The spatial dynamics and occupied habitat of large female Pacific halibut in the Northern Bering Sea (NBS) were investigated using pop-up satellite telemetry tags. Tagged individuals remained within the NBS and central Bering Sea, but crossed multiple Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) lease planning area boundaries, as well as the Russian maritime border, during annual spawning migrations to the continental shelf edge. Individuals also returned to their tagging location the following year, indicating inter-annual site fidelity to summer foraging areas within Norton Basin in the NBS. No Pacific halibut were tracked entering the Hope Basin planning area in the Southern Chukchi Sea, despite the presence of thermal conditions that are similar to those currently occupied in the NBS. Results indicate that Pacific halibut occupy multiple OCS planning areas throughout the year, but that occupied areas vary seasonally and are restricted to the Bering Sea.

USD: $139,946

2021-08-17 → 2024-07-24