Of three sharks and one chimaera: varied habitat preferences across a latitudinal range revealed by coastal and offshore surveys

Using national and international research survey data and applying a combination of models and mapping tools, this study revealed temperature and depth as the crucial environmental drivers of both the distribution and the abundance of four benthopelagic chondrichthyans inhabiting Norwegian and Icela...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of fish biology 2022-03, Vol.100 (3), p.660-674
Main Authors: Jac, Romaric, Höffle, Hannes, Albretsen, Jon, Jakobsdóttir, Klara, Staby, Arved, Søvik, Guldborg, Junge, Claudia
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Animals
Chimera
density
Distribution patterns
Ecological distribution
Ecosystem
Etmopterus spinax
fisheries
Fishing
Galeus melastomus
Geographical distribution
GIS
Habitat preferences
Habitat selection
Habitats
Marine fishes
Northeast Atlantic
Norway
Offshore
Polls & surveys
Sharks
Spatial distribution
Species
Squalus acanthias
Strategic management
Surveying
Surveys
Sustainability management
Temperature
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Summary:Using national and international research survey data and applying a combination of models and mapping tools, this study revealed temperature and depth as the crucial environmental drivers of both the distribution and the abundance of four benthopelagic chondrichthyans inhabiting Norwegian and Icelandic waters: rabbitfish (Chimaera monstrosa), velvet‐belly lanternshark (Etmopterus spinax), blackmouth catshark (Galeus melastomus) and spurdog (Squalus acanthias). C. monstrosa and E. spinax seem to prefer similar spatial and ecological habitats, that is deep and cold waters. In contrast, G. melastomus and S. acanthias both prefer similar ecological habitats, that is warmer and shallower waters; nonetheless, they exhibit a different spatial distribution pattern. The species' varied habitat and spatial preferences may lead to different levels of exposure to fishing activities and associated by‐catch risks. Findings of the species' spatial distributions and their driving forces are expected to inform the sustainable management of these species and the ecosystems they inhabit.
ISSN:0022-1112
1095-8649
DOI:10.1111/jfb.14979