Dataset: Species, sample date, location individual size and sample disposition of adult fish surveyed near Carmel and Monterey Bays, CA, 2013-2016 (Larval Dispersal in Kelp Rockfish project)

Tissue is collected from adult fish for genetic samples. Tissue samples from fishes collected by fishing gear (rod and reel or set gear) are collected by clipping the third spine of the first dorsal fin on the vessel and released as quickly as possible to the ocean at the location of collection. Some rod and reel collections are made by SCUBA divers underwater; tissue is sampled by fin-clipping as at the surface and the fish is immediately released, or by spear-biopsy - the use of a pole spear with a biopsy needle. The total length of all sampled fish is estimated to the nearest whole centimeter. Additional data recorded include date and location of sampling (GPS lat and lon coordinates), species, fate (released or sacrificed), and release condition (poor, fair, good) of fish. Additional samples were collected from other research or recreational fishing programs.