The three working groups were important components of this workshop. Group chairs and rapporteurs were identified prior to the workshop, and their input on the structure and topics of discussion were incorporated into the instructions given to each working group. Participants were assigned to each group to achieve a balance in expertise and assure representation of all interests. Each chair presented a summary of their group's findings to the plenary session for feedback. Members were exchanged among the working groups to facilitate cross-fertilization of ideas and recommendations. The Chairs and Rapporteurs drafted summary reports of their group's deliberations, including recommendations for needed actions and research. These findings will be published as working group reports in the Workshop Proceedings.
Each working group was asked to discuss specific topics that pertained to the overriding goal of evaluating the function and effectiveness of harvest refugia to 1) manage rockfish populations and 2) maintain species and habitat diversity along the west coast. The guidance provided to each working group was meant only as a minimum outline of topics to address. Many of the topics were considered by all three working groups.
Working Group I: Fishery Management Considerations
Working Group II: Science-based Design Considerations
Working Group III: Socio-economic Considerations and Implementation
