Distribution, Age, and Growth of Juvenile Sablefish in Southeast Alaska

Thomas L. Ruteck

Auke Bay Laboratory

Alaska Fisheries Science Center

National Marine Fisheries Service

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

11305 Glacier Highway, Juneau, Alaska 99801-8626

and

Ellen R. Varosi

Alaska Regional Office

National Marine Fisheries Service

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

P.O. Box 21668, Juneau, AK 99802

February 1995

ABSTRACT

From 1985 through 1991, 131 surveys were conducted at 74 sites to study the distribution and abundance of juvenile sablefish (Anoplopoma fimbria) in Southeast Alaska waters. The widespread distribution and above-average abundance of juvenile sablefish throughout the waters of Southeast Alaska in 1985 probably indicted a strong 1984 year class. During 1986-91, juvenile sablefish were consistently abundant at only sample site--St. John Baptist Bay, Baranof Island. Juvenile sablefish were distributed throughout the water column. Vertical distribution was related somewhat to age: younger sablefish (age 0) were usually caught nearer the surface, whereas older juveniles (ages 1 and 2) were caught on or near the bottom. Hand-jigging was the most consistently effective gear for sampling juvenile sablefish. Pots suspended off the bottom fished better than pots placed on the bottom. Catch per unit effort in St. John Baptist Bay was highest in spring, declined during summer, and was lowest in winter. Catch rates were higher from larger vessels (25-28 m long) than from small skiffs (5 m long). Growth of juvenile sablefish was most rapid during fall, when they entered inland waters. Growth slowed during winter but accelerated in spring and became rapid in summer. Lengths averaged 25.6, 39.8, and 45.0 cm by the end of the first, second, and third year of growth.

As part of the Northwest Baranof Timber Sale, a log transfer facility will be built in St. John Baptist Bay. According to the Forest Service a "barge facility will be used which will minimize impacts to the bay's juvenile sable fish population." In the Final Environmental Impact Statement, they recognize that "A specific concern is the possible adverse effects of the proposed LTF in St. John Baptist Bay on the juvenile sable fish population that lives there."

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