In multiple locations in the report they site the fact that accurately producing abundance estimates and determining distribution have both been spotty at best. The data is just not there to tell us what these populations are doing, and for a long lived species not enough time has passed to see a signal in relation to the existing measures that have been taken (since 2010, and prior).

On page 38 they have clear language stating that the descender devices are quite effective, even maintaining breeding fitness in adult females.

"A study of yelloweye rockfishes indicated that when they are caught and released at the surface, the mortality rate is high; however, when they are released with a decompression device, survival may be high (Hochalter and Reed 2011). Other studies of rockfish released at depth indicate good short-term survival of released fish (Parker et al. 2006; Jarvis and Lowe 2008). One recent study found that short term (48 hours) survival for recompressed yelloweye rockfish was good (80 percent or higher) at a variety of depths of capture."

Without realistic/accurate abundance and distribution estimates, and no real evidence to state that MPA's even work, we really need to stand up and let them know the closures are a horrible idea.