Type
Text
Type
Thesis
Advisor
Frisk, Michael G | Cerrato, Robert. | Chapman, Demian D
Date
2013-12-01
Keywords
Fisheries and aquatic sciences
Department
Department of Marine and Atmospheric Science.
Language
en_US
Source
This work is sponsored by the Stony Brook University Graduate School in compliance with the requirements for completion of degree.
Identifier
http://hdl.handle.net/11401/76130
Publisher
The Graduate School, Stony Brook University: Stony Brook, NY.
Format
application/pdf
Abstract
Increasingly targeted by commercial fisheries, the seven resident species of Northwest (NW) Atlantic skates possess life history traits that make them vulnerable to overexploitation, including slow growth, late maturation and relatively low fecundity. The various species occupy overlapping habitats and often migrate long distances. While their ecological role as benthic marine generalists and basic geographic ranges are understood, little is known about how they occupy available habitat relative to environmental and biotic factors. I statistically analyzed skate habitat preference using data collected by the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) bottom trawl survey for 1963-2010. Using the nonparametric cumulative distribution approach of Perry and Smith (1994), I compared available and occupied habitat for each species. Significant associations were found for the environmental variables latitude, temperature, depth and salinity. Species-specific habitat associations and interspecific spatial interactions were estimated with emphasis on temporal variations. I discuss the implications of habitat preference for range overlap and interspecific competition. This study provides valuable insights into the spatial and temporal habitat use of skates and improves scientific understanding of skate ecology. | 120 pages
Recommended Citation
Zacharias, Joshua, "Habitat Preference and Spatial Interactions of the Northwest Atlantic Skate Complex" (2013). Stony Brook Theses and Dissertations Collection, 2006-2020 (closed to submissions). 2080.
https://commons.library.stonybrook.edu/stony-brook-theses-and-dissertations-collection/2080