Don Bodenmiller 541-867-4741

NEWPORT, Ore. – ODFW will host public meetings March 19 and 20 to present a model for the 2007 black rockfish stock assessment, which will guide the fishery beginning in 2009.

The meetings will occur on Monday, March 19 at 7 p.m. in Room 30/32 of the Hatfield Marine Science Center, 2030 NE Marine Science Drive, Newport and Tuesday, March 20 at 7 p.m. in the conference room of the North Bend Library located at 1800 Sherman Ave., North Bend.

Black rockfish is an important species in both recreational and commercial fisheries off the coast of Oregon. The assessment is being done for the Pacific Fishery Management Council (Pacific Council), which manages offshore fisheries. The Pacific Council’s last assessment occurred in 2003, when data showed declining numbers of rockfish, which led to a curtailed season and reduced bag limits beginning in 2004. 

Members of the public who attend one of the meetings will hear from Oregon State University’s Dr. David Sampson, ODFW’s analyst for the new black rockfish stock assessment, and have the opportunity to ask questions and make comments.  Topics to be covered 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 model to conduct the assessment will not be fully developed.

Dr. Sampson will then conduct the black rockfish assessment using the new model. The Pacific Fishery Management Council’s Stock Assessment Review (STAR) panel for the black rockfish assessment will meet in Portland May 21-25 to determine if the new stock assessment is suitable for the Council to use in management. This meeting is also open to the public.

For more information please contact either David Sampson at (541) 867-0386 or Don Bodenmiller at (541) 867-4741.

About ODFW

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.