California Department of Fish and Wildlife
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SFMP Hagfish Studies

SFMP biologist sampling commercial hagfish using the average number of hagfish per pound method, CDFW photo by Kim Penttila

The State Finfish Management Project has implemented a fishery-dependant sampling program to monitor the hagfish fishery. Project biologists gather data on the average size of hagfish landed at their local ports of landing. Because it is difficult to measure the length of a live hagfish, biologists record the average number of hagfish per pound from the sampled catch to document changes in the average size of harvested fish. Monthly port landing totals and changes within the fishery are also documented.