface set longlines observed only slightly less frequently (31.3%).
However, a diverse range of gear was employed among the sampled vessels. Bottom set

ELASMOBRANCH FISHING ALONG THE EAST COAST OF BAJA CALIFORNIA SUR 143

Table 2. Seasonal and total catch composition of shark. skate, and ray landings sampled from artisanal vessels targeting elasmobranchs in Baja California Sur during 1998-
1999. Number of vessels sampled per season = Spring (a = 74). Summer (nm = 8), Autumn (2 = 21). and Winter (x = 28). 2 = number of individuals. % = percentage of

elasmobranch landings. No survey was conducted during summer 1998.

Spring Summer Autumn Winter Total
Higher Taxon Lowest Possible Taxon n % % n % n % 7 %
Shark Alopias pelagicus 4 0.9 7 67 0 0.0 0 0.0 Il 11
Alopias superciliosus 2 0.5 0 0.0 0 0.0 0 0.0 2 0.2
Carcharhinidae 0 0.0 0 0.0 0 0.0 I 04 I 0.1
Carcharhinus falciformis 9 2.1 0 0.0 25 12.6 2 0.8 36 S77
Carcharhinus galapagensis 0 0.0 0 0.0 1 0.5 0 0.0 1 0.1
Carcharhinus limbatus 6 14 8 7.6 0 0.0 - 17 18 1.9
Carcharhinus longimanus 2 0.5 0 0.0 0 0.0 0 0.0 2 02
Carcharhinus obscurus 2 0.5 0 0.0 0 0.0 0 0.0 2 0.2
Carcharhinus porosus 0 0.0 0 0.0 1 0.5 0 0.0 I 0.1
Echinorhinus cookei i 0.2 0 0.0 0 0.0 0 0.0 I 0.1
Galeocerdo cuvier I 0.2 0 0.0 | 0.5 0 0.0 2 0.2
Tsurus oxyrinchus 25 3.9 0 0.0 0 0.0 13 54 38 3.9
Mustelus spp. i4 3.3 0 0.0 5 25 5 2.1 24 25
Nasolamia velox 0 0.0 57 345 0 0.0 0 0.0 57 5.9
Negaprion brevirostris 0 0.0 0 0.0 3 1.5 0 0.0 3 03
Prionace glauca 83 19.4 3 2.9 I 0.5 24+ 99 111 114
Rhizoprionodon longurio 103 24.1 0 0.0 6 3.0 I O+4 110 11.3
Sphyma lewini 21 49 0 0.0 56 28.3 7I 295 148 15.2
Sphyma zygaena I 2:3 0 0.0 2 1.0 0 0.0 12 12
Squatina californica 25 ro 0 0.0 64 32.3 24 99 113 11.6
Subtotal 308 72.1 75 71.4 165 83.3 145 59.9 693 713
Skate Raja velei 0 0.0 0 0.0 0 0.0 2 2 0.2
Subtotal 0 0.0 0 0.0 0 0.0 2 2 0.2
Ray
Dasyatis dipterura 8 1.9 2 1.9 2 1.0 21 8.7 33 4
Dasyatis longa it 33 1 1.0 I 0.5 17 20 2.1
Gymnura spp. 0 0.0 0 0.0 0 0.0 33 13.6 33 -
Manta birostris 1 0.2 0 0.0 0 0.0 0 0.0 l 0.1
Mobula japanica 22 5.2 4 3.8 0 0.0 3 12 29 3.0
Mobula munkiana 5 15.2 3 29 0 0.0 16 6.6 $4 $.6
Mobula spp. 1 0.2 0 0.0 2 1.0 0 0.0 3 03
Mobula thurstoni 0 0.0 0 0.0 0 0.0 6 By 6 0.6
Myliobatis californica 0 0.0 0 0.0 2 1.0 I 0+ 3 03
Myliobatis longirostris I 0.2 0 0.0 0 0.0 6 25 7 0.7
Narcine entemedor 2 05 0 0.0 0 0.0 l o+4 3 0.3
Pteroplatyirygon violacea 0 0.0 0 0.0 0.5 0 0.0 I 0.1
Rhinobatos glaucostigma 0 0.0 0 0.0 BD 0 0.0 7 0.7
Rhinobatos leucorhynchus 0 0.0 0 0.0 I 0.5 0 0.0 I 0.1
Rhinobatos productus 2 0.5 16 15.2 I 0.5 0 0.0 19 2.0
Rhinobatos spp. 0 0.0 0 0.0 9 4.5 0 0.0 9 09
Rhinoptera steindachnen 0 0.0 0 0.0 7 35 I oA 8 0.8
Urobatis halleri I 0.2 0 0.0 0 0.0 0 0.0 l 0.1
Urobatis maculatus 2 0.5 0 0.0 0 0.0 0 0.0 2 0.2
Zapteryx exasperata 0 0.0 0 0.0 0 0.0 3 1.2 3 03
Subtotal 119 27.9 26 24.8 33 16.7 95 39.3 273 28.1
Batoid Unidentified 0 0.0 + 3.8 0 0.0 0.0 0.0 4 04
Subtotal 0 0.0 4 3.8 0 0.0 0.0 0.0 a 0.4
Total 427 100.0 105 100.0 198 100.0 242 100.0 972 100.0

longlines (2.1%), vertically set longlines (18.8%), surface set gillnets (7.8%). and gillnets
set in the water column (2.1%) were also used to target elasmobranchs. Gear was
typically soaked for 24 hours before retrieval. Vessels often set two or more nets and
occasionally used mixed gear types, such as traps and bottomset gillnets, during the same
fishing trip. Handlines were often used as a secondary gear to target multiple species.
including small sharks and occasionally rays. Crews usually consisted of two individuals.
but groups of 3 and 4 were also observed.

During 1998-1999, 972 specimens were recorded from directed elasmobranch fishery
landings in Baja California Sur, corresponding to at least 19 shark, | skate, and 18 ray
species (Table 2). The majority of the documented specimens were sharks (71.3%). The
scalloped hammerhead, Sphyrna lewini, was the most frequently observed species
(15.2%). However, three other species were similarly represented within the overall catch
composition, the: blue shark, Prionace glauca (11.4%), Pacific sharpnose shark,
Rhizoprionodon longurio (11.3%), and Pacific angelshark, Squatina californica (11.6%).
Rays contributed 28.1% of the sampled landings and skates (i.e., rasptail skate, Raja

144 SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA ACADEMY OF SCIENCES

velezi) represented a minor component of the overall catch (0.2%). The pygmy devilray,
Mobula munkiana, was the most commonly recorded batoid, comprising 8.6% of the total
landings.

Although the principal species varied, sharks numerically dominated landings during
all seasons. The relative proportion of shark landings was least during winter (59.9%) and
greatest during autumn (83.3%). Rhizoprionodon longurio (24.1%), P. glauca (19.4%), and
M. munkiana were the primary species landed during spring. Among the limited number
of winter landings, more than half the observed specimens were whitenose shark,
Nasolamia velox (54.3%). Autumn landings were dominated by three shark species, S.
californica (32.3%) S. lewini (28.3%), and C. falciformis (12.6%). Sphyrna lewini (29.3%)
specimens comprised the greatest proportion of observed winter landings, with butterfly
rays, Gymnura spp., S. californica, P. glauca, and the diamond stingray, Dasyatis
dipterura, of comparable lesser abundance (8.7—13.6%).

Fishing effort was often opportunistic and directed toward multiple teleost and/or
elasmobranch taxa. At least 20 species and 10 higher taxa of teleosts were recorded
opportunistically from artisanal elasmobranch landings. Mackerels (Scombridae, n = 4)
and sea basses (Serranidae, n = 4) were the most speciose teleost families in landings.
Finescale triggerfish (Balistes polylepis) were frequently taken in association with
demersal ray species and S. californica during all seasons, and were occasionally targeted
using handlines after gillnets were set or retrieved. Billfishes (Istiophoridae) and
dolphinfish (Coryphaena hippurus) were noted among landings from pelagic gillnet and
longline fisheries.

Biological Information

A total of 56 N. velox was directly examined from artisanal fishery landings (Table 3,
Figure 2a). The smallest and largest specimens were females, ranging from 66-121 cm
stretched total length (STL). Average male size (82.1 + 9.6 cm STL) was significantly less
than that of females (92.4 + 13.4 cm STL) (¢ = 3.292, P = 0.002). The number of females
(n = 29) and males (m = 27) recorded from the landings did not depart significantly from
a predicted sex ratio of 1:1 (y7o.0s.1= 0.018, P = 0.897). The majority of inspected male
specimens were juveniles (69-100 cm STL, 1 = 26), but adults of 91 cm STL and 105 cm
STL were documented. Female maturity was not assessed for this species.

Sampled landings of P. glauca were dominated by males, representing 73.9% of the
total (Table 3, Figure 2b). Specimens ranged from 133-275 cm STL, and average size of
males (199.1 + 22.5 cm STL) and females (201.7 + 23.0 cm STL) was similar within the
landings (t = 0.4901, P = 0.625). The observed sex ratio indicated a significant departure
from a 1:1 relationship (¥70.051= 20.098, P < 0.001). Ten adult female P. glauca
measuring 197-230 cm STL were assessed for maturity during February and early March
of 1999. All were adults, with nine gravid individuals carrying 3—30 (17.9 = 11.9 embryos/
individual) embryos of 8-41 cm STL (29.3 + 7.1 cm STL). A juvenile male of 153 cm
STL was documented, but all those = 158 cm STL were mature (n = 44).

A limited size range of S. /ewini was recorded among fishery landings, with catches
consisting primarily of relatively small individuals (Table 3, Figure 2c). The 84 examined
specimens ranged from 77-114 cm STL. The majority of sampled specimens were <
95 cm STL. Mean female (88.1 + 5.4 cm STL) and male (88.8 + 5.6 cm STL) sizes did
not differ significantly (t = 1.66, P = 0.671). Likewise, the proportion of sexes was not
significantly different from a 1:1 ratio (770.05 = 0.964, P = 0.353). All inspected male
(77-97 cm STL, n = 50) and female (81-114 cm STL, n = 47) individuals were juveniles.

ELASMOBRANCH FISHING ALONG THE EAST COAST OF BAJA CALIFORNIA SUR 145

Table 3. Size composition of elasmobranchs sampled from artisanal fishery landings in Baja California Sur during 1998-1999.
Only specimens identified to species are included. DW = disc width; PCL = precaudal length; STL = stretched total length:
TL = total length; TL* = estimated total length.

Elasmobranch Measurement
Group Species Sex n (cm) Minimum Maximum Mean +1 SD
Shark Carcharhinus falciformis F 19 PCL 122 162 144.2 11.3
M 16 PCL 95 189 140.5 20.8
Tsurus oxyrinchus F 17 STL 110 268 166.4 40.1
M 17 Sine 92 253 178.6 44.0
Nasolamia velox F 29 SUL 66 121 92.4 13.4
M 27 STL 69 105 82.1 9.6
Negaprion brevirostris Je 3 SHE 119 128 223 4.9
Prionace glauca F 24 STL 141 230 201.7 23.0
M 68 Sit 133 275 199.1 DI
Rhizoprionodon longurio F 26 STL 69 118 105.2 14.7
M 19 STL 65 110 95.0 13.8
Sphyrna lewini F 37 STL 77 97 88.1 5.4
M 47 STL 81 114 88.8 5.6
Sphyrna zygaena F = STL 204 262 242.8 18.5
M 1 STL 224 224
Squatina californica F 36 TL 62 93 TG? 5.9
M 31 LYE 68 89 TS eS)
Batoid Dasyatis dipterura F 7 DW 41 94 DIES ZED
M 6 DW 46 58 49.7 44
Dasyatis longa F 6 DW 30 118 76.8 Sile2
M 9 DW =1/ 96 77.0 12.2
Pteroplatytrygon violacea F ] DW 67 67
Mobula japanica 5 13 DW 132 233 189.8 355
M 8 DW 132 306 209.0 47.9
Mobula munkiana F 20 DW 62 107 86.5 16.6
M 37 DW 64 108 91.9 14.1
Mobula thurstoni F 4 DW 93 170 122.8 34.7
M 2 DW 102 156 129.0 38.2
Narcine entemedor E 4 SIE 56 74 63.5 8.2
Raja velezi E 2 DW 62 66 64.0 2.8
Raja velezi E 2 Til 80 85 82.7 3.1

The 36 female and 31 male S. californica examined from Baja California Sur artisanal
fishery landings ranged from 62-93 cm total length (TL), with females representing the
largest and smallest specimens (Table 3, Figure 2d). Mean sizes of female (77.2 = 5.9 cm
TL) and male (77.5 = 5.5 cm TL) individuals did not differ significantly (t = —0.199, P =
0.843). No significant difference was detected in the proportion of females to males
Chae 0.239, P = 0.653). Adult females of 85 cm TL and 93 cm TL were observed.
and a 86cm TL female landed during January, 1998 contained 5 embryos. Juvenile
females of 77-86 cm TL were also noted. Among males, adults measured 69-89 cm TL (n
= 7), whereas juveniles ranged from 68-79 cm TL (n = 4).

A broad size range of M. munkiana (62-108 cm DW) was observed among fishery
landings (Table 3, Figure 3). The average size of males (91.9 = 14.1 cm DW) was larger
but did not significantly differ from that of females (86.5 + 16.6 cm DW) (t = —1.305, P
= 0.197). Males of 100-105 cm DW comprised the most common size class. The ratio of
females (n = 20) to males (n = 37) differed significantly from a predicted sex ratio of 1:1
(o0s1— 4-491, P = 0.036).

Discussion

More than half (56.5%) of all artisanal fishing sites documented in the Gulf of
California during 1998-1999 were located in Baja California Sur (Bizzarro et al. 2007a).

146 SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA ACADEMY OF SCIENCES

Nasolamia velox Prionace glauca
12 14
10 2
Cc (=
fed) oO 8
= 6 = AL
lye em Ww
alll | Hl
0 i EEEE ii A
40 60 80 100" 5 120m 140 100 125 150 175 200 225 250 275 300
Stretched total length (cm) Stretched total length (cm)
Spyhrna lewini Squatina californica
18
16
14
a =
® 10 co)
=| =}
S38 S
© ©
eS) ine
4
:
0 a
(S10) 70) Ve) CO Ce IO: “20 180
Stretched total length (cm) Total length (cm)

Fig. 2. Size compositions of the primary shark species sampled from artisanal fishery landings in Baja
California Sur during 1998-1999: (a) female (x = 29) and male (n = 27) whitenose sharks, Nasolamia
velox, (b) female (n = 24) and male (n = 68) blue sharks, Prionace glauca, (c) female (n = 37) and male (n
= 47) scalloped hammerheads, Sphyrna lewini, and (d) female (n = 36) and male (n = 31) Pacific angel
sharks, Squatina californica. Females are depicted in black, males in grey.

Directed elasmobranch fishing activities were extensive, but artisanal fisheries were
diverse and highly opportunistic. Therefore, sites in eastern Baja California Sur that
exclusively targeted elasmobranchs were scarce. In addition, survey efforts were
insufficient to adequately document the activities of many artisanal fishing sites. Sharks
numerically dominated sampled landings during all seasons, and were primarily
represented by similar proportions of large (e.g, P. glauca; I. oxyrinchus) and small (R.
longurio, S. californica) species. Mobula munkiana was the most abundant ray in overall
Baja California Sur landings. Large sharks were fished using drift gillnets and assorted
longline gear, whereas small demersal sharks and rays were typically fished with bottom
set gillnets and longlines.

Teleosts (e.g., Lutjanidae, Serranidae) were the primary targets at most camps, with
invertebrates (e.g., squids, Teuthoidea) also commonly targeted. Both teleosts and squids
were typically fished with handlines. In addition, many fishermen switched from artisanal
fishing to sportfishing periodically, especially in tourist areas. Elasmobranch fishing
efforts were greatest for large sharks during summer and autumn among surveyed camps.
Rays and small sharks (especially S. californica) were fished throughout the year in a
relatively small proportion of surveyed camps, with rays targeted more often during

ELASMOBRANCH FISHING ALONG THE EAST COAST OF BAJA CALIFORNIA SUR 147

Mobula munkiana

Frequency

50 60 70 80 90 100 110 120

Disc width (cm)

Fig. 3. Size compositions of female (black, n = 20) and male (grey, n = 37) Munk’s devil rays sampled
from artisanal fishery landings in Baja California Sur during 1998-1999.

summer and small sharks more often during autumn-spring. The capture of squids
(especially Dosidicus gigas), a primary commercial fishery in Baja California Sur during
the course of this study, was widely noted using handlines during summer and autumn
1999. Artisanal fisheries for sardines or tunas, however, were not observed (CON-
APESCA 2003). Because relatively few camps were visited during each season and time
spent at each camp was typically less than one day, the extent and activities of artisanal
fishing operations in Baja California Sur may not be entirely representative of the actual
conditions at the time of survey.

In addition to being artisanal fishery targets, elasmobranchs are common bycatch in
the industrial drift net fishery for swordfish (Xiphias gladius) and purse seine fishery for
yellowfin tuna (Thunnus albacares) (Mendizabal—Oriza et al. 2000). Both of these pelagic
fisheries are substantial in Baja California Sur (CONAPESCA 2003). Rays have also
been reported as common bycatch in industrial shrimp fisheries off the Gulf of California
coast of Baja California Sur (Fitch and Schultz 1978). Sportfishing is a major industry in
Baja California Sur and also represents a considerable source of mortality for large
sharks in this region (Castillo—Géniz 1992).

Field efforts were conducted during winter, spring, and autumn of 1998 and during all
seasons of 1999. However, sample sizes were probably insufficient to substantiate species
composition during all seasons with the possible exception of spring. The total number of
pangas targeting elasmobranchs could not be reliably obtained for Baja California Sur
because only a small subset of active camps were visited each season, camps were only
visited for a brief period of time, and the total number of vessels targeting elasmobranchs

148 SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA ACADEMY OF SCIENCES

was not consistently recorded at each camp. It is also likely that, because directed
elasmobranch fisheries were documented at 82% of adequately surveyed sites,
elasmobranch fishing effort may also be extensive among the 34 insufficiently surveyed
sites. Based on available data, the greatest elasmobranch effort (n = 23 vessels) was
recorded during winter from a large shark fishery (e.g., .. oxyrinchus) at Punta Arenas
(BCS-—15). The greatest overall artisanal fishing effort witnessed in Baja California Sur
during this study was directed at squid (D. gigas) during September 1999, with 570 vessels
participating in the fishery from BCS—76 (n = 120) and BCS—77 (n = 450).

Detailed aspects of some elasmobranch fisheries in Baja California Sur are available
for comparison with the results of this study. The artisanal shark fishery in Baja
California Sur was summarized by Villavicencio—Garayzar (1996a), but specific camp
locations were not provided. Several fishing sites targeting mobulids in the region of
Bahia de La Paz, however, have been documented (BCS—14 to BCS—17, BCS—21, BCS-—
36, BCS—37) (Notarbartolo—di-Sciara 1987; 1988; Villavicencio—Garayzar 1991).
Mobulid fisheries were noted at BCS—15 during spring, BCS—35 during spring and
summer, and BCS—36 during winter of this survey. Additionally, on June 21, 2001, 12
pangas were observed targeting mobulids (especially M. munkiana) with 10-12” drift
gillnets or harpoons at Punta Arenas (BCS—15) (Bizzarro unpub.). An active fishery at
San Ignacio lagoon was previously confirmed, but not described (Villavicencio—Garayzar
and Abitia-Cardenas 1994; Villavicencio-Garayzar 1996b). An angel shark (S.
californica) fishery was previously documented at Agua Verde (BCS—44; Villavicencio—
Garayzar 1996b) and remained active, at least during winter months, of 1998-1999. Other
elasmobranch fishing sites were previously reported from the mainland or islands
associated with Bahia de La Paz, most of which were inactive or not documented during
this study (Klimley and Nelson 1981; Mariano—Meléndez and Villavicencio—Garayzar
1998). Artisanal fisheries for elasmobranchs have also been reported from the Pacific
coast of Baja California Sur, with large sharks (e.g., C. falciformis, P. glauca, I.
oxyrinchus) targeted at Las Barranchas, Punta Belcher, and Punta Lobos (Hoyos—Padilla
2003; Ribot—Carballal et al. 2005) and rays targeted at Puerto Viejo and other camps in
Bahia Almejas (Villavicencio—Garayzar 1995; Bizzarro et al. 2007b; Smith et al. 2007).

Because rather few specimens were sampled in Baja California Sur, reliable inferences
regarding the fauna of this region are limited. Overall, species richness was equivalent
between sharks and batoids and diversity was considerable, with 38 species documented.
Sampling was conducted during highly variable interannual oceanic conditions (Schwing
et al. 2002), which probably served to accentuate typical regional elasmobranch diversity.
The elasmobranch fauna observed in landings was more tropical in origin than those of
either Baja California (Smith et al. 2009) or Sonora (Bizzarro et al. 2009). It also
contained a comparatively greater number of oceanic species (e.g., pelagic stingray,
Pteroplatytrygon violacea, oceanic whitetip shark, C. Jongimanus) and large coastal and
pelagic sharks.

Although an equal number of shark and ray species were documented, sharks were far
more important to the fishery. This observation was supported by official fishery
statistics, as sharks constituted 73.7% of reported landings during 1998-2003 (CON-
APESCA 2003), and was in contrast to the situation documented in Baja California
(Smith et al. 2009) or Sonora (Bizzarro et al. 2009). Seasonal migrations of large pelagic
sharks to the waters off southern Baja California Sur have historically supported
substantial fisheries and may be one of the primary reasons for this trend (Villavicencio—
Garayzar 1996a). The coastal geography of Baja California Sur may also not be ideal for

ELASMOBRANCH FISHING ALONG THE EAST COAST OF BAJA CALIFORNIA SUR 149

the establishment of ray fisheries. Fisheries for rays are typically centered in embayments
and other insular waters, where rays tend to aggregate for breeding or feeding purposes
(Bizzarro 2005; Bizzarro et al. 2009). These habitats are relatively sparse, however, along
the mountainous Gulf coast of Baja California Sur. The two primary embayments on the
Pacific coast of Baja California Sur, Bahia Almejas and Bahia Sebastian Vizcaino, have
historically supported active ray fisheries (Villavicencio—Garayzar 1995; Bizzarro 2005;
L. Castillo—Géniz, Instituto Nacional de Pesca, Ensenada, Mexico, pers. comm.).
Fisheries for rays were documented in Bahia La Paz and Bahia Concepcion during this
study, but were not extensively sampled. Conversely, large shark fisheries near La Paz
were sampled with greater relative frequency, which may have biased overall catch
composition estimates. Some large shark species that were previously noted in Baja
California Sur shark landings (e.g., narrowtooth shark, C. brachyurus; great hammer-
head, S. mokarran; nurse shark, Ginglymostoma cirratum) were not observed during this
study (Villavicencio—Garayzar 1996a).

The results of this study have contributed substantially to the information on the
artisanal elasmobranch fisheries of Baja California Sur, one of Mexico’s most productive
states in terms of elasmobranch landings. Although sample size was rather limited, a
notable diversity of both sharks and rays was evident in landings, with sharks dominating
landings during all seasons. The dominance of early life stages in the landings of the
dominant species, S. /ewini, may be a consequence of a relative absence of large, adult size
class. Indeed, the large schools of this species that used to seasonally frequent seamounts
in the Gulf of California (Klimley and Nelson 1981; Klimley and Butler 1988) are no
longer present (J. Bizzarro pers. obs.). A Gulf-wide management plan for this species
should be developed as soon as possible to rebuild overfished populations. In addition,
the available biological and fishery information provided here and elsewhere should be
compiled and used to develop management plans for at least the primary species landed
in Baja California Sur. Using the results of this study as a baseline, it is important that
additional research is conducted off BCS to determine any changes in catch rates, species,
and size composition that may have occurred since 1998-1999. The historic information
presented here should be useful for comparison with this and other contemporary studies.

Acknowledgements

We thank students of the Laboratorio de Elasmobranquios, Departmento de Biologia
Marina, Universidad Autonoma de Baja California Sur for field and technical assistance.
Thanks also to Stori C. Oates for her constructive comments and edits on an earlier version of
this manuscript. We greatly appreciate the patience and cooperation of artisanal fishermen
throughout the Gulf of California for providing access to their landings and information
about their fishing activities. In addition to the generous support of the David and Lucile
Packard Foundation, funding for this project was provided by the: National Fish and
Wildlife Foundation, Homeland Foundation, JiJi Foundation, California Sea Grant
College System, PADI Project AWARE, World Wildlife Fund, Christensen Fund, Moss
Landing Marine Laboratories, Mote Marine Laboratory, Instituto Nacional de Pesca, and
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration/National Marine Fisheries Service (to
the National Shark Research Consortium).

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Auton. B.C.S., 109-115.

. 1988. Natural history of the rays of the genus Modula in the Gulf of California. Fish. Bull., 86:

45-66.

Pratt Jr., H.L. 1979. Reproduction in the blue shark, Prionace glauca. Fish. Bull., 77:445—470.

Ribot—Carballal, M.C., F. Galvan—Magana, and C. Quinonez—Velazquez. 2005. Age and growth of the
shortfin mako shark, [surus oxyrinchus, from the western coast of Baja California Sur, Mexico.
Fish. Res., 76:14—21.

Schwing, F.B., T. Murphree, L. deWitt, and P.M. Green. 2002. The evolution of oceanic and Atmospheric
anomalies in the northeast Pacific during the El Nino and La Nina events of 1995-2001. Prog.
Oceanog., 54:459-491.

Smith, W.D., G.M. Cailliet, and E. Mariano—Melendez. 2007. Maturity and growth characteristics of a

commercially exploited stingray, Dasyatis dipterura. Mar. Fresh. Res., 58:54-66.

, J.J. Bizzarro, and G.M. Cailliet, G.M. 2009. The artisanal elasmobranch fishery of Baja

California, México: characteristics and management considerations. Ciencias Marinas, 35:209—236.

; , V.P. Richards, J. Nielsen, J.F. Marquez—Farias, and M.S. Shivji. Jn press. Morphometric

convergence and molecular divergence: the taxonomic status and evolutionary history of Gymnura

crebripunctata (Peters, 1869) and G. marmorata (Cooper, 1864) in the eastern Pacific Ocean. J. Fish.

Biol.

Villavicencio—Garayzar, C.J. 1991. Observations on Mobula munkiana (Chondrichthyes: Mobulidae) in

the Bahia de la Paz, B.C.S., Mexico. Revista de Investigaion Cientifica de la Universidad

Autonoma de Baja California Sur, 2:78-81.

. 1995. Distribucion temporal y condicion reproductiva de las rayas (Pisces: Batoidea) capturadas

comercialmente en Bahia Almejas, Baja California Sur (México). Rev. Inv. Cient. Ser. Mar.

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Baja California Sur. Vol. 1. (Valdez, C. and G. Ponce—Diaz, eds.), Centro Investig. Biol. Noroeste:

La Paz, México.

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Bull. Southern California Acad. Sci.
108(3), 2009, pp. 152-159
© Southern California Academy of Sciences, 2009

The Reproductive Biology of ‘Two Common Surfzone Associated
Sciaenids, Yellowfin Croaker (Umbrina roncador) and Spotfin
Croaker (Roncador stearnsi), from Southern California

E.F. Miller,' S. Goldberg,’ J. Nunez,* N. Burkes,* and J. Kuratom1?

'MBC Applied Environmental Sciences, 3000 Red Hill Ave., Costa Mesa, CA 92626
°Department of Biology, Whittier College, Whittier, CA 90608
‘MBC Applied Environmental Sciences, 3000 Red Hill Ave., Costa Mesa, CA 92626

Abstract.—Yellowfin croaker (Umbrina roncador) and spotfin croaker (Roncador
stearnsii) were collected from San Clemente, California from May through
September 2006. Both species were analyzed to determine batch fecundity. Yellowfin
croaker ovaries were also histologically examined to describe their summer spawning
activity. Batch fecundity in spotfin croaker (n = 13) females ranged from 35,169 to
640,703 described by the equations BF = 1.59E-07SL°” for length and BF =
13.51W'°’ for total body weight. Yellowfin croaker (n = 16) females batch fecundity
ranged from 99,259 to 405,967 and was described by the equations BF = 2.4E-
04SL°" for length or BF = 0.33W’ for total body weight. Yellowfin croaker
spawning was determined to begin by June and end by September.

Introduction

Croakers (Family Sciaenidae) comprise a significant portion of the nearshore
ichthyofauna of southern California. Nearshore gill net surveys by Pondella and Allen
(2000) reported yellowfin croaker (Umbrina roncador) as the most abundant species along
the mainland and third most abundant at Santa Catalina Island whereas spotfin croaker
(Roncador stearnsii) was not among the 25 most abundant species in either area.
Generally, the greatest localized concentrations of both species occur in less than eight
meters of water, typically just outside the surf zone along southern California beaches
south of the Los Angeles/Long Beach Harbor complex (O’Brien and Oliphant 2001; Valle
and Oliphant 2001). Yellowfin croaker nearshore abundances are strongly correlated
with sea surface temperature, both inter- and intra-annually, with abundance typically
peaking during the summer months (Pondella et al. 2008). These authors suggested that
these peak summer abundances may be related to reproductive activities as gonosomatic
indices (GSI) for yellowfin croaker peaked from June through August. Similar analyses
of spotfin croaker have not been published. Despite their prevalence in southern
California little information exists on the reproductive biology of either species. Such
knowledge is needed for the successful management of the recreational fishery.

Fecundity, batch or total, is undocumented for most southern California sciaenids with
the exception of white croaker and queenfish (Love et al. 1984; DeMartini and Fountain
1981), but is available for some of the more valuable commercial fisheries in California,
such as northern anchovy (Engraulis mordax) and Pacific sardine (Sardinops sagax)
(Hunter and Goldberg 1980; Hill and Crone 2005; Lo et al. 2005; Hill et al. 2006).
Availability of reproductive dynamics (fecundity, spawning seasonality, etc.) for northern

‘Corresponding Author: P: 714-850-4830, F: 714-850-4840, email: millerbiology2@yahoo.com

152

SURF-ZONE SCIAENID REPRODUCTION 153

anchovy and Pacific sardine has substantially increased the tools available to fishery
managers, namely their use in the development of stock assessments (Hill and Crone
2005: Lo et al. 2005; Hill et al. 2006). The general lack of such basal information further
restricts such assessments of yellowfin and spotfin croaker population dynamics. While
knowledge of the reproductive parameters are only a portion of the necessary life history
metrics needed for stock assessments, the present study was designed to help fill some of
these data gaps. The batch fecundity was calculated for each species while the summer
spawning cycle was histologically identified for yellowfin croaker. Funding was not
available to conduct histological analysis of spotfin croaker.

Materials and Methods

Sample collection—Both species were collected during monthly impingement surveys
at San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station (SONGS) in northern San Diego County,
California, following the techniques described in Miller (2007). Individuals were sexed by
visual examination of intact gonads, measured to the nearest millimeter (mm) standard
length (SL), and weighed to the nearest gram (g). All samples for both species were
collected between 10 June to 15 September 2006. A total of 86 yellowfin croaker were
collected, 51 female and 35 male, with male lengths ranging from 163-309 mm SL and
females 172-340 mm SL. Twenty-six female spotfin croaker were collected with
individuals ranging from 202 to 306 mm SL.

Histological analysis of gonadal state-—Gonads were removed from each fish, weighed
to the nearest 0.5 g, and preserved in 10% buffered formalin. All fish were larger than
150 mm SL or the size at 50% maturity (Pondella et al. 2008). Yellowfin croaker gonads
were dehydrated in an ascending series of ethanol and cleared in toluene. After dehydration,
samples were embedded in paraffin and histological sections were cut at 5 um using a rotary
microtome. Sections were mounted on glass slides and stained with Harris hematoxylin
followed by eosin counterstain. Slides were evaluated to determine the stage of the
spermatogenic cycle in males and the ovarian cycle in females. Female stages were in
accordance with Goldberg (1981). Stage 1 (regressed or regressing) was the nonspawning
condition consisting mainly of primary oocytes. Stage 2 (previtellogenic) consisted of slightly
enlarged vacuolated oocytes. Stage 3 (vitellogenic) was characterized by yolk deposition in
progress. Stage 4 (spawning) mature (ripe) oocytes predominate and some postovulatory
follicles may be present. Males were characterized as spawning or regressing/inactive.

Gonosomatic index and batch fecundity —A gonosomatic index (GSI) was derived for
each individual of both species by the equation: GSI = (gonad weight < gonad free body
weight ') X 100 (Barbieri et al. 1994). Only female yellowfin croaker with a GSI greater
than 3.5% were included in the fecundity analysis based on Pondella et al. (2008).
Preliminary data on spotfin croaker GSI indicated that peak spawning occurs from June
through August, with GSI values greater than 3.5% (VRG unpub. data’). Therefore.
spotfin croaker females with a GSI greater than 3.0% were included in the study to ensure
complete coverage of spawning females in all size classes available. Ovary analysis was
similar to that described by Hunter and Macewicz (1980). For both species, two
subsamples of approximately 0.5 g of ovarian tissue per ovary were taken from each fish.
Subsamples were taken from the posterior and medial areas of each lobe. A minimum of
two independent counts of ripe oocytes (hydrated eggs) from each subsample were made
under stereomicroscopy. In instances of high variation, subsamples were recounted. The

> VRG: Vantuna Research Group, Occidental College, Los Angeles, CA.

154 SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA ACADEMY OF SCIENCES

100
80
60

40

Proportion of Individuals

20

O Seer eee
Jun Jul

Month

Fig. 1. Distribution of ovarian stage by month for 51 female yellowfin croaker collected during
impingement sampling at San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station from June through September 2006.

mean egg count and standard error for each individual fish was calculated and later
multiplied by the total gonad weight to estimate the individual batch fecundity. Batch
fecundity (BF) was regressed against both standard length and total body weight to
determine the relationship between both parameters.

Results

Histological analysis of gonadal state.—Histological analysis recorded peak spawning
condition in July as indicated by high frequency of ripe (Stage 4) and near ripe (Stage 3)
oocytes (Figure 1). Individuals collected in June also showed a substantial proportion
(60%) of actively spawning individuals. No actively spawning females were collected in
August, but 28% of the ovaries examined were comprised predominantly by Stage 3
oocytes. Spawning was completed by September with greater than 90% of all individuals
in Stage 1 development with primary oocytes. One male with regressing testes was
identified from September collections. Bimodal ovaries (spawning and vacuolated modes)
were observed in five individuals collected on 24 June.

Batch fecundity analysis.—In yellowfin croaker, batch fecundity ranged from 99,259
to 405,967 ripe oocytes per female. batch fecundity increased with length (R* = 0.45, p =
0.005) as described by the equation BF = 2.4E-04SL*°" (Figure 2a). The relationship
between total body weight and batch fecundity was similar (R* = 0.49, p = .003) as
described by the equation BF = 0.33W”° (Figure 2b). Batch fecundity in spotfin croaker
ranged from 35,169 to 640,703 ripe oocytes per female. Spotfin croaker batch fecundity
increased exponentially with body size (SL) following the equation BF = 2 E-O7,Sipaaaaa
(R* = 0.79, p = 0.002; Figure 3a). Total body weight better predicted batch fecundity in

SURF-ZONE SCIAENID REPRODUCTION 155

45

40

35

30

29

20

Batch fecundity (x 10000)

15

10

ZOO 8220240 192605 280)— “S005 » 320
Standard length (mm)

Batch fecundity (x 10000)

100. 200 300 400 500 600 700
Weight (g)

Fig. 2. Mean individual batch fecundity, +1 standard error, by a)standard length (mm) and b) weight
(g) for 16 female yellowfin croaker collected during impingement sampling at San Onofre Nuclear
Generating Station from June through August 2006.

156 SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA ACADEMY OF SCIENCES

Batch fecundity (x 10000)

200, 220) 240, 260% 260% Ps00maezo

Standard length (mm)
70

50

40

30

20

Batch fecundity (x 10000)

10

0 SSSR asa
200 300 400 500 600 700

Weight (g)

Fig. 3. Mean individual batch fecundity, +1 standard error, by a) standard length (mm) and b) weight
(zg) for 13 female spotfin croaker collected during impingement sampling at San Onofre Nuclear
Generating Station from June through August 2006.

SURF-ZONE SCIAENID REPRODUCTION 157

Table 1. Reported batch fecundity ranges for several sciaenid species and their maximum size as
reported on www.fishbase.org. Bold type indicates southern California species.

Species Fecundity Range Reference Max. Size

Seriphus politus (Ayers) 5,000—90,000 DeMartini and Fountain 1981 305 mm TL
Genyonemus lineatus (Ayers) 800—37,200 Love et al. 1984 410 mm TL
Umbrina roncador 99,259-405,967 Current Study 560 mm TL
Roncador stearnsii 35,169—-640,703 Current Study 686 mm TL
Cynoscion regalis (Bloch and

Schneider) 75,289-517,845 Lowerre-Barbieri et al. 1996 980 mm TL
Cynoscion nebulosus (Cuvier) 102,369-511,859 Nieland et al. 2002 1000 mm TL
Sciaenops ocellatus 160,000—3,270,000 Wilson and Nieland 1994 1550 mm TL
Pogonias cromis 510,000—2,420,000 Nieland and Wilson 1993 1700 mm TL

spotfin croaker (R” = 0.85, p < 0.001) through the equation BF = 13.511 W+'°??
(Figure 3b).

Discussion

Yellowfin croaker and spotfin croaker reproductive patterns were consistent with
previous studies of southern California sciaenids (Goldberg 1976; DeMartini and
Fountain 1981; Goldberg 1981; Love et al. 1984; Miller et al. 2008; Pondella et al. 2008).
With the exception of white croaker, published accounts of the reproductive life history
of California sciaenids typically indicate peak spawning activity in summer concurrent
with increases in water temperature in the Southern California Bight (Miller et al. 2008;
Pondella et al. 2008). Pondella et al. (2008) reported yellowfin croaker abundance at
SONGS increased from June to a peak in August, generally corresponding with the
spawning period documented by the current study. We cannot, however, rule out the
possibility of a more protracted spawning season in yellowfin croaker, as no individuals
were collected prior to May in 2006, despite ongoing impingement sampling. Although
recorded in all months, spotfin croaker abundance similarly peaks during the summer
months (E.F. Miller unpublished data).

Fecundity estimates (batch or total) have only been published for two southern
California sciaenids, queenfish (Seriphus politus) and white croaker (Genyonemus
lineatus; DeMartini and Fountain 1981; Love et al. 1984). Estimates are available,
however, for several Atlantic and Gulf Coast species (Table 1). As expected, batch
fecundities for the southern California species generally reflect a proportional ratio
between the maximum size and the maximum batch fecundity. Red drum (Sciaenops
ocellatus) and black drum (Pogonias cromis) collected from the Gulf of Mexico grow to
substantially larger sizes than the southern California representatives and exhibit up to an
eight-fold higher maximum reported batch fecundities (Nieland and Wilson 1993; Wilson
and Nieland 1994).

Unfortunately, little to no information on larval yellowfin croaker and spotfin croaker
abundances were available in the primary literature to further illuminate spawning
seasonality for either species (Barnett et al. 1984; Walker et al. 1987; McGowen 1993;
Moser and Smith 1993). This research was able to describe some of the basal reproductive
parameters for two common surf zone associated species, yellowfin croaker and spotfin
croaker. Although the sample sizes were small, they were within the range of previous
studies (Hunter and Macewicz 1980; DeMartini 1987) and provide a more clear insight
into the life history of each species. While reserved for the recreational fishing

158 SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA ACADEMY OF SCIENCES

community, their populations still face fishery management concerns, especially in a
relatively understudied area such as the southern California sandy beach surf zone.
Further information on their life history parameters is needed to adequately manage
these species. Specifically, the void of information on larval densities and spatial
distributions should be addressed.

Acknowledgements

We would like to thank P. Tennant of Southern California Edison for his logistical
support and L. Ferry-Graham for clearing many hurdles in connection with the funding
of this study. This report was prepared as a result of work sponsored by the California
Energy Commission (Energy Commission). It does not necessarily represent the views of
the Energy Commission, its employees, or the State of California. The Energy
Commission, the State of California, its employees, contractors, and subcontractors
make no warranty, express or implied, and assume no legal liability for the information in
this report; nor does any party represent that the use of this information will not infringe
upon privately owned rights. This report has not been approved or disapproved by the
Energy Commission nor has the Energy Commission passed upon the accuracy or
adequacy of the information in this report.

Literature Cited

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Barnett, A.M., A.E. Jahn, P.D. Sertic, and W. Watson. 1984. Distribution of ichthyoplankton off San
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108(3), 2009, pp. 160-162
© Southern California Academy of Sciences, 2009

Documentation of Replacement of Native Western Gray
Squirrels by Introduced Eastern Fox Squirrels

Alan E. Muchlinski,’* Glenn R. Stewart,’ Julie L. King,* and Suzanne A. Lewis!

‘Department of Biological Sciences, California State University Los Angeles,
Los Angeles, CA 90032 (AEM, SAL)
>Department of Biological Sciences, California State Polytechnic University, Pomona,
380 W. Temple Ave. Pomona, CA (GRS) 91768
*Catalina Island Conservancy, PO Box 2739, Avalon, CA 90704 (JLK)

Abstract.—The eastern fox squirrel (Sciurus niger) was first introduced to Los
Angeles in 1904. Since that time, this species has spread throughout many of the
urban and suburban areas of Los Angeles, Ventura and Orange Counties. In this
paper we document that the eastern fox squirrel can replace the western gray squirrel
within a particular habitat in a short period of time.

The eastern fox squirrel (Sciurus niger) has generally remained restricted to areas of
human habitation throughout southern California since its introduction into Los Angeles
in 1904 (Becker and Kimball 1947: King 2004). However, with continued range
expansion the fox squirrel has come into contact with the native western gray squirrel
(Sciurus griseus) in many foothill areas (Hoefler and Harris 1990; Ingles 1954). Sciurus
niger has also come into contact with populations of S. griseus that have become isolated
from larger populations due to the establishment of new suburban housing tracts and
freeways, and the resulting fragmentation of habitat.

Within the past 30 years, residents of Los Angeles County have noticed a decline in the
number and range of western gray squirrels coinciding with an increase in the number of
eastern fox squirrels (Byhower 2002; Byhower and Lokitz 2000). Some habitats that
contained S. griseus in the past now contain only S. niger. Although one may want to
invoke competitive exclusion for the replacement of S. griseus by S. niger, replacement is
confounded by an increase in suburban development and the fragmentation of the
remaining wooded habitat. For example, residential and commercial development in
areas such as the Santa Susana Mountains of Los Angeles and Ventura Counties
eliminated prime gray squirrel habitat at a rate of approximately 1,400 acres per year up
to 1999 (Polakovic 1999).

In this paper we document replacement of S. griseus by S. niger in a habitat that had
not been recently modified. The elimination of S. griseus from this area supports but does
not confirm the idea of competitive exclusion of S. griseus by S. niger from certain, but
not all, types of habitats. Additional studies would be needed to determine how S. niger is
capable of replacing S. griseus in specific habitats.

The presence of S. niger in various areas of Los Angeles, Orange, San Bernardino, and
Ventura Counties of southern California was assessed by King (2004) using, among other
methods, an online response form (Sue et al. 2002) where people could report the
presence of S. niger. A report was received May 17, 2005 documenting the first sighting of

* Correspondent: amuchli@calstatela.edu

160

REPLACEMENT OF SCIURUS GRISEUS BY SCIURUS NIGER 161

S. niger on the campus of California State Polytechnic University, Pomona in Pomona,
CA. The sighting, by author GRS was reported in the main quad area of the campus,
adjacent to Building # 8. Since Building # 8 is located near the middle of the campus, S.
niger could have been present on the southern or western periphery of the campus prior
to May 2005. The most likely route of approach by the squirrels to the campus was from
the west (see King 2004 for a historical distribution map).

A population of S. griseus existed at the University for at least 45 years during the time
that author GRS worked at the campus. Although many buildings have been constructed
on the campus over the years, very little landscape modification has occurred since 2003.
With a documented first occurrence of S. niger in the first half of 2005, and follow-up
surveys occurring on an irregular basis, we were able to document the fate of S. griseus on
the campus and establish a general timeline for the fate.

Prior to 2005 S. griseus were commonly observed on the main quad area of the campus,
near various buildings on campus, in a heavily wooded area adjacent to Kellogg Center
West (a major conference center on the campus), and in a heavily wooded area to the west
of the center of campus (the Voorhis Ecological Reserve). Sciurus niger was initially
sighted on an infrequent basis but by 2006 this species was a common sight. While S.
griseus could be regularly observed on the main quad area in 2005, the species has not
been observed on the quad area since 2006. Also, no western gray squirrels were sighted
during annual field walks with students in a mammalogy course through the heavily
wooded area of the Voorhis Ecological Reserve in September of 2007 and 2008.

Visual surveys around the main campus quad area, the heavily wooded area adjacent
to Kellogg Center West, and the heavily wooded area in the Voorhis Ecological Reserve
were conducted on 22 separate occasions during January, February, March, April,
October, November and December of 2008 and each month January through July of
2009 (> 40 hours of observation time). While many eastern fox squirrels were observed
during most surveys, only one western gray squirrel was ever observed during any survey.
What appeared to be the same individual was observed in a grove of walnut trees just to
the east of Camphor Lane near Kellogg Center West by several students in the
mammalogy course during October and November of 2008. A lone western gray squirrel
was also observed in the same area in December 2008 and in January, February, June and
July of 2009. Based upon these sightings, the population of western gray squirrels appears
to have been reduced to a single individual remaining on the campus.

The eastern fox squirrel has been introduced into many western states (Flyger and
Gates 1982; Jordan and Hammerson 1996). Within California, introduced fox squirrel
colonization is not specific to the Greater Los Angeles Metropolitan Area. For example,
S. niger were introduced to Golden Gate Park in San Francisco before 1890 (Byrne 1979),
to Roeding Park in Fresno in 1900 or 1901 (Storer papers; Lidicker 1991), to Balboa Park
in San Diego from the San Diego Zoo in 1920 (Staff Writer 1929), to the campus of the
University of California, Berkeley circa 1926 (Boulware 1941), to Mt Diablo in 1960
(Pelonio 2004) and to the city of Bakersfield in 1985 (Sheehey 2004).

While there has been a correlation between the disappearance of S. griseus from certain
habitats after the appearance of S. niger in those habitats (examples, Lacy Park in San
Marino, Lanterman Developmental Center in Pomona, a residential area in Altadena
adjacent to Eaton Canyon) we report here a documented case, with a timeline, where
western gray squirrels have been replaced by eastern fox squirrels at a specific location.
While the first sighting of S. niger on the campus of California State Polytechnic
University, Pomona was in May of 2005, a very significant reduction in observation of S.

162 SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA ACADEMY OF SCIENCES

griseus was evident within | year. The virtual elimination of the western gray squirrel
from the campus occurred in less than 4 years.

King (2004) studied co-existing populations of S. niger and S. griseus in San Dimas
Canyon Park within the city of San Dimas, CA where the two species have now coexisted
for at least 15 years. Although S. niger is able to quickly replace S. griseus in certain
habitats, the two species can coexist within other habitats. In addition to San Dimas
Canyon Park the two species coexist at the Bird Sanctuary in Griffith Park, Walnut
Creek Park within the City of San Dimas, CA, and the main quad area and a semi-
natural area at Pomona College in Claremont, CA.

We thank Mr. Min Chung Sue for development of the Southern California Fox
Squirrel Web Site.

Literature Cited

Becker, E.M. and M.H. Kimball. 1947. Walnut growers turn squirrel catchers. Diamond Walnut News,
29(3): 4-6.

Boulware, J.T. 1941. Eucalyptus tree utilized by fox squirrel in California. Amer. Mid. Nat., 26(3):
696-697.

Byhower, R. (May 2, 2002). [Letter to the editor-response to Where the wild things are ER April 25, 2002].

News from the Easy Reader. Accessible at http://hermosawave.net.

and C. Lokitz. (July 6, 2000). Bird lovers aren’t amused by antics of tree squirrels. [Letters to the

editor] The Los Angeles Times. Southern CA Living, Part E, Pg 4. Los Angeles, CA.

Byrne, S. 1979. The distribution and ecology of the non-native tree squirrels Sciurus carolinensis and
Sciurus niger in Northern California. University of California, Berkeley, Ph.D dissertation. 190 p.

Flyger, V. and J.E. Gates. 1982. Fox and gray squirrels. In Wild Mammals of North America, ed. J.A.
Chapman and G.A. Feldhamer, pgs. 209-229. Johns Hopkins University Press, 1147 p.

Hoefler, G. and J. Harris. 1990. MO78 Fox Squirrel. In: Zeiner, D.C., W.F. Laudenslayer, K.E. Mayer,
and M. White, eds. California’s Wildlife. Volume III Mammals. California Statewide Wildlife
Habitat Relationships System, pgs. 148-149.

Ingles, L.G. 1954. Mammals of the Pacific States: California, Oregon, and Washington. Stanford
University Press, Stanford, CA. pgs. 193-196.

Jordan, R.A. and G. Hammerson. 1996. Comprehensive report: Sciurus niger-Linnaeus 1758. Heritage
Identifier: AMAFB07040. Retrieved March 27, 2003, from http://www.natureserve.org.

King, J.L. 2004. The current distribution of the introduced fox squirrel (Sciurus niger) in the greater Los
Angeles metropolitan area and its behavioral interaction with the native western gray squirrel
(Sciurus griseus). California State University, Los Angeles, M.S. Thesis, 135 p.

Lidicker, W.Z. Jr. 1991. Introduced mammals in California, in: Biogeography of Mediterranean Invasions.
R.H. Groves and F. diCastri, eds. Cambridge University Press, New York.

Pelonio, J. 2004. Mammals of Mount Diablo State Park. Mount Diablo Interpretive Association. Walnut
Creek. Retrieved July 8, 2003, from http://www.mdia.org/mammals.htm.

Polakovic, G. (November 28,1999). Tracking predators across vanishing Southland turf; Nature: Coyotes,
bobcats and gray foxes are being studied to document the impact of urban sprawl. Los Angeles
Times. Los Angeles, Metro Section Part B. pg 3.

Sheehey, A. 2004. Fox Squirrel: Sciurus niger. Nature Ali- Kern Introduced Species. Retrieved April 10,
2003 from http://www.natureali.com/fox_squirrel.htm.

Staff Writer. (January 1, 1929). Some animals wander loose around local zoo grounds. San Diego Union,
3:5-6.

Storer, T.I. Papers of, in California Academy of Sciences, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco.

Sue, M.C., A.E. Muchlinski, and J.L. King. 2002. Southern California Fox Squirrel Project website. http://
instructional] .calstatela.edu/amuchli/squirrelform.htm

Bull. Southern California Acad. Sci.
108(3), 2009, pp. 163-167
© Southern California Academy of Sciences, 2009

Research Note

Records of the Pacific Bearded Brotula, Brotula clarkae, from
Southern California

Robert N. Lea,' M. James Allen,? and William Power?

‘California Academy of Sciences (Research Associate), Golden Gate Park,
San Francisco, CA 94118, rnlea@comcast.net
>Southern California Coastal Water Research Project, 3535 Harbor Blvd., Suite 110,
Costa Mesa, CA 92626, jima@sccwrp.org
*Los Angeles County Sanitation Districts, 24501 S. Figueroa, Carson, CA 90745,
bpower@lacsd.org

The genus Brotula (Family: Ophidiidae) is characterized as having a circumtropical and
subtropical marine distribution (Hubbs 1944; Nielsen et al. 1999). Two species are known
from the Eastern Pacific: Fore-spotted Brotula (Brotula ordwayi Hildebrand & Barton,
1949) and Pacific Bearded Brotula (Brotula clarkae Hubbs, 1944). Of the two species,
Brotula clarkae is more common and is known from higher, more subtropical latitudes in
both hemispheres. Recently, Brotula flaviviridis was described by Greenfield (2005) from
the Fiji Islands; however, this species appears to be a Fiji archipelago endemic or perhaps
a species of limited distribution in the Central Pacific. Love et al. (2005) noted that the
Pacific Bearded Brotula is found in the Eastern Tropical Pacific from Cabo San Lazaro,
Baja California Sur to Paita, Peru, including Gulf of California, at depths of 1-645 m.

On 24 July 2001, fishes from the southern California Spot Prawn (Pandalus platyceros)
trap fishery were collected by the California Department of Fish and Game for ongoing
studies concerning related by-catch. A sample, consisting of various rockfishes (Sebastes
spp.) and a large Spotted Cusk-eel (Chilara taylori), was collected from the fishing vessel
Stephanie D. The traps for this sample were set about eight nautical miles (14.8 km) west
of Point Loma, San Diego County, lat 33°09.3’ N, long 117°26.7’ W, in ca. 122 fathoms
(223 m). The entire sample was sent to the senior author (RNL) for confirmation and
documentation. Upon examination of these fishes, it was apparent that the “Spotted
Cusk-eel”’ was not this species but was in fact a member of the genus Brotula and was
identified specifically as B. clarkae. This specimen (Fig. 1) is deposited in the Department
of Ichthyology at California Academy of Sciences (CAS uncatalogued) and tissue resides
in the Marine Vertebrate Collection, Scripps Institution of Oceanography (SIO 02-95).

On 6 March 2003 a second specimen of Brotula was collected by the third author (WP),
of the Los Angeles County Sanitation Districts, off the Palos Verdes Shelf, Los Angeles
County, lat 33°41.8’ N, long 118°20.0’ W, at Station T5, from 65 m. During recovery and
routine maintenance of a thermister array by the research vessel Ocean Sentinel, the
specimen was found in the steel base of the array. The fish did not appear to be any of the
expected locally caught species and was later identified as Brotula clarkae. This specimen
is catalogued in the Marine Vertebrate Collection as SIO 07-67 (Fig. 2).

Morphometric and meristic information on these two Californian specimens are
included in Table 1. Both fish are typical Brotula clarkae and are easily differentiated
from B. ordwayi by pattern of coloration, counts, and morphometry (Hildebrand and

163

164 SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA ACADEMY OF SCIENCES

Fig. 1. Photograph of Pacific Bearded Brotula collected on 24 July 2001 off Point Loma, San Diego
County by F/V Stephanie D. CAS uncatalogued.

Barton 1949; Allen and Robertson 1994). In a review of the Central Eastern Pacific (or
Eastern Tropical Pacific) Ophidiidae (Lea 1995), the genus Brotula was considered to
belong in the family Brotulidae and as a result, the two Eastern Pacific species were not
included in this summary. Nielsen et al. (1999), in their treatment of ophidiiform fishes of
the world, included the genus Brotula within the family Ophidiidae as one of 4 subfamilies
(Brotulinae, Brotulotaeniinae, Ophidiinae, and Neobythitinae). Most current workers
follow this system of classification (e.g. Nelson 2006). Nonetheless, the interrelationships
of ophidiiform fishes, in a number of cases, are problematic.

The Pacific Bearded Brotula differs from other species of ophidiiform fishes known
from California in having barbels present on the snout and chin (6 on snout and 6 on
chin; characteristic of genus Brotu/a). Barbels are absent on other California ophidiiform
fishes. The pelvic fins of Brotula, as 2 elongate rays, are inserted anteriorly on the body at
about the level of the preopercle, well behind the eye. The pelvic fins, as a pair of
filamentous rays, in Chilara taylori and Ophidion scrippsae (Basketweave Cusk-eel) (the
two ophidiids with which it would most likely be confused), are inserted on the isthmus
vertically under the eye. A list of fishes of the Order Ophidiiformes known from
California waters is given in Table 2.

The oceanic climate of the eastern North Pacific was cold during the Pacific Decadal
Oscillation (PDO) cold regime of the 1960s and 1970s to 1981, very warm during the
1982-84 El Nino, warm during the PDO warm regime from 1985 to the cool La Nina of
1988-89, warm during the warm regime period of 1990-98 (the warmest of the century

sS== :
SSS ° et Gln A peers
SSS =

SEC
rr nce!
\ SSS”

Fig. 2. Line drawing of Pacific Bearded Brotula collected on 6 March 2003 on the Palos Verdes Shelf,
Los Angeles County. SIO 07-67. Drawing by Atshuhiro Kubo.

PACIFIC BEARDED BROTULA FROM SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA 165

Table 1. Morphometric and meristic data for the two California Brotula clarkae.

Character State CAS uncatalogued' SIO 07-67
Dorsal fin — ca.106
Anal Fin - 87
Vertebrae = 15 + 40 = 55
Pectoral fin” Ca27 —
Gill Rakers 3 developed rakers on lower limb Sar eollsy = 23°
mm Percent SL mm Percent SL
Standard Length 465 396
Total Length 481 ~ 422 ~
Weight (g.) 937.8 _ ~ —
Head Length 113.6 24.4 98.6 24.9
Orbit Length 18.0 3) 15.4 3)
Snout Length 23.6 Sul ZAES 5.4
Post-orbital Length - - 60.2 Sy
Interorbital Width (fleshy) 18.5 4.0 16.3 4.1
Maxilla Length 27 11.3 46.0 11.6
Pectoral Fin Length 49.4 10.6 43.0 10.9
Pelvic Fin Length 39.0 8.4 259 6.5
Body Depth (@ D origin) - - 80.0 20.2
Body D. (@ A origin) 86.9 18.7 123 18.3
Body D. (@ Nape) - - 64.4 16.3
Pre-dorsal Length - ~ 108.2 23
Pre-anal Length 233:3 50.2 210 53.0
Pre-pectoral Length - - 69.9 Wo!
Pre-pelvic Length - — 103.1 26.0
Gill Raker L. (@ angle) 12.1 2.6 M2 1.8
Lateral Line Length - ~ 370 93.4

' The CAS specimen was placed in temporary storage during the recent renovation of the Academy and
the move of the ichthyological collection to the Howard Street location. The Academy has now returned to
Golden Gate Park but the specimen has not as yet been located.

>The pectoral fin is extremely fleshy in Brotula and a count without radiograph or staining is
approximate.

* Formulae indicates 5 rudimentary rakers on upper limb plus 3 developed rakers followed by 15
rudimentary rakers on lower limb.

Table 2. A list of fishes of the Order Ophidiiformes known from California waters.

Family Ophidiidae

Brotula clarkae Hubbs, 1944 Pacific Bearded Brotula
Chilara taylori (Girard, 1858) Spotted Cusk-eel
Dicrolene filamentosa Garman, 1899 Threadfin Cusk-eel
Lamprogrammus niger Alcock, 1891 Paperbone Cusk-eel
Ophidion scrippsae (Hubbs, 1916) Basketweave Cusk-eel
Spectrunculus grandis (Gunther, 1877) Giant Cusk-eel

Family Bythitidae
Brosphycis marginata (Ayres, 1854) Red Brotula
Cataetyx rubrirostris Gilbert, 1890 Rubynose Brotula

Grammonus diagrammus (Heller & Snodgrass, 1903) Purple Brotula

166 SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA ACADEMY OF SCIENCES

during the 1997-98 El Nino), and cool from 1999 at least through 2005 (Chavez et al.
2003; Goericke et al. 2005). As the Pacific Bearded Brotula has planktonic larvae
(Ambrose 1996) and adults were taken in southern California in 2001 and 2003, its
dispersal from Baja California Sur or mainland Mexico to southern California may have
occurred through larval drift and transport during the 1997-98 El Nino or perhaps
during the warm regime of the early 90s preceding this event. A number of Eastern
Tropical Pacific species were reported for the first time from California following the
1997-98 El Nino (Lea and Rosenblatt 2000; Allen and Groce 2001la,b; Groce et al.
2001a,b). With the two records listed above, the geographic range of Brotula clarkae now
extends from off Palos Verdes, California, to Paita, Peru.

Acknowledgements

We thank Paul Reilly of the California Department of Fish and Game for making the
San Diego prawn trap fishes available. Atshuhiro Kubo illustrated the fish from the Palos
Verdes Shelf. H. J. Walker, Jr., Scripps Institution of Oceanography, and Richard
Feeney, Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County, provided radiographs of the
Palos Verdes specimen; known to them as the x-rays from hell!

Literature Cited

Allen, G.R. and D.R. Robertson. 1994. Fishes if the Tropical Eastern Pacific. University of Hawaii Press,
Honolulu, Hawaii. 332 p.

Allen, M.J. and A.K. Groce. 2001a. First occurrence of blackspot wrasse, Decodon melasma Gomon 1974
(Pisces: Labridae) in California. Bull. So. Cal. Acad. Sci., 100(3):131—136.

and . 2001b. First occurrence of speckletail flounder, Engyophrys sanctilaurentii Jordan &
Bollman 1890 (Pisces: Bothidae), in California. Bull. So. Cal. Acad. Sci., 100(3):137—-143.

Ambrose, D.A. 1996. Ophidiidae: Cusk-eels. Pp. 515—531 in (Moser, H.G. ed.). The early stages of fishes
in the California Current. Calif. Coop. Oceanic Fish. Invest. Atlas No. 33.

Chavez, F.P., J. Ryan, S.E. Lluch-Cota, and M. Niquen C. 2003. From anchovies to sardines and back:
Multidecadal change in the Pacific Ocean. Science, 299:217—221.

Goericke, R., E. Venrick, A. Mantyla, S.J. Bograd, F.B. Schwing, A. Huyer, R.L. Smith, P.A. Wheeler, R.
Hooff, W.T. Peterson, F. Chavez, C. Collins, B. Marinovic, N. Lo, G. Gaxiola-Castro, R. Durazo,
K.D. Hyrenbach, and W.J. Sydeman. 2005. The state of the California Current, 2004-2005: still
cool? Calif. Coop. Oceanic Fish. Invest., 46:32—71.

Groce, A.K., S.L. Lagos, and E.C. Nestler. 2001a. Addition of calico lizardfish, Synodus lacertinus Gilbert
1890 (Pisces: Synodontidae) to the ichthyofauna of the Southern California Bight. Bull. So. Cal.
Acad. Sci., 100(3):153-—155.

—, R.H. Rosenblatt, and M.J. Allen. 2001b. Addition of the blacklip dragonet, Synchiropus
atrilabiatus (Garman 1899) (Pisces: Callionymidae) to the California ichthyofauna. Bull. So. Cal.
Acad. Sci., 100(3):149-152.

Greenfield, D.W. 2005. Brotula flaviviridis, a new species of Brotula from Fiji (Teleostei: Ophidiidae:
Brotulinae). Proc. Calif. Acad. Sci., 56(8):80—85.

Hildebrand, S.F. and O. Barton. 1949. A collection of fishes from Talara, Peru. [Fishes of Peru].
Smithsonian Misc. Coll.. Vol. 3, no. 10:1—30.

Hubbs, C.L. 1944. Species of the circumtropical fish genus Brotula. Copeia, 1944(3):162-178.

Lea, R.N. 1995. Ophidiidae, Pp. 1342-1348 In (F. Krupp, W. Schneider, C. Sommer, K.E. Carpenter, and

V.H. Niem, eds.). Guia FAO para la identificacion de especies para los fines de la pesca. Pacifico

centro-oriental. Vol. 3. Vertebrados - Parte 2. FAO, Rome. (Vol. 3: 1201-1813).

and R.H. Rosenblatt. 2000. Observations on fishes associated with the 1997-1998 El Nino of

California. Calif. Coop. Oceanic Fish. Invest. Rep., 41:117—129.

Love, M.S., C.W. Mecklenburg, T.A. Mecklenburg, and L.K. Thorsteinson. 2005. Resource inventory of
marine and estuarine fishes of the West Coast and Alaska: A checklist of North Pacific and Arctic
Ocean species from Baja California to the Alaska-Yukon border. U. S. Department of Interior, U.
S. Geological Survey, Biological Resources Division, Seattle, WA 98104. OCS Study MMS 2005-
030 and USGS/NBII 2005-001. 276 p.

PACIFIC BEARDED BROTULA FROM SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA 167

Nelson, J.S. 2006. Fishes of the World. Fourth Edition. John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 601 p.

Nielsen, J.G., D.M. Cohen, D.F. Markle, and C.R. Robins. 1999. FAO Species Catalogue, Volume 18,
Ophidiiform fishes of the world (Order Ophidiiformes). Food and Agriculture Organization of the
United Nations, Rome. 178 p.

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CONTENTS

Activities and Catch Composition of Artisanal Elasmobranch Fishing Sites on the
Eastern Coast of Baja California Sur, Mexico. Joseph J. Bizzarro, Wade D.
Smith, Robert E. Hueter, and Carlos J. Villavicencio-Garayzar

The Reproductive Biology of Two Common Surfzone Assoicated Sciaenids, Yellow-
fin Croaker (Umbrina roncador) and Spotfin Croaker (Roncador stearnsii),
from Southern California. E. F. Miller, S. Goldberg, J. Nufiez, N. Burkes, and
J. Kuratomi

Documentation of Replacement of Native Western Gray Squirrels by introduced
Eastern Fox Squirrels. Alan E. Muchlinski, Glenn R. Stewart, Julie L. King, and
Suzanne A. Lewis

Records of the Pacific Bearded Brotula, Brotula clarkae, from Southern California.
Robert N. Lea, M. James Allen, and William Power

Cover: Line Drawing of Pacific Bearded Brotula by Atshuhiro Kubo.

137

52

160