Status of the spawning biomass of the Pacific sardine, 1984-85

State law provides for the initiation of a 1000-ton fishery for Pacific sardines, Sardinops sagax, when the spawning biomass of sardines reaches 20 000 short tons. Data from ichthyoplankton surveys, an aerial spotter index, sea survey cruises, the mackerel fishery, and the live bait fishery are discussed as indicators of the relative abundance of sardines compared to previous years. It appears the spawning biomass of the northern subpopulation of Pacific sardine remains below 20 000 tons. A proposed survey plan is described for determining the relative magnitude of the sardine spawning biomass on an annual basis. Legislation is discussed which was passed in 1984 and pertains to the sardine resource. (23pp.