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. 2020 Aug 21;15(8):e0237996.
doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0237996. eCollection 2020.

Spatio-temporal patterns in juvenile habitat for 13 groundfishes in the California Current Ecosystem

Nick Tolimieri  1 , John Wallace  2 , Melissa Haltuch  2
Affiliations

Spatio-temporal patterns in juvenile habitat for 13 groundfishes in the California Current Ecosystem

Nick Tolimieri et al. PLoS One. .

Abstract

Identifying juvenile habitats is critical for understanding a species' ecology and for focusing spatial fishery management by defining references like essential fish habitat (EFH). Here, we used vector autoregressive spatio-temporal models (VAST) to delineate spatial and temporal patterns in juvenile density for 13 commercially important species of groundfishes off the US west coast. In particular, we identified hotspots with high juvenile density. Three qualitative patterns of distribution and abundance emerged. First, Dover sole Microstomus pacificus, Pacific grenadier Coryphaenoides acrolepis, shortspine thornyhead Sebastolobus alascanus, and splitnose rockfish Sebastes diploproa had distinct, spatially-limited hotspots that were spatially consistent through time. Next, Pacific hake Merluccius productus and darkblotched rockfish Sebastes crameri had distinct, spatially limited hotspots, but the location of these hotspots varied through time. Finally, arrowtooth flounder Atheresthes stomias, English sole Parophrys vetulus, sablefish Anoplopoma fimbria, Pacific grenadier Coryphaenoides acrolepis, lingcod Ophiodon elongatus, longspine thornyhead Sebastolobus altivelis, petrale sole Eopsetta jordani, and Pacific sanddab Citharichthys sordidus had large hotspots that spanned a broad latitudinal range. These habitats represent potential, if not likely, nursery areas, the location of which will inform spatial management.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors have declared that no competing interests exist.

Figures

Fig 1
Fig 1. West coast of the United States showing geographic features referenced in the text.
Bathymetric lines are 200, 600 and 1200-m isobaths.
Fig 2
Fig 2. Spatial distribution and annual abundance index of juvenile shortspine thornyheads.
All Years was the average juvenile density from 2003–2018.
Fig 3
Fig 3. Spatial distribution and annual abundance index of juvenile Pacific hake.
All Years was the average juvenile density from 2003–2018.
Fig 4
Fig 4. Spatial distribution and annual abundance index of juvenile sablefish.
All Years was the average juvenile density from 2003–2018.
Fig 5
Fig 5. Spatial distribution and annual abundance index of juvenile lingcod.
All Years was the average juvenile density from 2003–2018.
Fig 6
Fig 6. Effective area occupied (1000 km2).
Grey envelope is +/- 1 s.e.
Fig 7
Fig 7. Center of gravity (km from the equator).
Grey envelope is +/- 1 s.e.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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