Open AccessReproductive Biology of Pacific Ocean Perch in the Gulf of Alaska
Author(s) -
Conrath Christina L.,
Knoth Brian
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
marine and coastal fisheries
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.664
H-Index - 28
ISSN - 1942-5120
DOI - 10.1080/19425120.2012.751941
Subject(s) - rockfish , sebastes , fishery , fish measurement , stock assessment , pacific ocean , reproductive biology , biology , oceanography , marine fisheries , perch , geography , stock (firearms) , fishing , fish <actinopterygii> , geology , embryo , archaeology , embryogenesis
Abstract Despite the ecological and economic importance of rockfish fisheries in Alaska waters, little information is available concerning the reproductive biology of the majority of federally managed rockfish species in the Gulf of Alaska. Pacific Ocean Perch Sebastes alutus are the most abundant and commercially important rockfish in this region. This study examines the reproductive biology of Pacific Ocean Perch within the Gulf of Alaska, utilizing histological techniques to microscopically examine ovarian tissue. Pacific Ocean Perch samples were obtained throughout the year during National Marine Fisheries Service and Alaska Department of Fish and Game scientific surveys, as well as scientific charters. Ovaries of Pacific Ocean Perch began to ripen during the month of August with yolk increasing until February. Embryos appeared within the ovaries during February and continued to grow and develop until parturition in May. Results from this study indicate the fork length at 50% maturity is 33.4 cm and the age at 50% maturity is 8.4 years. Both of these values are smaller than those currently utilized in the stock assessment of Gulf of Alaska Pacific Ocean Perch. Results from this study will improve the stock assessment of this species by providing more accurate estimates of reproductive parameters and reducing the uncertainty in estimates of length and age at maturity. Received July 30, 2012; accepted November 16, 2012