Periodic recruitment dependent on favorable conditions in a highly variable environment. Low productivity. Major concern for vulnerability to potential overfishing based on productivity and susceptibility analysis.
Data gaps
Fishery-independent population monitoring. Early life history and population status. Challenges with species-specific aging methodology. Full age-structured stock assessment with examination of stock structure along the west coast.
Conservation actions
Protect critical habitat. Manage for sustainable harvest. Gather information to fill data gaps.
