Getting Deep into Skates: Biology of the Arctic Skate (Amblyraja hyperborea) in the Eastern Canadian Arctic
Standing
Undergraduate
Type of Proposal
Oral Presentation
Faculty
Faculty of Science
Faculty Sponsor
Nigel Hussey
Proposal
The Arctic skate (Amblyraja hyperborea) is a deep-water species that is part of the order Rajiformes, has been identified as one of the most common bycatch species (one that is unintentionally caught) in commercial Arctic fisheries. Global skate populations have declined by 90% since 1970, raising concern of over exploitation of A. hyperborea in expanding northern fisheries. To better understand the ecological role of this species, this project examined their diet, niche, trophic level, movement, and biological metrics. This is accomplished through stomach content analysis, stable isotope (ẟCarbon 13 and ẟNitrogen 15 of liver and muscle) analysis, and biometric profiles of Arctic skates sampled across 6 study sites in the Eastern Canadian Arctic. From previous data, it is expected that Arctic skate has a mainly fish-based diet and falls within the estimated trophic levels for all Rajiformes. We predict that biometric profiles of gonadosomatic index, hepatosomatic index, and nitrogen ratios will increase with increasing body size, while carbon ratios are predicted to show variation among study sites. This study is of importance due to the continued growth of demersal fisheries that may lead to an increase in Arctic skate bycatch. Through comparison with previous data, this study will allow a revaluation of the status of this species and bycatch management in Arctic fisheries.
Grand Challenges
Sustainable Industry
Special Considerations
Results are still being analysed, however, should be completed in time for this conference.
Getting Deep into Skates: Biology of the Arctic Skate (Amblyraja hyperborea) in the Eastern Canadian Arctic
The Arctic skate (Amblyraja hyperborea) is a deep-water species that is part of the order Rajiformes, has been identified as one of the most common bycatch species (one that is unintentionally caught) in commercial Arctic fisheries. Global skate populations have declined by 90% since 1970, raising concern of over exploitation of A. hyperborea in expanding northern fisheries. To better understand the ecological role of this species, this project examined their diet, niche, trophic level, movement, and biological metrics. This is accomplished through stomach content analysis, stable isotope (ẟCarbon 13 and ẟNitrogen 15 of liver and muscle) analysis, and biometric profiles of Arctic skates sampled across 6 study sites in the Eastern Canadian Arctic. From previous data, it is expected that Arctic skate has a mainly fish-based diet and falls within the estimated trophic levels for all Rajiformes. We predict that biometric profiles of gonadosomatic index, hepatosomatic index, and nitrogen ratios will increase with increasing body size, while carbon ratios are predicted to show variation among study sites. This study is of importance due to the continued growth of demersal fisheries that may lead to an increase in Arctic skate bycatch. Through comparison with previous data, this study will allow a revaluation of the status of this species and bycatch management in Arctic fisheries.