Rockfishes and their close relatives are some of the most important fishes on the Pacific Coast. They occur on reefs, around sunken wrecks, and among kelp beds, and they often comprise more than 90 percent of all the fishes living in these locations. In addition, rockfishes and their ilk are favorites of recreational and commercial fishers, are the frequent subjects of underwater photographers, and are of major economic value. Unfortunately, some species have been heavily overfished. In spite of wide interest and considerable importance, identifying these closely related species, particularly underwater, can be challenging at best. With over 400 color photographs of both juveniles and adults, this is the first book to present all of these remarkable fishes in one guide and the first devoted solely to their identification.
John Butler is a Research Fisheries Biologist at the Southwest Fisheries Science Center. Milton S. Love is a Research Biologisy at the Marine Science Institute, University of California, Santa Barbara. Tom Laidig works in the Habitat Ecology Team of NOAA's National Marine Fisheries Service at the Southwest Fisheries Science Center.
"This is an exciting book for those who have an interest in the most accurate information regarding the rockfish populous along the California Coast. What an outstanding collection of photos and hard data regarding these species of fish. Our hats off to these 'extreme' scientists who braved the offshore weather to bring us such an information-packed resource. The high-resolution photos of these fish in their natural habitat are amazing, as well as the high-tech methods of capturing these photos through remotely operated vehicles and submersibles. Well done!"
- Ken Franke, Sportfishing Association of California
"Via submersible technology, excellent photographic contributions, and vast and caring knowledge, John Butler, Milton Love, and Thomas Laidig have brought this wonderful group of fishes to life. Sebastophiles rejoice – a magnificent resource has arrived!"
- Andy Lamb, co-author of Coastal Fishes of the Pacific Northwest and Marine Life of the Pacific Northwest.