Decadal-scale patterns in the relative year class success of sablefish (Anoplopoma fimbria)

Climate-ocean regimes in the north-east Pacific translate into decadal-scal e patterns in the relative success of sablefish (Anoplopoma fimbria). By co mbining estimates of year class abundance determined from commercial catche s and research surveys for adults and juveniles, we were able to construct an index of year class success. Year classes from 1960 to 1976 were general ly below average, with little indication of good year class success. The 19 77 year class was exceptionally large and year classes from 1978 to 1990 we re generally above average. Year classes following 1990 were generally belo w average. The periods with above-average year classes were generally chara cterized by intense Aleutian Lows, above-average frequency of south-westerl y winds and warmer coastal sea surface temperatures off the west coast of V ancouver Island. Decadal-scale patterns in the production of sablefish sugg est stability in long-term periods of similar recruitment but different mea n levels of productivity across periods. However, rapid shifts between peri ods remain unpredictable and therefore complicate the incorporation of deca dal-scale dynamics in management.