A diver on a SCUBA survey. Photo: Ron Caswell
Unfortunately, RCAs have not shown much success in increasing size or abundance in rockfish so far. Many different methods have been used to evaluate the effectiveness of the RCAs. These include Remotely operated vehicle (ROV) surveys, hook and line surveys and SCUBA surveys. These methods aim to see if rockfish density inside RCAs is higher compared to rockfish density outside the RCAs. While this isn’t the best method to determine if RCAs are effective, there is a lack of historical data on rockfish numbers. Most studies have not shown an impact of RCAs, although one SCUBA survey showed them to increase rockfish density. A huge number of groups are involved monitoring rockfish and the effects of RCAs, including First Nations groups, DFO and academic researchers.
The Vancouver Aquarium even has a Rockfish Abundance Survey that every SCUBA diver can take part in. Check out their video on rockfish identification here:
Next: Why haven’t RCAs shown success?