changes in climatological 'events in that region. To date, lower Baja CaHfornia has experienced a spate of 

 strong northerly winds. The heavy weather created by these winds has severely Hmited fishing activity 

 and has caused greatly-intensified upwelling. This upweUing has created a nearshore band of considerably 

 colder than normal sea temperatures and green water. These events have combined to delay the onset of 

 the fishery well into the month of June, and may cause the bluefin to remain farther offshore than 

 usual. 



One consequence of the delay in commencement of the bluefin season wiU be a northward shift in 

 the center of production and a delay in the period of maximum production. Rapid warming in the 

 region north of Guadalupe may cause bluefin tuna to appear earlier than last year in southern California 

 offshore waters. 



Meaningful estimates of total 1968 bluefin landings are not available. We have no data on which to 

 make projections of abundance. Likewise, we are unable to forecast fishing effort which will be diverted 

 to bluefin because of uncertainties associated with the estabhshment of a closure date terminating 

 fishing for yellowfin tuna. 



June 13, 1968 Staff , Fishery -Oceanography Program 



11-74 



