摘要

Acoustic data collected opportunistically from eastern Bering Sea (EBS) walleye pollock (Theragra chalcogramma) fishing vessels were used within spatially explicit Leslie depletion models to estimate local exploitation rates. Although stock-wide EBS pollock fishery exploitation rates are generally at or below management objectives (similar to 6% for the winter fishery), there has been a concern that local fishing may impact forage opportunities needed for the recovery of the endangered Steller sea lion (Eumetopias jubatus). This study used high-resolution fishery information which suggests that on scales from 100 km(2) to 2500 km(2) exploitation rates often exceed the area-wide rates. In 2002 through 2005, higher exploitation rates occurred within the area defined as Steller sea lion critical habitat. This study provides a highly resolved quantitative assessment of location-specific fishing impacts, and is an important step in determining a rational approach to monitoring and managing fishing activities while taking into account ecosystem concerns. Published by Elsevier B.V.

  • 出版日期2014-5