Sebastes entomelas (Widow Rockfish)
Credit: NOAA
about the species
Sebastes entomelas, the widow rockfish, is a commercially and recreationally harvested species that ranges from Baja California to Alaska. It reaches a maximum size of 24 inches, and lives in costal environments to depths of 1200ft where it eats small crustaceans. They can live for up to 60 years, although 20 years is more common, reaching sexual maturity at 8 years of age.
why species was selected
Widow rockfish are the second most exploited rockfish species in California. They were declared overfished in the west coast in 2001. Although it underwent a stock rebuilding effort and was declared rebuilt in 2011, landings have declined by 67% since 2000. Understanding the genomic diversity will help understand stock structure and potential impacts of stock declines.
