To better understand the seasonal movement patterns of adult white seabass (Atractoscion nobilis), 173 depth-and temperature-sensitive data storage tags were deployed at various sites within the Southern California Bight during 2008-2011. Commercial and recreational fishing crews recaptured 41 tagged individuals (24%) between La Salina, Baja California Norte, Mexico (32°01′N, 116°53′W), and Half Moon Bay, California (37°28′N, 122°28′W). Tagged fish were at liberty for an average duration of 468

more »

... days (range: 9-1572 days), and mean net displacement between the points of release and recapture was 229 km (range: 2-624 km). Collectively, 9130 days of archived data revealed distinct seasonal trends in depth distribution, and significantly deeper profiles during the winter months. Minor differences in mean depth values were evident between daytime (14.9 m [±standard deviation (SD) 5.1]), nighttime (15.5 m [SD 5.1]), and twilight periods (16.8 m [SD 6.8]). However, the vertical rate of movement (VROM) was significantly greater during twilight hours (48.9 m h -1 [SD 12.3] when compared with day and night VROM values (39.6 m h -1 [SD 10.8] and 41.1 m h -1 [SD 13.2]). The greatest depth achieved by any individual was 245 m; however, 95% of all depth records were less than 50 m. Ambient water temperatures ranged from 8.7° to 23.6°C, and had a mean value of 15.2°C (SD 1.4°C). A vertical shift toward the surface as water temperatures increase during the spring and summer months contributes to heightened vulnerability during the spawning season, presenting management challenges toward the long-term sustainability of this resource.