Annual Report: 2022 Bottomfish Fishery-Independent Survey in Hawaiʻi

The Bottomfish Fishery-Independent Survey in Hawaiʻi (BFISH) is designed to provide accurate and precise estimates of species-specific, size-structured abundance and biomass for the main Hawaiian Islands (MHI) Deep 7 bottomfish. BFISH data are specifically designed to complement and enhance Deep 7 stock assessments conducted by the Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center (PIFSC). BFISH is conducted annually across the eight islands of the MHI using two complimentary sampling gears: (1) cooperative research hook-and-line fishing; and (2) stereo video camera systems. These gears are randomly deployed according to a stratified random sampling design within specific habitats across depths ranging from 75 to 400 m. In 2022, BFISH sampling was conducted from 31 July to 30 November.