At one time, giant sea bass teemed around the waters off of southern California. They were especially plentiful near the waters off Catalina Island. Now, the species is critically endangered with only about 500 giant sea bass remaining in the wild.
The giant sea bass became endangered for two reasons. The giant sea bass congregates together in large numbers. They were easily scooped up in the nets of commercial fisherman. The giant sea bass was also a favorite target of scuba divers who engaged in spear fishing. All fishing of the giant sea bass is now outlawed. It is a misdemeanor offense to harm one.
Scientists are working diligently to find a way to bring the population of giant sea bass back to a sustainable level. About 40 to 50 giant sea bass have been grouping in the area around Catalina Island. The giant sea bass in this particular group are mostly under the age of 20, and scientists believe that they are just he right age to be at the height of their reproductive capacity.
Giant sea bass can live up to the age of 70. They can grow to be as long as seven feet, and they often weigh in excess of 500 pounds. These fish are carnivorous feeding on the smaller fish that make their homes in the kelp forest that exists off of the California coast.
Marine biologists from Cal State Northridge have placed transmitters on six of the giant sea bass. The hope is that these fish can be tracked to see where they travel. Giant sea bass come into the area of the Channel Islands to spawn, but after that they leave the area. Scientists are unsure where they go.
While the fish are in the area around Catalina Island, scientists are able to keep track of and long the behavior of individual fish. Giant sea bass have unique spot patterns that allow them to be easily identified by divers.
As the scientists become more aware of the behavior of the giant sea bass, they will be able to develop a comprehensive plan to help the species proliferate. This is especially important since it has proven difficult to breed the giant sea bass in a captive environment. There is one captive giant sea bass that is thriving at the Aquarium of the Pacific.
