Stairs, Chandler M.2024-02-212024-02-212023-08Thesis 11294https://unbscholar.lib.unb.ca/handle/1882/37715Atlantic 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.viii, 51electronicenhttp://purl.org/coar/access_right/c_abf2Anarhichas lupus--Fundy, Bay of.Endangered species-Fundy, Bay of.Underwater acoustic telemetry--Fundy, Bay of.Fundy, Bay of.master thesisSacobie, Charles(OCoLC)1425949342Biology