Understanding patterns of residency and space use of Arctic Skates (Amblyraja hyperborea) in Scott Inlet, Canada to inform indigenous fisheries
Date
2023
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Publisher
University of Delaware
Abstract
Understanding residency patterns and space use of a species is key to the implementation of effective conservation and management practices. The characterization of movement patterns of species within an ecosystem can provide insight into why animals use particular habitats, such as for feeding or reproduction, and how movements are influenced by various biotic and abiotic factors. Furthermore, by describing the fine scale movements of a species within an ecosystem, patterns of habitat use, movement corridors, and focal areas can be identified, at both the population and individual level. These types of studies have historically been limited in polar ecosystems compared to lower latitude ecosystems, due to the logistical challenges of working in polar regions. In this study, we used a large acoustic telemetry array consisting of 83 receivers to study patterns of movement and residency of Arctic Skates (Amblyraja hyperborea) in Scott Inlet, Canada, a location of particular interest for the Canadian Government due to the impacts of climate change affecting the Arctic as well as its significance to the development of the community fishery for Greenland Halibut. (Reinhardtius hippoglossoides). Over the six years of this long-term acoustic telemetry study, we found that arctic skates exhibit variability in the residential behavior between males and females with females being detected at more consistent rates throughout the annual cycle while males exhibit increased detection rates between the months of April and November. Arctic Skates generally remained within or in the vicinity of Scott Inlet, exhibiting limited large scale movements away from the area, and showed strong site fidelity towards a secondary channel that runs perpendicular to the main Scott Inlet channel. This secondary channel also represented a key core activity area of the inlet for a majority of the skates. Due to the limited movement range and small activity space exhibited by the Arctic Skates, this population, and the species more broadly, may be at an increased risk for localized anthropogenic disturbances.
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