LE3 .A278 2017

2017

Avery, Trevor
Quinn, Danielle

Acadia University

Bachelor of Science

Honours

Biology

Biology

Winter Skate, Leucoraja ocellata, and Little Skate, Leucoraja eriniacea, are two cryptic Rajidae species found throughout the western Atlantic Ocean. Both species are susceptible to fishing pressure and both species are considered at-risk. Skates were sampled at an intertidal herring weirin the Avon Estuary and through targeted bottom trawling within Scots Bay and the Minas Basin. From May–August, 1,247 skates were caught and 704 were tagged. Prior data from 2012 – 2016 were pooled for some analysis. Females outnumbered males, and adults outnumbered juveniles at mostlocations for all years. Juvenile abundance increased in mid-August 2016 possibly indicating a recent hatching event ornearby nursery ground. The 2016 population estimate for the weir location was 5,426(95% C.I. 4,203–7,771). In 2016, one skate tagged in the Avon Estuary in June was recaptured in August 2016 during trawling in Scots Bay suggesting some mixing between Scots Bay and Minas Basin. Social image surveys showed 54% of fishers felt catching skates was a negative experience, and 90% were unaware skates were at-risk. In comparison, 91% of fishers felt catching striped bass was a positive experience, and 52% were unaware striped bass were at-risk. Fishers views of skates improved upon being advised of skate status and ecosystem importance.

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https://scholar.acadiau.ca/islandora/object/theses:2091