Gway Kirchner (541) 867-4741

NEWPORT, Ore – The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) will host a public meeting on April 18 to present a proposed stock assessment model to be used in assessing the health of black rockfish stocks off Oregon. 

The meeting will begin at 7 p.m. at the Best Western Brookings Inn located at 1143 Chetco Avenue (Hwy 101) in Brookings, Oregon. 

Dr. David Sampson, a researcher with Oregon State University, will present information on the new black rockfish stock assessment.  Topics Dr. Sampson will cover at the meeting include a review of the 2003 stock assessment; a review of data sources proposed for use in the new assessment; and an overview of the proposed model structure to be used. 

Preliminary results of the 2007 black rockfish assessment will not be discussed during the meeting, as the actual stock assessment model is not fully developed.  However, participants will have the opportunity to ask questions and make comments regarding Dr. Sampson’s stock assessment review. 

Black rockfish is an important species in both recreational and commercial fisheries off Oregon. The last assessment, conducted in 2003 by the National Marine Fisheries Service, showed declining numbers of black rockfish.  This result led to a curtailed season and reduced bag limits in the sport fishery beginning in 2004.  The results from Dr. Sampson’s assessment will be used in creating management measures for the 2009-2010 sport and commercial groundfish fisheries.  That process will begin later this year, and continue into 2008.

The Pacific Fishery Management Council’s Stock Assessment Review panel, which is charged with reviewing and finalizing the model structure for the black rockfish stock assessment, will meet in Portland during the week of May 21-25.  This meeting is also open to the public and will be held at the Pacific States Marine Fishery Commission office located at 205 SE Spokane Street, Suite 100, Portland, Oregon.

For more information please contact either Dr. David Sampson at 541-867-0386 or Gway Kirchner at 541-867-4741.

The mission of the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife is to protect and enhance Oregon's fish and wildlife and their habitats for use and enjoyment by present and future generations. The agency consists of the Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission, a commission-appointed director and a statewide staff of approximately 950 permanent employees. Headquartered in Salem, ODFW has regional offices in Clackamas, Roseburg, Bend, and La Grande with ten district offices located throughout the state. For additional information, please visit www.dfw.state.or.us.