Bottomfish Cooperative Research Update

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
08 September 2025

Pacific Islands Fisheries Group & Captains kick-off the 2025 Cooperative Research to help identify stock health of the Main Hawaiian Island Bottomfish Deep 7 Stock

Observer Uluwehi holding Opakapaka biosamples. PC F/V Naomi

The Pacific Islands Fisheries Group in coordination with its network of Captains, kicked-off the Bottomfish Cooperative Research Assessment in mid August. To date, 80 unique sampling sites have been completed of the over 450 locations across the Hawaiian Islands. The Captains, observers, and crew are trained on the scientific process and sampling, ensuring quality reporting and data can be provided to NOAA and the State. The outcome of these efforts have helped show that our fisheries are healthy, and abundant. (Annual SAFE REPORT WP COUNCIL)

For more information on the Main Hawaiian Islands Bottomfish Assessment led by PIFG visit this link.

For press inquiries or general questions, please reach out to us as Pacificfisheries@gmail.com