Analyses/Maps
Fish
Species Richness of Demersal Rockfish
Species richness of demersal rockfishes was calculated from NMFS shelf and slope trawls. The information on this map identifies areas with a high number of rockfish species. Values were not influenced by latitude, but were highly influenced by depth. The highest rockfish richness values were observed along the edge between the shelf and slope, emphasizing the importance of these areas to rockfish. Sanctuary boundaries now include more than 500 square kilometers of this edge area (between 200 and 300 meters depth), with 75% of this area within Monterey Bay NMS. The area south of Monterey Bay NMS to the edge of the study area contains another 500 square kilometers of habitat between 200 and 300 meters.