Customer Reviews

The Rockfishes of the Northeast Pacific

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Rockfishes of the Northeast Pacific starts out with a laugh-out-loud intro, in which the editor sums up: "Why are we writing about rockfish? That's because rockfish are cool. ... " The first few chapters are a good intro for us non-scientific fish aficionados (yes, that's how it's spelled!). And the photos and artwork throughout the book are superb. I leave mine on my coffee table, it's so pretty, and I do refer to it frequently whenever I see a "new" (at least to me) variety of rockfish, which is a farily common occurrence while I'm scuba diving in my local Southern California waters.

I know other, more "scientific" readers have panned the book for lack of supporting data, etc. but as a layperson I didn't notice anything missing. My appreciation for/understanding of this important family of fishes is significantly enhanced by this book. And I'll say it again: it's actually a good read, as long as you are nutty enough to purchase a large book devoted to a single variety of fish. Like me.

Buy it, I think you'll like it!
kelpgurl

First of all, I am not a rockfish biologist. All my research is focused on sturgeons, but I have always had a "thing" for rockfish. I for one, feel this book represents the ultimate field guide. But unlike most field guides, it has a tremendous amount of information concerning each species as well as fisheries, stock trends etc.....
If you need more information on rockfish than what this volume provides, go look it up in a journal! That is what journals are for. This book does a great job in summing up the basic life history aspects and description of each species. Also worth mentioning is the fact that this is one heck of a beautiful book! The photos are good to great and the distribution maps are nicely done. In terms of overall layout, we can all learn much from this volume. BRAVO !!!!!

After reading this book I am now confident I can tell the difference between canary, vermilion and yelloweye rockfish. As a pacific northwest diver I see a lot of these and other rockfish. My other fish books seem to have the same or similar single, small picture of each fish. This book has 6 or 8 pictures of each fish showing them in various stages of life which is very important for rockfish. This book also covers a lot of fish missing from my other books.

An invaluable reference for marine biologists and a great read for people who are interested in a fascinating natural history story. Written with humor and wisdom.

A casual glance through this book might impress, but it's really stuffed full of ego-fodder, some really nice art, and some OK summary information about Pacific rockfish species. However, for those who have worked with Sebastes in the Pacific for 20+ years, it soon becomes obvious that much is lacking. Great gaps yawn throughout. The reference information is sorely lacking in completeness and much of the recent research over the past 10 years is missing. This could have been something great. It still is a nice starting place for those interested in the genera Sebastes and Sebastolobus. But, after passing my new copy through the lab today, the concensus is that it is a pretty book lacking scientific integrity and completeness. Mary Yoklavich does add credibility by her involvement, but, well....for those who find joy in juvenile humor, you'll find some here. A scientific reference it's NOT. Sigh.