

Biologist Jack Carlisle checks construction of artificial rocks to be used 



in ocean habitat development project to make underwater "reefs" for 



sport fish. 



— Fish and Game Photo 



spring catch appears to be related to above-normal 

 \\ ater temperatures. 



OCEAN HABITAT DEVELOPMENT 



This project, which began in April, 1958, is designed 

 to explore the possibilities of improving sport fishing 

 in coastal waters. The two principal means to be used 

 are: 



1. Development of artificial reefs. 



2. Transplantation of kelp and development of new 

 kelp beds. 



In the short time before the end of the biennium 

 rvvo artificial reefs were placed along the coast. The 

 first was a car body reef in an area devoid of fish and 

 cover off Paradise (near Malibu) in 50 feet of water. 

 At last check, about 150 fishes of six species had been 

 attracted to the "reef." A second area, similarly bar- 

 ren of fishlife and cover, was selected off Huntington 

 Beach. Some large artificial rocks, made of gunite for 

 a Hollvwood movie, were placed in 55 feet of water. 

 The "rocks" weigh up to t\\o tons apiece. Lines \\-ere 

 tied into place for the later attachment of kelp. This 

 "reef" had not been checked since its placement. 



Observations and evaluation of results, as well as 

 kelp transplantation, will be made by the project's 

 biologist divers, using SCUBA (self-contained under- 

 water breathing apparatus). 



As part of the program, a study is also being made 

 for comparative purposes of natural rocks and reefs 

 and other habitat, as well as of .shipwrecks which are 

 the homes of great numbers of fishes. Marine life on 

 and around offshore oil islands and platforms is also 

 being studied to evaluate the changes occurring 

 around manmade habitat. 



Other phases of the Habitat Development Study will 

 include a study of the possibilities of: 



Predator control, especially sea urchins and starfish; 



Transportation of fishes, both natives and exotics; 



Obtaining fishing access to oil piers and closed 

 beaches; and 



Development of back-bays and coastal lagoons as 

 spawning and rearing grounds. 



ABALONE 



The largest catch of abalone ever landed in Cali- 

 fornia in a single year was delivered in 1957 when 5.4 

 million pounds were taken by the commercial fishery. 

 This is almost 750,000 pounds greater than the pre- 

 vious record of 4.7 million pounds taken in 1952. 



In contrast to this record catch is the considerable 

 decline of the entire fishery in the last quarter of the 

 biennium. Principal cause appears to have been the 

 almost complete disappearance in some areas of the 

 kelp which provides the major portion of the food of 

 the abalone. The disappearance of the kelp is in all 

 probability associated with the influx of warmer water 

 along the coast. In 1956, the department's investigation 

 noted the lack of kelp in the abalone beds in Central 

 California and reported at the time that future abalone 

 catches might be affected. The intensive harvest of 

 1957 and the lack of an adequate food supply strongly 

 indicate that the 1958 catch will be among the lowest 

 since the war. 



The department's investigation has revealed that the 

 red abalone of Central California, which contributes 

 the major portion of the statewide catch, will main- 

 tain its numbers as long as an adequate food supply 



Department biologist-diver gathers abalone for tagging. 



— Fish and Game Photo by Glen Bickford 



