NEW FISH SPECIES IN OREGON: MEET THE
DEACON ROCKFISH

 
The “Blue Rockfish” that are common to Oregon’s rocky reefs, and regularly observed in Oregon’s marine reserves, are actually two entirely distinct species: Blue Rockfish (Sebastes mystinus), and the newly described and named Deacon Rockfish (Sebastes diaconus). This discovery was made by a team of researchers from Oregon State University, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW), and California State University Los Angeles. Their research demonstrated unique physical and genetic differences between these two species. Prior to his joining the ODFW Marine Reserves Program, Dr. Wolfe Wagman was a part of the team of researchers that identified this new species.

The ecological research that Wolfe is now helping to conduct in Oregon’s marine reserves is continuing to collect new information on this species. The Marine Reserves Program has one of the few research programs regularly collecting biological information on Deacon Rockfish here in Oregon. This work can help scientists and managers better understand the status of Deacon Rockfish populations off of Oregon.

Read more on this new species, including tips on how to identify it, on our Blog.

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