The giant sea bass, which can grow to more than 550 pounds ... Pacific's new Marine Species Report Card. Above, the behemoth fish at the aquarium. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times) ...

Divers recently sought evidence of the Palisades fire's underwater toll, particularly its effect on a vital anchor of the coastal ecosystem: kelp.

A new bill aims to reduce the number of sea lions, sharks, rays, skates and giant sea bass dying off the coast ... Opponents cited concerns about the effect on fishing crews' bottom line.

Giant sea bass also were overexploited to the brink ... He said dealing with threats such as over-hunting, illegal fishing and deforestation are no longer sufficient to protect wildlife.