Data‐limited fishery assessment methods shed light on the exploitation history and population dynamics of Endangered Species Act‐listed Yelloweye Rockfish in Puget Sound, Washington

Abstract Objective The distinct population segment (DPS) of Yelloweye Rockfish Sebastes ruberrimus inhabiting the Puget Sound/Georgia Basin was listed under Endangered Species Act (ESA) in 2010, and a formal recovery plan for DPS published by National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration Fisheries 2017. In this plan, biological criteria delisting or downlisting were specified as certain levels spawning potential ratio (SPR), commonly used metric equilibrium stock status commercially exploited fishes. Although can be estimated from length compositions, combination data with catch history (which not previously available DPS) improves our understanding dynamics over time allows us to estimate different measure status, relative (to unfished) biomass (SSB), rather than only SPR. Methods To SSB reconstruct historical DPS, we reconstructed fisheries records, collated contemporary hook‐and‐line surveys, fitted data‐limited version statistical catch‐at‐age model. Result Despite high level uncertainty, that Sound are above 25% unfished (a reference point detailed criteria) assumption deterministic recruitment, presenting first direct estimates Sound. Conclusion However, informed recent genetic studies, boundaries ESA‐listed extend South Queen Charlotte Strait British Columbia. Canadian portion is managed separately currently at 32% (95% quantiles = 15%–68%). Thus, disjunction between jurisdictional Canada United States presents an additional source uncertainty assessing must addressed achieve DPS‐wide goals.