Description

The Rockfish family comprise of a wide variety of species – though when cooked – it is difficult to differentiate between the varieties. In general - Rockfish living at deeper depths tend to be brighter in colour. Rockfish have large mouths and eyes, spines on their head and prominent fins. Rougheye Rockfish have reddish backs and fins and are pink along their sides. This species can be distinguished from other Rockfish by the 2-10 spines on the lower rim of their eyes. Rougheye Rockfish average about 40 cm long.

Habitat

Rockfish reside along the slope of the continental shelf - in pelagic waters - or near the bottom. Rougheye Rockfish can be found along the continental shelf - most commonly at depths between 176 – 807 feet. Rougheye roam the North Eastern waters of the Pacific Ocean - ranging from Japan to Alaska and down to Point Conception, California.

Fishing Season

Sustainability Status

Rockfish are slow-growing and mature late in life. Consequently - many Rockfish are caught before they have had chance to reproduce and are therefore very vulnerable to overfishing. In 2002 - emergency fishery closures - both commercial and sport - were enacted along the west coast of North America in an effort to give Rockfish populations a chance to recover.