Sanddab: Pacific

Mottled sanddab, Soft flounder, Melgrim

Flatfishes are a distinct group in the order Pleuronectiformes, comprising eleven families with more than 500 species worldwide. Flounders, soles, turbots, halibuts, sanddabs, plaices, and tonguefishes (true soles) are all flatfish. Flatfishes of Pacific waters consist of two broad groups where one includes the flounder families Paralichthyidae, Bothidae (left-eyed) and Pleuronectidae (right-eyed), and the other, the sole family Cynoglossidae and tonguefishes. In Pacific coast seafood markets, many species of flounder are mistakenly referred to as soles. For the purpose of this report, however, common/market names are used to help readers.

In most Pacific coast seafood markets, many
species of flounder are mistakenly referred to as soles. For the purpose of this report, however,
common/market names are used (e.g., petrale sole) so the reader can better identify seafood items
encountered in the marketplace.

Pacific sanddab are considered of “low” conservation concern because of their young age at maturity and high fecundity.

Only four of the twelve flatfish species on the US west coast have been assessed. Thus, the status of arrowtooth
flounder, rex sole, sand sole, butter sole, curlfin
sole, flathead sole, rock sole, and Pacific sanddab is unknown. Rex sole and Pacific sanddab fisheries off California are both assumed to be sustainable by managers because of consistent and increasing landings. The uncertainty regarding the status of Pacific sanddab warrants a ranking of “moderate concern”.

Discards remain a “moderate” concern in Canadian and U.S West coast fisheries.

Discards in Alaska are assumed to be lower today than in 2001 when they were 51% of the retained catch. This makes bycatch a “moderate” conservation concern for Alaskan groundfish trawl fisheries.

Trawls that target species in shallow water with resilient habitats such as sand or gravel likely have moderate habitat impacts, while those in deep or shallow water mud habitats cause more severe effects. The ecosystem effects of removing large quantities of groundfish from the BSAI and GOA have been explored, although there is not sufficient evidence that this factor alone has resulted in the decline of Steller sea lions

Pacific sanddab are commonly found in shallow waters less than 120m over sandy substrate and the habitat effects from this fishery are of “moderate” conservation concern.

As the states of California and Washington have banned all trawling in state waters, the majority of nearshore flatfish are landed in Oregon. The state regulates fisheries through cumulative trip limits with logbook and observer programs in place for enforcement purposes. Additional regulations include localized gear restrictions, size limits for some species, and area/time closures. The only nearshore flatfish species that has been assessed, however, is the starry flounder. Thus, all US West Coast management of flatfish fisheries is deemed “moderately effective”.

Contaminant levels do not warrant a consumption advisory.

No.