3.8 Socioeconomics
a significant decline for 1997 and 1998 (Figure 3.8-2). A similar pattern is seen for rock crabs. Because
of the complexity of the natural environment and species life histories, causes for annual changes in
abundance of species are often not known and are difficult to determine. However, El Nio events
significantly affect the physical environment (e.g., temperature, nutrients) which directly affects the success
and survival of commercially important species. Equally important are the indirect effects caused by El
Nio; e.g., the loss of most kelp beds and the food and shelter these habitats provide. Red urchins may
well survive El Nio events but with a significant loss of kelp they have little food available and thus are not
capable of producing roe, which is the target of the commercial harvest. Thus, red urchin harvest declines
following El Nio events are more due to kelp loss and poor condition of the urchins, and not necessarily
because the urchins are directly affected by El Nio or have been overharvested.
Finfish catch and values have also shown considerable variability over the period. California halibut catch
has shown considerable annual variation, but was greatest in the mid 1980s (Figure 3.8-2). By 1998,
halibut represented only 3.8 percent of the total value for all the nearshore species. The live trap fishery
for the California sheephead is relatively new, becoming important around 1992. Similarly, the live trap
fishing for the spot prawn has become an important resource with 1993 representing a peak year for the
value of this resource. Sea cucumbers appear to have become a commercially important fishery beginning
around 1993.
It is important to note that harvest of all target resources declined in 1998 following the most recent El Nio
(Figure 3.8-2). A similar decline for most species also occurred following the 1983/1984 El Nio (Figure
3.8-2).
Economic Importance of Nearshore Species by Fish Block
Table 3.8-12 provides a breakout of ex-vessel value of most valuable nearshore species for the relevant
fish blocks for the period 1987-1998 to facilitate comparisons by block. Clearly lobster and red urchin
are the most valuable in terms of dollar amount.
In terms of geographic distribution of valuable nearshore species, several important facts are evident in
Table 3.8-12. First, the overall importance of fish block 860, La Jolla to Point Loma, must be highlighted.
This block accounts for 85 percent of the total value for the species and area listed. Second, lobster and
red urchins are each worth more than 14 times as much as the next most valuable species. Third, within
the two most valuable species, a very different geographic distribution pattern is found. For urchins, fully
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