West Coast Groundfish Purchasing Manual

U.S.
West Coast
groundfish manual
Powered by
FISHCHOICE.COM
The U.S. West Coast groundfish fishery is the
backbone of many fishing communities.
Consisting of more than 90 different species of
flatfish, rockfish and roundfish caught in waters
off of California, Oregon and Washington, the
fishery is a true environmental success story. After
being declared a federal disaster in 2000, this
fishery has made dramatic improvements through
full catch accountability, ecosystem protections,
incentives to reduce bycatch and avoidance of
overfished species. In 2014, the fishery received Marine Stewardship
Council certification and Seafood Watch removed 21 species from
Avoid (red) status and moved them to either Good Alternative
(yellow) or Best Choice (green).
The abundance, variety, and quality of these fish are still under-
appreciated in the marketplace, however, and more than half the
fishing quota goes uncaught every year. This Groundfish Manual
is your guide to some of the West Coasts most prominent species.
Inside, you will find photos of the fish whole and filleted, along
with cooking suggestions, flavor profiles, and details on availability,
sustainability and more.
We have chosen these 13 species to profile because they are among

the best recognized and studied, but keep in mind that many lesser
known species from this fishery, including a number of species
of rockfish, are also managed sustainably and deserve a place on
Americas table.
Help make U.S. West Coast Groundfish a success story for the ocean,
American fishing communities and your business.
West Coast Groundfish Manual | 2

Table of Contents
FLATFISH
Dover Sole 4
English Sole 6
Pacific Sanddab 8
Petrale Sole10
Starry Flounder12
ROCKFISH
Chilipepper Rockfish14
Longspine Thornyhead16
Shortspine Thornyhead18
Splitnose Rockfish20
Widow Rockfish22
Yellowtail Rockfish24
OTHER
Lingcod26
Longnose Skate28
Summary tables30
3 | West Coast Groundfish Manual

SPECIES SPOTLIGHT
FISHCHOICE.COM
Dover Sole
Dover sole is found from Baja
California to the Bering Sea
and eastern Aleutian Islands.
The elongated body has very
small scales and the top side of
the fish coloration varies from
grayish brown to brown and it
DOVER SOLE may include darker spots. Dover
Microstomus pacificus
sole can reach a maximum of
MARKET NAMES: 10 pounds (few are over 2 lbs.),
slime sole, slippery sole
2.5 feet, and live more than
50 years.
SOURCING PRODUCT FORMS

Not to be confused with European
Dover sole (Solea vulgaris), Dover sole Product Fresh Frozen
from the Pacific has a delicate taste
and firm-textured flesh, although it is Fillets X X
not as mild as European Dover sole.
SELLING POINTS
Since flatfish quality can vary H&G X
immensely, buyers recommend Thin, firm fillets that hold
looking for Dover sole that has Whole X X well in many preparations
uniform color and lacks bruises.
Cooked meat is a clean,
Yellow or gray color fillets
indicate old age. COOKING METHODS white color
Fresh fish can last up to 10 days Forgiving texture and delicate
on ice.
BAKE POACH SAUT taste makes it popular among
U.S. West Coast fishery is open
American consumers
year-round, but stops when fishers
redirect to other target species.
FRY
Dover sole and English sole are often
used interchangeably in the market. STEAM Find Suppliers
on FishChoice.com
CULINARY COMPOSITON
SWEET MEDIUM MEDIUM
MILD STRONG DELICATE FIRM LOW HIGH
FLAVOR TEXTURE OIL

SPECIES SPOTLIGHT
FISHCHOICE.COM
Dover Sole: U.S. West Coast
35
43
Fishing Quota Realized 2011 2014 = % AVG. Price Paid
to Fishermen
2011 2014 =
Opportunity still per pound

available =
65 % 25
5 1
1
1
Seafood Watch Conservation Summary U.S. West

Coast/CGC*
British
Columbia
Alaska
SEAFOOD
WATCH Best Choice Good Alt. Unrated
RATINGS
Impact Dover sole, found in the waters off CA, OR, WA, BC, and AK, have
Best on stock variable abundance that is considered healthy overall.
Choice
Habitat Dover sole are primarily caught using trawls targeting the flatfish in
Good Impacts the soft muddy areas where they live, minimizing habitat impacts.
Alternative
There is little bycatch in the Pacific Dover sole fishery, aided by gear
Bycatch
Avoid improvements that help trawlers avoid bycatch hotspots.
Dover sole on the U.S. West Coast are managed with other groundfish
Management species and measures include: 100% observer coverage on trawlers,
Unrated gear restrictions and a catch share program.
*California Groundfish Collective
U.S. WEST COAST DOVER SOLE LANDINGS U.S. WEST COAST DOVER SOLE
DOVER SOLE SUSTAINABILITY BY REGION 2011 2014 LANDINGS, AVG. 2011 2013
12
Best
MILLIONS OF POUNDS
Choice 10
2014
8
1%
50 %
49 % 6
MSC 4
Certified
2014 2
British U.S. 0
Alaska Columbia West Coast WA OR CA

SPECIES SPOTLIGHT
FISHCHOICE.COM
English Sole
English sole is found from
Baja California to the Bering
Sea. The scales on the fish
go from smooth to rough
from the center of the fish
to the edges and coloration
of the top side of the fish
ENGLISH SOLE
Parophrys vetulu ranges from an olive brown
to reddish brown and may
MARKET NAMES:
have white spots. The fish can
lemon sole
reach lengths of 22 inches
(commercial size closer to 14)
and weigh 3+ lbs.

Usually caught on short trips during
spring and summer. Product Fresh Frozen
Fish should have a uniform color and Fillets X X
lack bruises.
SELLING POINTS
Yellow or gray color fillets indicate H&G X
old age.
Affordable and available
English sole has a distinct iodine smell Whole X X year-round
that isnt as strong when cooked.
English sole is a smaller flatfish and its Thin fillets that hold well in
smaller fillets can be a good value. COOKING METHODS many preparations
Fresh fish can last up to 10 days
on ice.
BAKE POACH SAUT white color
Dover sole and English sole are often
used interchangeably in the market. Forgiving texture and delicate
FRY taste makes it popular among
American consumers
STEAM
Find Suppliers
CULINARY COMPOSITON on FishChoice.com
SWEET MEDIUM MEDIUM
FLAVOR TEXTURE OIL

SPECIES SPOTLIGHT
FISHCHOICE.COM
English Sole: U.S. West Coast
1
34
to Fishermen
2011 2014 =

available =
99 % 25 5
1
1
1
1

Coast/CGC*
British
Columbia
Alaska
SEAFOOD
WATCH Best Choice Good Alt. Unrated
RATINGS
Impact English sole is found primarily along the U.S. West Coast and British
Best on stock Columbia. Recent stock assessments show populations are healthy.
Choice
Habitat English sole are primarily caught in sand and gravel habitats, which
Good Impacts minimizes impacts from trawl gear.
Alternative
Bycatch along the U.S. West Coast is closely managed and mandatory
Bycatch
Avoid use of selective flatfish trawl nets helps reduce bycatch.
English sole management on the U.S. West Coast is considered strong

Management due to measures that include: 100% observer coverage on trawlers,
Unrated gear restrictions, and a catch share program.
U.S. WEST COAST ENGLISH SOLE LANDINGS U.S. WEST COAST ENGLISH SOLE
ENGLISH SOLE SUSTAINABILITY BY REGION 2011 2013 LANDINGS, AVG. 2011 2013
25
Best
Choice 20
X 10,000 POUNDS
2014
6 %
46% 48% 15
10
MSC
Certified 5
2014
British U.S. 0

SPECIES SPOTLIGHT
FISHCHOICE.COM
Pacific Sanddab
Pacific Sanddab is found
from Baja California to the
Bering Sea and the Sea of
Japan. The oval shaped body
is light brown with brown,
black, yellow or orange
markings. Identification of
PACIFIC SANDDAB this fish from other sanddabs
Citharichthys sordidus
requires gill raker (12 16)
MARKET NAMES: and lateral line (61 70) scale
Catalina sanddab,
counts. One of the smallest
soft flounder, megrim
flatfish, the fish can reach 16
inches and 2 lbs.

Pacific sanddab are usually less than
1/2 pound in size and marketed Product Fresh Frozen
pan-ready.
Fillets X X
Fresh fish can last up to 10 days
on ice. SELLING POINTS
Whole X X
U.S. West Coast fishery is open year-
Thin, firm fillets that hold well
round, but stops when fishers redirect
to other target species. Pan Ready X in many preparations
Fresh fillets should have a translucent Cooked meat is a clean,
sheen giving the meat a wet COOKING METHODS white color
appearance.
Raw flesh should be very firm and Pacific sanddab is known
smell like the sea, not fishy.
BAKE POACH SAUT for its sweet, nutty flavor
and is popular among
many consumers
FRY
STEAM
Find Suppliers
on FishChoice.com
CULINARY COMPOSITON
SWEET MEDIUM MEDIUM
FLAVOR TEXTURE OIL

SPECIES SPOTLIGHT
FISHCHOICE.COM
Pacific Sanddab: U.S. West Coast
NA
63
Fishing Quota Realized 2011 2014 = AVG. Price Paid
to Fishermen
2011 2014 =
There is no quota specifically for

per pound
pacific sanddab as it is caught as
part of a collective of species 25 1 1
designated as Other flatfish 25 1
Seafood Watch Conservation Summary C.G.C.*

U.S. West
Coast
SEAFOOD
WATCH Best Choice Good Alt.
RATINGS
Impact Pacific sanddab populations on the U.S. West Coast are currently healthy and have
Best on stock been increasing in recent years.
Choice
Habitat Most Pacific sanddab are caught using bottom trawl, however, the fishing occurs on
Good Impacts sandy and gravel habitats minimizing gear impacts.
Alternative
Bycatch in the U.S. West Coast groundfish fishery, which includes Pacific sanddab, is
Bycatch
Avoid low, and is carefully managed through spatial and gear restrictions.
Pacific sanddab management on the U.S. West Coast is considered strong and
Management management measures include: 100% observer coverage on trawlers, gear
Unrated restrictions and a catch share program.
U.S. WEST COAST PACIFIC SANDDAB LANDINGS U.S. WEST COAST

PACIFIC SANDDAB BY REGION 2011 2012 PACIFIC SANDDAB LANDINGS,
SUSTAINABILITY AVG. 2011 2012
20
X 10,000 POUNDS
Best Good
Choice
2014
Alternative
2014 79% 21% 15
10
5
California
U.S. Groundfish 0
West Coast Collective U.S. WEST COAST CGC

SPECIES SPOTLIGHT
FISHCHOICE.COM
Petrale Sole
Petrale sole is found from
northern Baja California to the
Bering Sea, Aleutian Islands
and Gulf of Alaska. The oval-
to round-shaped body is
uniformly light to dark brown
in coloration with smooth
PETRALE SOLE skin. Petrale sole can grow up
Eopsetta jordani
to 2 feet and live 17 years.
MARKET NAMES:
flounder, California sole,
brill, petral

Whole fish usually weigh between 1
and 3 lbs. and fillets vary from 3 10 Product Fresh Frozen
ounces.
Fillets X X
Fish should have a uniform color and
lack bruises. SELLING POINTS
H&G X
Yellow or gray color fillets Affordable and available
indicates old age.
Whole X X year-round
The best time to buy petrale sole for
price is in the winter. Thin fillets that hold well in
As larger flatfish sell for a premium, COOKING METHODS many preparations
smaller fillets can be a good value.
Fresh fish can last up to 10 days white color
on ice. BAKE POACH SAUT
Delicate texture and mild
taste makes it popular among
FRY
American consumers
STEAM
Find Suppliers
CULINARY COMPOSITON
on FishChoice.com
SWEET MEDIUM MEDIUM
FLAVOR TEXTURE OIL

SPECIES SPOTLIGHT
FISHCHOICE.COM
Petrale Sole: U.S. West Coast

Fishing Quota Realized
2011 2014 = %
95
AVG. Price Paid
to Fishermen
2011 2014 =
$1.35
per pound
Opportunity still
available =
25 25
5 % 25
25
25
Seafood Watch Conservation Summary CGC*

U.S. West
Coast
British
Columbia
SEAFOOD
WATCH
Best Choice Good Alt. Good Alt.
RATINGS Petrale sole, once considered overfished along the U.S. West Coast has
Impact recovered. The species life history makes it moderately vulnerable to
Best on stock fishing pressure.
Choice
Habitat Petrale sole are primarily caught in sandy and muddy habitats making
Good Impacts impacts from trawl gear minimal.
Alternative
There is little bycatch in the U.S. West Coast petrale sole fishery as
Bycatch
Avoid much of the fish is caught in a multispecies integrated fishery.
Petrale sole on the U.S. West Coast is considered strong due to

Management measures that include: 100% observer coverage on trawlers, gear
Unrated restrictions, and a catch share program.
U.S. WEST COAST PETRALE SOLE LANDINGS PETRALE SOLE LANDINGS BY

PETRALE SOLE SUSTAINABILITY BY SFW RATINGS 2011 2014 SUSTAINABILITY, 2011 2012
2
Best Good
MILLIONS OF POUNDS
Choice Alternative
2014 2014
3.7%
50.1 %
46.2 % 1
MSC
Certified
2014 California
British U.S. Groundfish 0
Columbia West Coast Collective WA OR CA CGC

SPECIES SPOTLIGHT
FISHCHOICE.COM
Starry Flounder
Starry Flounder range from
Southern California to the
Bering Sea and Aleutian
Islands, the Sea of Japan
and the Sea of Okhotsk. The
oval body and pointed head
ranges in coloration from olive
STARRY FLOUNDER to dark brown or black. Starry
Platichthys stellatus
flounder has light yellow/
MARKET NAMES: orange colored fins with
California flounder,
distinct black bars.
diamond flounder,
grindstone

Fish should have a uniform color and
lack bruises. Product Fresh Frozen
Yellow or gray color fillets indicate Fillets X X
old age.
SELLING POINTS
Starry flounder is one of the biggest H&G X
flounders from the Pacific and can Affordable and available
reach 10 15 lbs.
As larger flatfish sell for a premium,
smaller fillets can be a good value. Thicker fillet has more
Fresh fish can last up to 10 days COOKING METHODS culinary options in
on ice. preparation and serving
BAKE POACH SAUT
white color
Forgiving texture and delicate
FRY
taste makes it popular among
STEAM American consumers
Texture of starry flounder
is more firm than other
CULINARY COMPOSITON flounders
SWEET MEDIUM MEDIUM
Find Suppliers
on FishChoice.com
FLAVOR TEXTURE OIL

SPECIES SPOTLIGHT
FISHCHOICE.COM
Starry Flounder: U.S. West Coast
1
67
to Fishermen
2011 2014 =

available =
99 % 25
25 5
1
1

Coast
British
Columbia
SEAFOOD
WATCH
Best Choice Unrated
RATINGS Starry flounder are found along the coasts from Southern California to the Aleutian
Impact Islands. The most recent stock assessment in 2005 showed healthy northern and
Best on stock southern populations.
Choice
Habitat Starry flounderare primarily caught using trawls in sandy and muddy habitats that
Good Impacts are resilient to fishing impacts.
Alternative
Bycatch There are very few true bycatch species caught in fisheries targeting starry flounder.
Avoid
Starry flounder on the U.S. West Coast is considered strong due to measures that
Management include: 100% observer coverage on trawlers, gear restrictions, and a catch share
Unrated program.
U.S. WEST COAST STARRY FLOUNDER LANDINGS U.S. WEST COAST STARRY
STARRY FLOUNDER BY REGION 2011 2014 FLOUNDER LANDINGS
THOUSANDS OF POUNDS
15
Best
Choice
2014 33.4% 65.6% 10
British U.S. 0
Columbia West Coast WA OR CA

SPECIES SPOTLIGHT
FISHCHOICE.COM
Chilipepper Rockfish
Chilipepper Rockfish range
from Baja California to British
Columbia. The fish has an
elongated head that lacks
spines, a protruding lower jaw
and a distinct bright red zone
CHILIPEPPER ROCKFISH along its lateral line. Chilipepper
Sebastes goodei rockfish differ from bocaccio
MARKET NAMES: rockfish with a smaller mouth
Pacific red snapper, and an upper jaw that extends
chilipepper sea perch to the center of the eye. This
species can grow to 22 inches
and live to be 16 years old.
SOURCING PRODUCT FORMS SELLING POINTS

Rockfish skin should be shiny and Affordable and available
bright and is stale if it appears yellow, Product Fresh Frozen
orange or wrinkled. year-round
Fillets X X
Fillets shouldnt have signs of Texture fits nicely between
browning, graying or yellowing. more delicate flounders and
H&G X
Fillets hold together better with more firm swordfish
skin on.
Whole X X Rockfish hold well in many
Whole fish should have shiny, bright,
and clear eyes. preparations and remains
Gills should be bright pink or red COOKING METHODS moist when baked
(not brick red) and scales should be
shining and clinging to the skin. Whole, dressed rockfish
BAKE POACH are well suited to cook on
Flesh on fillets should be moist SAUT
and when pressed, bounce back to a barbecue
original form.
Chilipepper name adds
FRY
menu appeal
STEAM
Find Suppliers
CULINARY COMPOSITON on FishChoice.com
SWEET MEDIUM MEDIUM
FLAVOR TEXTURE OIL

SPECIES SPOTLIGHT
FISHCHOICE.COM
Chilipepper Rockfish: U.S. West Coast
25
66
to Fishermen
2011 2014 =

available =
75 % 25
25 5
1
Seafood Watch Conservation Summary CGC* C NON-GC

SEAFOOD
WATCH
Best Choice Good Alt.
RATINGS Chilipepper rockfish have traits that make them less inherently vulnerable to fishing
Impact pressure than other rockfish species and U.S. West Coast populations are currently
Best on stock healthy according to the most recent stock assessments from 2006 and 2007.
Choice
Habitat Most chilipepper rockfish are caught using bottom trawl, however, spatial
Good Impacts restrictions on fishing gear help reduce the impact.
Alternative
Bycatch in the U.S. West Coast groundfish fishery, which includes chilipepper
Bycatch
Avoid rockfish, is low, and is carefully managed through spatial and gear restrictions.
Chilipepper rockfish management on the U.S. West Coast is considered strong

Management and management measures include: 100% observer coverage on trawlers, gear
U.S. WEST COAST CHILIPEPPER ROCKFISH U.S. WEST COAST

CHILIPEPPER ROCKFISH LANDINGS CHILIPEPPER ROCKFISH
SUSTAINABILITY BY REGION 2011 2012 LANDINGS, AVG. 2011 2012
Best Good 31
X 10,000 POUNDS
Choice Alternative
2014 2014 30
51.5% 48.5% 29
MSC 28
Certified
2014 California California
non-Groundfish Groundfish 27
CGC C NON-GC
Collective Collective
SPECIES SPOTLIGHT
FISHCHOICE.COM
Longspine Thornyhead
Longspine Thornyhead
range from southern Baja to
the Gulf of Alaska. The fish
has a thorny spine across
its cheek and when landed
the body is red with some
black on the fins. Longspine
LONGSPINE THORNYHEAD
thornyheads differ from
Sebastolobus altivelis
shortspine thornyheads with
MARKET NAMES: the third dorsal spine being
thornyhead,
spinycheek rockfish,
longer than the fourth. This
idiotfish species can grow to 15 inches
and live to be 45 years old.

Rockfish skin should be shiny and
orange or wrinkled.
Fillets shouldnt have signs of H&G X
browning, graying or yellowing. SELLING POINTS
Fillets hold together better with Affordable and available
skin on. Whole X X year-round
and clear eyes. Texture fits nicely between
Gills should be bright pink or red COOKING METHODS more delicate flounders and
(not brick red) and scales should be more firm swordfish
shining and clinging to the skin.
Rockfish hold well in many
Flesh on fillets should be moist BAKE POACH SAUT
and when pressed, bounce back to preparations and remains
original form. moist when baked
FRY
Whole, dressed rockfish
STEAM are well suited to cook on
a barbecue
CULINARY COMPOSITON
Find Suppliers
on FishChoice.com
SWEET MEDIUM MEDIUM
FLAVOR TEXTURE OIL

SPECIES SPOTLIGHT
FISHCHOICE.COM
Longspine Thornyhead: U.S. West Coast
52
30
to Fishermen
2011 2014 =
Opportunity still
available =
48 % 25
5

Coast/CGC*
British
Columbia
SEAFOOD
WATCH
Best Choice Good Alt.
RATINGS
Impact U.S. West Coast populations of longspine thornyheads declined somewhat since the
Best on stock 1970s and 80s, but stocks are currently considered healthy.
Choice Longspine thornyhead fisheries include both longline and trawl gears, and the
Habitat combination of spatial restrictions and gear modifications help reduce habitat
Good Impacts impacts.
Alternative
Bycatch along the U.S. West Coast is closely managed and mandatory use of
Bycatch
Avoid selective flatfish trawl nets helps reduce bycatch.
Longspine thornyheads management on the U.S. West Coast is considered strong

Management and management measures include: 100% observer coverage on trawlers, gear
U.S. WEST COAST LONGSPINE THORNYHEAD U.S. WEST COAST

LONGSPINE THORNYHEAD LANDINGS LONGSPINE THORNYHEAD
SUSTAINABILITY BY REGION 2012 LANDINGS, AVG. 2011 2013
15
X 100,000 POUNDS
Best
Choice
2014
10.1% 89.9% 10
5
MSC
Certified
2014 British U.S. 0
Columbia West Coast WA OR CA

SPECIES SPOTLIGHT
FISHCHOICE.COM
Shortspine Thornyhead
Shortspine Thornyhead range
from central Baja, the Gulf of
Alaska, the Sea of Japan and
the Sea of Okhotsk. The fish
has a spiny ridge across its
cheek, and is pinkish red with
SHORTSPINE THORNYHEAD
a white throat when landed.
Sebastolobus alascanus
Unlike longspine thornyheads,
MARKET NAMES: this species lacks an elongated
thornyhead,
spinycheek rockfish, third dorsal spine. Shortspine
idiotfish thornyheads can grow to
30 inches, 20 lbs., and live to
100 years old.

Rockfish skin should be shiny and
orange or wrinkled.
Fillets X X
Fillets shouldnt have signs of
browning, graying or yellowing. SELLING POINTS
H&G X
Fillets hold together better with Affordable and available
skin on.
and clear eyes. Texture fits nicely between
Gills should be bright pink or red COOKING METHODS more delicate flounders and
(not brick red) and scales should be more firm swordfish
shining and clinging to the skin.
Rockfish hold well in many
Flesh on fillets should be moist BAKE POACH SAUT
and when pressed, bounce back to preparations and remains
original form. moist when baked
FRY
Whole, dressed rockfish
STEAM are well suited to cook on
a barbecue
CULINARY COMPOSITON
Find Suppliers
on FishChoice.com
SWEET MEDIUM MEDIUM
FLAVOR TEXTURE OIL

SPECIES SPOTLIGHT
FISHCHOICE.COM
Shortspine Thornyhead: U.S. West Coast

Fishing Quota Realized 2011 2014 =
52 % AVG. Price Paid
to Fishermen
2011 2014 =
$1.46
per pound
Opportunity still
available =
25 25
48 % 25
25
25
1

Coast/CGC*
British
Columbia
Alaska
SEAFOOD Best Choice Avoid Good Alt.
WATCH
RATINGS U.S. West Coast populations of shortspine thornyheads declined
Impact somewhat since the 1970s and 80s, but stocks are currently
Best on stock considered healthy.
Choice Shortspine thornyhead fisheries include both longline and trawl gears,
Habitat and the combination of spatial restrictions and gear modifications
Good Impacts help reduce habitat impacts.
Alternative
Bycatch along the U.S. West Coast is closely managed and mandatory
Bycatch
Avoid use of selective flatfish trawl nets helps reduce bycatch.
Shortspine thornyhead management on the U.S. West Coast is

Management considered strong and management measures include: 100% observer
Unrated coverage on trawlers, gear restrictions and a catch share program.
U.S. WEST COAST SHORTSPINE THORNYHEAD U.S. WEST COAST

SHORTSPINE THORNYHEAD LANDINGS SHORTSPINE THORNYHEAD
SUSTAINABILITY BY REGION 2011 2014 LANDINGS, AVG. 2011 2013
Best 10 LINES
Choice
X 100,000 POUNDS
2014 8 TRAWL
37.6 26.5 32.6

% % % 6
4
MSC
Certified 2
2014 British U.S. 0

SPECIES SPOTLIGHT
FISHCHOICE.COM
Splitnose Rockfish
Splitnose Rockfish range from
Baja California to Prince William
Sound, Alaska. When landed the
body is dark pink with a pale
belly. Splitnose rockfish have
large eyes and several sharp
head spines. The species is
SPLITNOSE ROCKFISH
Sebastes diploproa distinguished from aurora and
chameleon rockfishes by a deep
MARKET NAMES:
rock cod notch on its upper jaw. Splitnose
rockfish can grow to 18 inches
and live to 86 years old.

Fillets X X
H&G X
skin on.
original form.
FRY
STEAM Find Suppliers
on FishChoice.com
CULINARY COMPOSITON
SWEET MEDIUM MEDIUM
FLAVOR TEXTURE OIL

SPECIES SPOTLIGHT
FISHCHOICE.COM
Splitnose Rockfish: U.S. West Coast
3
30
to Fishermen
2011 2014 =

available =
97 % 25 5

Coast*
British
Columbia
Alaska
SEAFOOD Best Choice Avoid Unrated
WATCH
RATINGS Splitnose rockfish populations declined between the 1960s through
Impact the 1990s, but have been increasing since 1999 and were found to be
Best on stock healthy when they were most recently assessed in 2009.
Choice
Habitat Splitnose rockfish are primarily caught using bottom trawls, but spatial
Good Impacts restrictions help mitigate damage to sensitive habitat.
Alternative
Bycatch in the U.S. West Coast groundfish fishery, which includes
Bycatch splitnose rockfish, is low, and is carefully managed through spatial and
Avoid gear restrictions.
Splitnose rockfish management on the U.S. West Coast is considered
Management strong and management measures include: 100% observer coverage
Unrated on trawlers, gear restrictions and a catch share program.
*Midwater & Bottom Trawl
U.S. WEST COAST SPLITNOSE ROCKFISH LANDINGS U.S. WEST COAST

SPLITNOSE ROCKFISH BY REGION 2011 2014 SPLITNOSE ROCKFISH
SUSTAINABILITY LANDINGS, AVG. 2011 2013
THOUSANDS OF POUNDS
Best 30
Choice
2014
50.4% 49.6%
MSC
Certified
2014 Other California 29
Landings Trawl CA TRAWL OTHER

SPECIES SPOTLIGHT
FISHCHOICE.COM
WIDOW ROCKFISH
Widow Rockfish range
from Baja California to
Kodiak Island, Alaska. When
underwater, the fish varies
in coloration from brown to
orange. Widow rockfish have a
WIDOW ROCKFISH short head with a small mouth
Sebastes entomelas and are distinguished by black
MARKET NAMES: pectoral fin membranes. This
widowfish species can grow to 23 inches
and live to 60 years old.

Fillets X X
H&G X
skin on.
original form.
FRY
on FishChoice.com
CULINARY COMPOSITON
SWEET MEDIUM MEDIUM
FLAVOR TEXTURE OIL

SPECIES SPOTLIGHT
FISHCHOICE.COM
WIDOW ROCKFISH: U.S. West Coast
42
46
to Fishermen
2011 2014 =

available =
58 % 25
1
U.S. West British

Seafood Watch Conservation Summary Coast* Columbia
Alaska
SEAFOOD Best Choice Avoid Unrated

WATCH
U.S. West Coast widow rockfish were declared overfished in 2001 but
RATINGS Impact the stock was rebuilt in 2011 and the population is considered healthy
Best on stock overall.
Choice Habitat Widow rockfish along the U.S. West Coast are caught primarily using
midwater trawl gear that has little impact on the ocean bottom
Good Impacts habitats.
Alternative
To avoid catching overfished rockfish species while targeting widow
Bycatch rockfish on the U.S. West Coast, Rockfish Conservation Areas were
Avoid established where fishing is limited.
Widow rockfish management on the U.S. West Coast is considered
*Midwater & Bottom Trawl
U.S. WEST COAST WIDOW ROCKFISH LANDINGS U.S. WEST COAST

WIDOW ROCKFISH BY REGION 2011 2013 WIDOW ROCKFISH LANDINGS,
1%
5
X 100,000 POUNDS
Best
Choice 4
2014
51.6 %
47.3 % 3
2
MSC
Certified 1
2014 British U.S. 0

SPECIES SPOTLIGHT
FISHCHOICE.COM
Yellowtail Rockfish
Yellowtail Rockfish range
from San Diego, California
to Unalaska Island, Alaska.
When landed the body turns a
uniform olive brown with some
reddish brown spots on the
scales. Yellowtail rockfish have
YELLOWTAIL ROCKFISH a long head with a protruding
Sebastes flavidus
lower jaw and is distinguished
MARKET NAMES: from olive rockfish by the
green rockfish,
absence of spines on the head.
yellowtail sea perch
This species can grow to 26
inches and live to 64 years old.

Fillets X X
H&G X
skin on.
original form.
FRY
on FishChoice.com
CULINARY COMPOSITON
SWEET MEDIUM MEDIUM
FLAVOR TEXTURE OIL

SPECIES SPOTLIGHT
FISHCHOICE.COM
Yellowtail Rockfish: U.S. West Coast
28
52
to Fishermen
2011 2014 =

available =
72 % 25 25
1
1

Coast
British
Columbia
B.C. TRAWL
SEAFOOD Best Choice Good Alt. AVOID
WATCH
RATINGS Yellowtail rockfish are found along the U.S. West Coast and British
Impact Columbia. The species is vulnerable to fishing pressure, but U.S. West
Best on stock Coast populations are healthy.
Choice
Habitat Yellowtail rockfish are caught with a variety of gear types minimizing
Good Impacts habitat impacts.
Alternative
Bycatch in the U.S. West Coast groundfish fishery, which includes
Bycatch yellowtail rockfish, is low, and is carefully managed through spatial
Avoid and gear restrictions.
Yellowtail rockfish management on the U.S. West Coast is considered
U.S. WEST COAST YELLOWTAIL ROCKFISH LANDINGS U.S. WEST COAST

YELLOWTAIL ROCKFISH BY REGION 2011 2014 YELLOWTAIL ROCKFISH
MILLIONS OF POUNDS
Best 0.6% 2
Choice
2014
50.1% 49.2% 1.5
MSC .5
Certified
2014 B.C. LL, B.C. U.S. 0
JIG, TROLL TRAWL West Coast WA OR CA

SPECIES SPOTLIGHT
FISHCHOICE.COM
Lingcod
Lingcod are actually not cod at
allthey are in the same group
of fishes as sablefish, Pacific
rockfish and scorpionfish.
This bottom-dwelling fish only
LINGCOD occurs on the West Coast of
Ophiodon elongates
North America. They grow
MARKET NAMES: quickly and mature within a
greenling, buckethead, bluefish, few years, which has allowed
green cod, buffalo cod
them to recover quickly from
overfishing. This species can
reach 5 feet and 80 pounds and
live for more than 20 years.

Most lingcod is caught as bycatch
in other fisheries, but there are Product Fresh Frozen
some targeted fisheries, namely
Southeast Alaska. Fillets X X
Raw lingcod flesh can have a blue- SELLING POINTS
green tintthis is perfectly normal, H&G X
and when cooked it turns a snow A lower cost alternative
white color. Steaks X X to halibut
Look for a grayish flesh color and/or
Cooked meat is moist, white,
blood spots to signal mishandling.
COOKING METHODS and flaky
Dull eyes and faded gills on whole
lingcod indicate a lack of freshness. Versatile culinary options
BAKE GRILL BROIL ranging from simple
to sophisticated
FRY Available year-round

SAUT STEAM
Find Suppliers
on FishChoice.com
CULINARY COMPOSITON
SWEET MEDIUM MEDIUM
FLAVOR TEXTURE OIL

SPECIES SPOTLIGHT
FISHCHOICE.COM
Lingcod: U.S. West Coast

Fishing Quota Realized 2011 2014 =
16 % AVG. Price Paid
to Fishermen
2011 2014 =
$1.08
per pound
Opportunity still
available =
25 1
84 % 25 25
25 5 1
1
U.S. West British

Seafood Watch Conservation Summary Coast
longline &
U.S. West
Coast
Columbia
Trawl &
Alaska
Handline
trawl Longline
Best Choice Good Alt. Good Alt. Unrated
In 1999 lingcod was declared overfished but several
SFW RATING Impact years of strict catch limits helped the fishery get rebuilt
Best on stock ahead of schedule in 2005.
Choice Habitat Lingcod are mainly caught by bottom trawls and
handlines on the U.S. West Coast. Impact from trawl gear
Good Impacts is mitigated from spatial restrictions.
Alternative
Although bycatch used to be an issue in the lingcod
Bycatch fisheries, bycatch dropped 75% after the implementation
Avoid of a management plan on the West Coast in 2011.
Lingcod management on the U.S. West Coast is strong.
Management Measures include: 100% observer coverage on trawlers,
Unrated gear restrictions and a catch share program.
U.S. WEST COAST LINGCOD LANDINGS U.S. WEST COAST LINGCOD

LINGCOD SUSTAINABILITY BY REGION 2011 2014 LANDINGS, AVG. 2010 2012
U.S.
Best Good West Coast 6 TRAWL &
Choice Alternative Handline LONGLINE
X 100,000 POUNDS
2014 2014 5
4.6% HANDLINE
4
MSC
13.4%
65.7% 16.0% 3
2
Certified
2014 U.S. 1
West Coast
British Trawl & 0
Alaska Columbia longline WA OR CA

SPECIES SPOTLIGHT
FISHCHOICE.COM
Longnose Skate
Longnose Skate are found
on the sea floor from Baja,
California to Alaska. The fish
is distinguished by a long,
sharply pointed snout and
its dark brown coloration.
Longnose skate can reach
lengths of 4+ feet and live up
LONGNOSE SKATE to 30 years.
Raja Rhina
MARKET NAMES:
skate

The edible part of skates fins are
referred to as wings. Product Fresh Frozen
Skate can be purchased as skin-off Skin-off Wings X X
wings, skin-on wings, fillets or whole.
Due to California state regulations Skin-on Wings X X
aimed at protecting sharks, longnose SELLING POINTS
skate can only be purchased whole
form, not as wings, in California. In Fillets X X Distinct texture makes skate
other states both whole and wings a unique seafood option
are available. Whole X X
Longonse skate wings average 3 to 5
Great option for soups,
lbs. per wing. and as a replacement for
COOKING METHODS
Raw meat is light beige to pink and sharkfin soup
turns off-white after cooking.
Skate prefer to eat mollusks,
Avoid buying any skate with an
ammonia smell.
BAKE POACH SAUT crustaceans and small fish
which give give them a
Although similar in appearance to
California and big skate, longnose FRY scallop-like taste
skate is the dominant skate landed
in California.
Affordable and available
year-round
CULINARY COMPOSITON
Find Suppliers
SWEET MEDIUM MEDIUM on FishChoice.com
FLAVOR TEXTURE OIL

SPECIES SPOTLIGHT
FISHCHOICE.COM
Longnose Skate: U.S. West Coast
36
U.S. West Coast Skate SPP. Landings AVG. Price Paid
to Fishermen
2011 2014 =
Longnose
Skate = per pound
75 %
Other
Skate =
25%
25 1

Coast
British
Columbia
SEAFOOD
WATCH
Best Choice Avoid
RATINGS Longnose skate has characteristics that make them inherently vulnerable to fishing
Impact pressure. Although U.S. West Coast populations declined since the 1900s, current
Best on stock stocks remain above management targets.
Choice
Habitat Longnose skates are caught using bottom longline and bottom trawl gear. Spatial
Good Impacts management measures have helped mitigate gear impacts along the U.S. West Coast.
Alternative
Bycatch in the U.S. West Coast groundfish fishery which longnose skate is low, and the
Bycatch
Avoid multi-species nature of the fishery makes it dicult to clearly identify bycatch at times.
Longnose skate management on the U.S. West Coast is considered strong and
Management management measures include: gear restrictions, catch limits, and a catch share
Unrated program.
U.S. WEST COAST LONGNOSE SKATE LANDINGS U.S. WEST COAST

LONGNOSE SKATE BY REGION 2011 2014 LONGNOSE SKATE
Best 15 LONGLINE
Choice TRAWL
X 100,000 POUNDS
2014
67.7% 32.3% 10
5
MSC
Certified
2014 British U.S. 0
Columbia West Coast OR CA

SUMMARY TABLES
FISHCHOICE.COM
Species SUmmary: Market conditions and Sustainability

2014 2014
2014
2011 2013 2011 2013 SFW Rating Marine
SFW Rating U.S.
Species Name Scientific Name Avg. Ex-Vessel Avg. Unfished
West Coast
California Stewardship
Price Quota Groundfish council
Trawl*
Collective Certified SEAFOOD WATCH
RATINGS
Dover Sole Microstomus pacificus $0.43 65%
= Best Choice
English Sole Parophrys vetulus $0.34 98% = Good Alternative
Flatfish
Pacific Sanddab Citharichthys sordidus $0.63 N/A = Avoid

Petrale Sole Eopsetta jordani $0.74 5% = Unrated
Starry Flounder Platichthys stellatus $0.67 99%

Chilipepper Rockfish Sebastes goodei $0.66 74%
Longspine Thornyhead Sebastolobus altivelis $0.30 48% MARINE
STEWARDSHIP
$1.46 48%
Rockfish
Shortspine Thornyhead Sebastolobus alascanus COUNCIL

CERTIFICATION
Splitnose Rockfish Sebastes diploproa $0.30 97% = Certified
Widow Rockfish Sebastes entomelas $0.46 58%
Yellowtail Rockfish Sebastes flavidus $0.52 72%
Lingcod* Ophiodon elongatus $1.08 84%
Other
Longnose Skate Raja rhina $0.36 N/A

*U.S. West Coast lingcod fishery assessments include trawl, longline (Best Choice), and handline (Good Alternative) fisheries.
Strengths of the U.S. West Coast

Groundfish Trawl Fishery
The strong link between [stock] assessments and management actions
The management plan establishes individual accountability on the part of

fishermen and delivers more complete data for fishery managers
Sensitive habitats are protected in areas of essential fish habitat, and

additional areas deemed off-limits to bottom trawls
The management system is transparent and open to the public
The catch share program provides incentives for sustainable fishing

SUMMARY TABLES
FISHCHOICE.COM
Other U.S. West Coast Groundfish Trawl Fisheries

Species Name Scientific Name Market Name(s) SFW Rating
Arrowtooth Flounder Atheresthes stomias turbot

Flatfish
Errex zachirus, SEAFOOD WATCH

Rex Sole Glyptocephalus zachirus
longfin sole
RATINGS
Aurora Rockfish Sebastes aurora rockfish = Best Choice

Blackgill Rockfish (3) Sebastes melanstomus = Good Alternative
= Avoid
Bocaccio Rockfish (2) Sebastes paucispinis jack, merou
= Unrated
Canary Rockfish Sebastes pinniger orange rockfish
Rockfish
Darkblotched Rockfish (3) Sebastes crameri blackmouth rockfish
Grass Rockfish Sebastes rastrelliger
Greenstriped Rockfish Sebastes elongatus
Pacific Ocean Perch Sebastes atrovirens ocean perch
Rougheye Rockfish (3) Sebastes aleutianus
Big Skate Raja binoculata
California Skate Raja inornata
Giant Rattail (Grenadier) (3) Albatrossia pectoralis

Other
Pacific Cod Gadus macrocephalus Alaska cod, grey cod, true cod, P-cod
Pacific Grenadier Coryphaenoides acrolepis
Sablefish Anoplopoma fimbria black cod
Sablefish (IFQ longline & pot)* Anoplopoma fimbria black cod
* Multiple sablefish fisheries on the U.S. West Coast using longline

and pot/trap methods (not trawl) scored SFW Best Choice ratings.
Other Lingcod
% 2%
Skate
5% 4
Estimated % Of Groundfish Landings
by Group based on 2012 landings
SPECIES MT rockfish
Flatfish
Flatfish 10,876
19%
Sablefish
Rockfish
4,645
4,170
49% Bellman, et al.. 2013.
Bellman, M.A., Al-
Humaidhi, J., Jannot,
Skate 1,126 J. Majewski, J. 2013.
sablefish Estimated discard and
catch of groundfish
Other 9,38
Lingcod 423 21% species in the 2012 U.S.
west coast fisheries.
West Coast Groundfish
Observer Program,
National Marine
Total 22,178 Fisheries Service,
NWFSC, Seattle, WA.

FISHCHOICE.COM
About Environmental About FishChoice.com Contacts

Defense Fund FishChoice, Inc. (FCI) is a registered Roxanne Nanninga
Environmental Defense 501(c)(3) nonprofit that is funded Senior Specialist,
Fund, a leading international by private foundations. FishChoice Seafood Markets Strategy
nonprofit organization, creates works directly with the Monterey Environmental Defense Fund
transformational solutions to Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch RNanninga@edf.org
the most serious environmental program, Ocean Wise, NOAA
problems. EDF links science, Fisheries, the Marine Stewardship Justin Boevers
economics, law and innovative Council, the Aquaculture Director of Operations
private-sector partnerships. For Stewardship Council, Global FishChoice.com
nearly two decades, EDF experts Aquaculture Alliance, and Fair justin@fishchoice.com
have worked with fishermen and Trade USA in providing science-
fishery managers to restore US based, up-to-date sustainable Acknowledgements
fisheries. Now, the number of seafood information and tools
federally managed overfished for businesses. Marine Stewardship Council
species is at an all-time low.
Monterey Bay Aquarium
We are working for a future Learn more at Seafood Watch
in which fishermen are better FishChoice.com NOAA Fisheries
off because US fisheries are
flourishing, providing a stable
Photo Credits
and healthy source of food and
recreation, and a safe, profitable, Shawn Linehan
and long-term means of making a
living across the country. John Snow (Longspine Thornyhead)
Washington Department of
Learn more at Fish and Wildlife
edf.org/oceans

West Coast Groundfish Purchasing Manual

Uploaded by

Document Information

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

West Coast Groundfish Purchasing Manual

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

U.S.

We have chosen these 13 species to profile because they are among

West Coast Groundfish Manual | 2

3 | West Coast Groundfish Manual

SOURCING PRODUCT FORMS

SWEET MEDIUM MEDIUM

MILD STRONG DELICATE FIRM LOW HIGH

FLAVOR TEXTURE OIL

Dover Sole: U.S. West Coast

Opportunity still per pound

Seafood Watch Conservation Summary U.S. West

*California Groundfish Collective

5 | West Coast Groundfish Manual

SOURCING PRODUCT FORMS

SWEET MEDIUM MEDIUM

MILD STRONG DELICATE FIRM LOW HIGH

FLAVOR TEXTURE OIL

English Sole: U.S. West Coast

Opportunity still per pound

Seafood Watch Conservation Summary U.S. West

English sole management on the U.S. West Coast is considered strong

*California Groundfish Collective

7 | West Coast Groundfish Manual

SOURCING PRODUCT FORMS

SWEET MEDIUM MEDIUM

MILD STRONG DELICATE FIRM LOW HIGH

FLAVOR TEXTURE OIL

Pacific Sanddab: U.S. West Coast

There is no quota specifically for

Seafood Watch Conservation Summary C.G.C.*

*California Groundfish Collective

U.S. WEST COAST PACIFIC SANDDAB LANDINGS U.S. WEST COAST

9 | West Coast Groundfish Manual

SOURCING PRODUCT FORMS

SWEET MEDIUM MEDIUM

MILD STRONG DELICATE FIRM LOW HIGH

FLAVOR TEXTURE OIL

Petrale Sole: U.S. West Coast

Seafood Watch Conservation Summary CGC*

Petrale sole on the U.S. West Coast is considered strong due to

*California Groundfish Collective

U.S. WEST COAST PETRALE SOLE LANDINGS PETRALE SOLE LANDINGS BY

11 | West Coast Groundfish Manual

SOURCING PRODUCT FORMS

SWEET MEDIUM MEDIUM

FLAVOR TEXTURE OIL

Starry Flounder: U.S. West Coast

Opportunity still per pound

Seafood Watch Conservation Summary U.S. West

13 | West Coast Groundfish Manual

SOURCING PRODUCT FORMS SELLING POINTS

SWEET MEDIUM MEDIUM

MILD STRONG DELICATE FIRM LOW HIGH

FLAVOR TEXTURE OIL

Chilipepper Rockfish: U.S. West Coast

Opportunity still per pound

Seafood Watch Conservation Summary CGC* C NON-GC

Chilipepper rockfish management on the U.S. West Coast is considered strong

*California Groundfish Collective

U.S. WEST COAST CHILIPEPPER ROCKFISH U.S. WEST COAST

SOURCING PRODUCT FORMS

MILD STRONG DELICATE FIRM LOW HIGH

FLAVOR TEXTURE OIL

Longspine Thornyhead: U.S. West Coast