How to catch a sea monster: acoustic telemetry and stable isotope analysis of Atlantic wolffish (Anarhichas lupus)
| dc.contributor.advisor | Sacobie, Charles | |
| dc.contributor.author | Stairs, Chandler M. | |
| dc.date.accessioned | 2024-02-21T14:56:28Z | |
| dc.date.available | 2024-02-21T14:56:28Z | |
| dc.date.issued | 2023-08 | |
| dc.description.abstract | Atlantic wolffish (Anarhichas lupus) became Canada's first fully marine at-risk species under the Species at Risk Act (SARA) following an 87% population decline from the late 1970s to the mid-1990s, including a 60% decrease in mature individuals. Populations on the Scotian Shelf have fallen by 65% since 1980 and continue to decline. Limited knowledge of wolffish biology hindered the identification of critical habitats under the current recovery management plan. To address this, I employed acoustic telemetry to track continuous movement, scuba surveys to observe in-situ behaviours and stable isotope analysis for trophic position estimation. I uncovered seasonal migrations linked to spawning and foraging, pair bonding, tooth replacement, den usage patterns, and egg-guarding. Trophic position assessment yielded a 3.7 value, supporting their role as keystone predators. This investigation designated Deer Island Point as a critical habitat for Atlantic wolffish and offered insight into their ecological significance in the Bay of Fundy. | |
| dc.description.copyright | © Chandler M. Stairs, 2023 | |
| dc.format.extent | viii, 51 | |
| dc.format.medium | electronic | |
| dc.identifier.uri | https://unbscholar.lib.unb.ca/handle/1882/37715 | |
| dc.language.iso | en | |
| dc.publisher | University of New Brunswick | |
| dc.relation | Fisheries and Oceans Canada | |
| dc.relation | Coastal Environmental Baseline Program | |
| dc.rights | http://purl.org/coar/access_right/c_abf2 | |
| dc.subject.discipline | Biology | |
| dc.title | How to catch a sea monster: acoustic telemetry and stable isotope analysis of Atlantic wolffish (Anarhichas lupus) | |
| dc.type | master thesis | |
| oaire.license.condition | other | |
| thesis.degree.discipline | Biology | |
| thesis.degree.grantor | University of New Brunswick | |
| thesis.degree.level | masters | |
| thesis.degree.name | M.Sc. |