Distribution of neustonic sablefish larvae and associated ichthyoplankton in the eastern Gulf of Alaska, May 1990

Abstract

Ichthyoplankton were taken in neuston tows at 67 oceanographic stations in the eastern Gulf of Alaska (east of long. 140°W and between lat. 54°30' N and lat. 58°N) in May 1990. Larvae of 25 taxa and eggs of 6 taxa were identified. Sablefish (Anoplopoma fimbria) were the most abundant species observed and most frequently captured larvae (57 stations). The highest catches of sablefish larvae (46 per 10 m2) were observed during night sampling, 160 km offshore. Pacific sand lance (Ammodytes hexapterus) larvae ranked second in abundance and third in frequency of occurrence in our samples. Larvae of greenlings (Hexagrammos spp.) ranked third in abundance and second in frequency of occurrence. Irish lord larvae (Hemilepidotus spp.) ranked fourth in abundance and third in frequency of occurrence in our samples.

Abundant quantities of fish eggs for ragfish (Icosteus aenigmaticus), Dover sole (Microstomus pacificus), and rex sole (Errex zachirus) were observed in our samples. Ragfish eggs were most numerous offshore in the southern half of the study area. Dover sole eggs were most numerous over the continental shelf and slope in the northern half of the study area. Rex sole eggs were most numerous at two offshore stations west of Sitka.


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