This dataset contains the results of a tagging study being conducted on the Alaska skate (Bathyraja parmifera) in the eastern Bering Sea. The purpose of the study is to gain a basic understanding of the timing and spatial pattern of movements of Alaska skates in the Bering Sea. The tags used are conventional (i.e. non-electronic) tags that are generally recovered through commercial fishery catches of skates. Skates were tagged aboard the AFSC eastern Bering Sea shelf surveys in 2008, 2009, and 2010. Skates greater than 60 cm total length received a Floy dart tag; skates smaller than 60 cm total length received a Floy T-bar tag. A reward system was implemented to encourage recovery of tags, but as there are no directed fisheries for skates the number of tags recovered is expected to be relatively low. As of February 2012, 30 tags have been recovered out of approximately 3,000 tagged skates. This dataset will be updated on a regular basis as more tags are recovered.
Purpose:
Describe spatial movements of the Alaska skate, Bathyraja parmifera
Access_Constraints: For scientific, management, and regulation compliance purposes, all data collected by observers are confidential under the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act; as amended, Public Law 109-479; 16 U.S.C. 1853; implemented at 50 CFR 679.50. Therefore unprocessed (raw) data can be shared only with authorized persons; however aggregated forms of the data are generally available.
Use_Constraints:
The user must adhere to restrictions placed on publication of data by the Magnuson-Stevens Act as amended in 2006.
Contact_Organization: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Alaska Fisheries Science Center (AFSC) Resource Ecology and Fisheries Management Division (REFM)
Contact_Organization: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Alaska Fisheries Science Center (AFSC) Resource Ecology and Fisheries Management Division (REFM)