Piles of Perch.
I was diving in Tahsis Narrows a few days ago and spent quite a lot of time photographing the multitude of Seaperch. Three species including Pile Perch, Kelp Perch and Striped Surfperch were predominant. I have been noticing a lot of perch lately when I have been diving. After posting a few pictures today I had a couple other people respond saying that they have noticed a lot more in their areas, ( Vancouver and Barkley Sound). This has led to some discussion about whether or not they are increasing due to some particular reason. Has the recent die off of Seastars over the last couple years shifted the balance in favour of these species? Or is it something else?
Kelp Perch in the undulating kelp forests in Tahsis Narrows
Pile Perch, Damalichthys vacca, in Tahsis Narrows.
I would be interested to hear from anyone who knows more about this or who has witnessed similar trends in their area.