Size assessment of bucket - trap holes to reduce capture of immature hagfish

In California, the commercial fishery for Pacific hagfish (Eptatretus stoutii) has exported over one million pounds annually in recent years, primarily to South Korea where they are considered a delicacy. Comparatively little research exists to support management decisions for this species. In an effort to support ongoing conservation efforts, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (DFW) sought to evaluate the influence of trap hole diameter, which is presently unregulated, on the take of immature hagfish and other characteristics of the catch. Using standard 5-gallon bucket trap gear, we tested four hole diameters, some of which are currently or have been previously used by the fishery; 9.7 mm, 12.7 mm, 14.2 mm, and 16.0 mm. Although the take of immature hagfish was not completely eliminated except when the largest of these hole diameters was used, a significant reduction in the percentage of immature hagfish occurred between 12.7 and 14.2 mm. We found that market quality increased with increasing hole diameter, yet overall catch volume decreased,