(DRAFT) - Taxonomy
Species sablefish
Species Id M010402
Date 26 AUG 96
TAXONOMY
NAME - sablefish
OTHER COMMON NAMES -
ELEMENT CODE -
CATEGORY - Fish
PHYLUM AND SUBPHYLUM - ,
CLASS AND SUBCLASS - ,
ORDER AND SUBORDER - ,
FAMILY AND SUBFAMILY - ,
GENUS AND SUBGENUS - Anoplopoma,
SPECIES AND SSP - fimbria,
SCIENTIFIC NAME - Anoplopoma fimbria
AUTHORITY - Pallas
TAXONOMY REFERENCES - 232
Taxonomy - 1 (DRAFT) - Status
Species sablefish
Species Id M010402
Date 26 AUG 96
STATUS
Coded Status
Migrant
Existing, FMP exists
See Comments
REFERENCES FOR STATUS - 232
COMMENTS ON STATUS -
Years of tagging studies have shown that sablefish conduct extensive
migrations *232*.
Sablefish withing the 200-mi limit are managed by the North Pacific Fishery
Management Council (NPFMC) in their Gulf of Alaska Goundfish Fishery
Management Plan. Sablefish within 3 mi of shore are managed by the Alaska
Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) *232*.
Status - 1 (DRAFT) - Distribution
Species sablefish
Species Id M010402
Date 26 AUG 96
DISTRIBUTION
Distribution - 1 HABITAT ASSOCIATIONS
HABITAT - MARINE
REFERENCES FOR HABITAT - 232
LAND USE -
Water
REFERENCES FOR LAND USE - 232
NATIONAL WETLAND INVENTORY CODES
NWI NWICLS NWIMOD NWISPEC
Marine
REFERENCES FOR NWI - 232
COMMENTS ON HABITAT ASSOCIATIONS -
Juvenile sablefish occupy shallower, nearshore waters *232*.
Sablefish follow a diurnal vertical migration and feed both near the
surface and in bottom water layers (down to 1,200 m) *232*
Juveniles are pelagic or semipelagic. The move from a pelagic to more
demersal existence may take place at around 30 cm *232*.
ANIMAL/PLANT SPECIES ASSOCIATIONS -
Pacific halibut (Hippoglossus stenolepis)
Lingcod (Ophiodon elongatus)
Seal
Sea lion
REFERENCES FOR SPECIES ASSOCIATIONS - 232
COMMENTS ON SPECIES ASSOCIATIONS -
The IPHC listed sablefish as a frequent food item of Pacific halibut
(Hippoglossus stenolepis). Other large predators such as lingcod (Ophiodon
elongatus) probably also consume sablefish, and sablefish eggs, larvae, and
juveniles are probably consumed by many more species. Sea lions eat
sablefish, and sablefish are sometimes pursued by seals *232*.
Habitat Associations - 1 (DRAFT) - Food Habits
Species sablefish
Species Id M010402
Date 26 AUG 96
FOOD HABITS
TROPHIC LEVEL -
CARNIVORE
REFERENCES FOR TROPHIC LEVEL - 232
LIFESTAGE FOOD FOOD PART
Adult Osteichthyes Not Specified
Adult Gadiformes Not Specified
Adult Pleuronectiformes Not Specified
Adult Clupeiformes Not Specified
Adult Atheriniformes Not Specified
Adult Perciformes Not Specified
Adult Invertebrate Cordates Not Specified
General Malacostraca Not Specified
General Anthozoans Not Specified
General Brittle/Serpent Star Not Specified
General Crustaceans Not Specified
General Osteichthyes Not Specified
General Gadiformes Not Specified
General Clupeiformes Not Specified
General Perciformes Not Specified
General Pleuronectiformes Not Specified
General Aves Not Specified
General Otariidae See Comments
General Phocidae See Comments
Juvenile Myctophiformes Not Specified
Juvenile Atheriniformes Not Specified
Juvenile Crustaceans Not Specified
Juvenile Salmoniformes Not Specified
Adult See Comments; Food See Comments
General See Comments; Food See Comments
Juvenile See Comments; Food See Comments
REFERENCES FOR GENERAL FOOD - 232
REFERENCES FOR ADULT FOOD - 232
REFERENCES FOR JUVENILE FOOD - 232
COMMENTS ON FOOD -
Sablefish are opportunistic feeders, consuming a wide variety of organisms.
Their diet is dependant upon their life stage, geographic location, the
season, and availability of prey. In the Bering Sea, sablefish consume
pandalid shrimp (Pandalus spp.), sea anenomes (Actinaria), brittle stars
(Ophiuroidea), and small crustaceans (amphipods and euphausids) in addition
to several kinds of fish (Saffron cod, Eleginus gracilis; Pacific cod, Gadus
macrocephalus; walleye pollock; Pacific herring; sculpins, Cottidae; and
small flounders, Pleuronectidae). Occasional presence of bird remnants and
seal fur in sablefish stomachs has been noted *232*.
Food Habits - 1 (DRAFT) - Food Habits
Species sablefish
Species Id M010402
Date 26 AUG 96
Types of Feeding Areas Used: Sablefish follow a diurnal vertical migration
and feed both near the surface and in bottom water layers (down to 1,200 m)
*232*.
Factors Limiting Availability of Food: Little specific information is
available concerning limitations of food availability for sablefish. A
study speculates that sablefish under natural conditions may feed very
infrequently and that the absence of stress may reflect an evolutionary
adaptation to that feeding strategy *232*.
Feeding Behavior: A study noted an annual cycle in the intensity of
sablefish feeding. The fullest stomachs were found at the beginning of
summer (April-June), with feeding intensity decreasing in autumn (August),
and rising again in February-March. Another study observed feeding
sablefish and noted that they appeared to be "premediated" feeders ---
seeking out selected prey, then leaving and allowing the prey to
reconcentrate before feeding again *232*.
COMMENTS ON ADULT FOOD -
Adult sablefish in the Gulf of Alaska feed on fish, including walleye
pollock (Theragra chalcogramma), arrowtooth flounder (Atheresthes stomias),
spiny cheek rockfish (Sebastolobus spp.), Pacific herring (Clupea harengus
pallasii), Pacific saury (Cololabias saira), and sand lance (Ammodytes
hexapterus). They also feed on free-swimming and bottomdwelling
invertebrates *232*.
COMMENTS ON JUVENILE FOOD -
Young sablefish in their pelagic stage off the coast of Oregon and
Washington have been reported to feed on blue lanternfish (Tarletonbeania
crenularis), saury, and euphausiids. Young sablefish also feed on Pacific
saury. Small sablefish (36-38 cm) off southern British Columbia gather in
estuaries of rivers, where they feed on young salmon *232*.
Food Habits - 2 (DRAFT) - Environment Associations
Species sablefish
Species Id M010402
Date 26 AUG 96
ENVIRONMENTAL ASSOCIATIONS
G = General A = Adult
LIM = Limiting RA = Resting Adult
J = Juvenile FA = Feeding Adult
RJ = Resting Juvenile BA = Breeding Adult
FJ = Feeding Juvenile P = Pupae
L = Larvae E = Egg
RL = Resting Larvae
FL = Feeding Larvae
LIFESTAGE ENVIRONMENTAL ASSOCIATIONS
G Water Depth Preference: 200-500 ft.
G Water Depth Preference: 500-1000 ft.
G Water Depth Preference: 1000-1500 ft.
G Water Depth Preference: Greater than 1500 ft.
G Water Depth Preference: Specified in Comments
A Water Depth Preference: 200-500 ft.
A Water Depth Preference: 500-1000 ft.
A Water Depth Preference: 1000-1500 ft.
A Water Depth Preference: Greater than 1500 ft.
A Water Depth Preference: Specified in Comments
J Water Depth Preference: Specified in Comments
G Water Temperature: Below 15 degrees C
G Water Temperature: Specified in Comments
J Water Temperature: Specified in Comments
FA Water Depth Preference: Specified in Comments
BA Water Depth Preference: 500-1000 ft.
BA Water Depth Preference: 1000-1500 ft.
BA Water Depth Preference: Greater than 1500 ft.
BA Water Depth Preference: Specified in Comments
E Water Depth Preference: Specified in Comments
J Aquatic Habitat Zonation: Open water [pelagic zone]
J Aquatic Habitat Zonation: Specified in Comments
J Water Depth Preference: 200-500 ft.
J Water Depth Preference: 500-1000 ft.
A Water Depth Preference: 200-500 ft.
A Water Depth Preference: Specified in Comments
REFERENCES FOR ENVIRONMENTAL ASSOC_ - 232
REFERENCES FOR ADULT ENVIRONMENTAL ASSOC_ - 232
REFERENCES FOR FEEDING ADULT ENVIRONMENTAL ASSOC_ - 232
REFERENCES FOR BREEDING ADULT ENVIRONMENTAL ASSOC_ - 232
REFERENCES FOR JUVENILE ENVIRONMENTAL ASSOC_ - 232
REFERENCES FOR EGG ENVIRONMENTAL ASSOC_ - 232
Environment Associations - 1 (DRAFT) - Environment Associations
Species sablefish
Species Id M010402
Date 26 AUG 96
COMMENTS ON ENVIRONMENTAL ASSOCIATIONS -
Water Depth: Adult sablefish are found depths from 150 m to 1,500 m.
Juvenile sablefish occupy shallower, nearshore waters. Sablefish larger
than 340 mm are not found in nearshore commercial catch and index samples,
indicating that young sablefish probably do not remain in the nearshore
zone beyond their second summer *232*.
Water Temperature: Sablefish distribution in the Bering Sea is controlled
by temperature, with sablefish found in the relatively warm (3 to 5 oC)
continental slope zone. Young sablefish occupy a wider range of
temperatures *232*.
COMMENTS ON ADULT ENVIRONMENTAL ASSOC_ -
Adult sablefish are found depths from 150 m to 1,500 m.
As the fish get larger (45-50 cm) they migrate to deeper waters, with
adults found in areas with depths greater than 150 m *232*.
COMMENTS ON FEEDING ADULT ENVIRONTAL ASSOC_ -
Sablefish follow a diurnal vertical migration and feed both near the
surface and in bottom water layers (down to 1,200 m) *232*.
COMMENTS ON BREEDING ADULT ENVIRONMENTAL ASSOC_ -
Sablefish breed in deep waters (250 to 750 m) *232*.
COMMENTS ON JUVENILE ENVIRONMENTAL ASSOC_ -
Juvenile sablefish occupy shallower, nearshore waters. Sablefish larger
than 340 mm are not found in nearshore commercial catch and index samples,
indicating that young sablefish probably do not remain in the nearshore
zone beyond their second summer *232*.
Young sablefish occupy a wider range of temperatures *232*.
Juveniles are pelagic or semipelagic *232*.
Young (45 mm) fish are found in shallow (70 to 200 m), more coastal waters
*232*.
COMMENTS ON EGG ENVIRONMENTAL ASSOC_ -
After spawning, the eggs rise to the surface, where development occurs
*232*.
Environment Associations - 2 (DRAFT) - Life History
Species sablefish
Species Id M010402
Date 26 AUG 96
LIFE HISTORY
Reproductive Habitat: Sablefish breed in deep waters (250 to 750 m). After
spawning, the eggs rise to the surface, where development occurs. A large
percentage of sablefish in the Gulf of Alaska may spawn in the southeastern
gulf. Sablefish in the Bering Sea have been observed to spawn only in the
south and southeastern areas, especially in the Bower's Ridge and Aleutian
Island regions *232*.
Reproductive Seasonality: Spawning in the Bering Sea apparently occurs in
February. Sablefish along the entire west coast of Canada spawn from
January through April, with peak spawning occurring in February *232*.
Age at Sexual Maturity: Males mature sooner than females. The average age
at 50% maturity is five years for males and seven years for females *232*.
Frequency of Breeding: Sablefish breed annually *232*.
Fecundity: Fecundity is related to size, with a small (61 cm) female
producing about 82,000 eggs and large (98 cm) female producing 1,277,000
*232*.
Incubation Period: No information on the rate of egg development is
available, though small (15.9 to 24.8 mm) larvae have been captured in the
eastern Bering Sea in July, approximately five months after spawning.
Juveniles are pelagic or semipelagic. The move from a pelagic to more
demersal existence may take place at around 30 cm *232*.
Timing of Movements and Use of Areas: Young (45 mm) fish are found in
shallow (70 to 200 m), more coastal waters. As the fish get larger (45-50
cm) they migrate to deeper waters, with adults found in areas with depths
greater than 150 m. Sablefish follow a diurnal vertical migration pattern,
rising as high as the surface water layer during the day and dropping down
to the bottom layers at night *232*.
Migration Routes: Years of tagging studies have shown that sablefish
conduct extensive migrations. Until recently it was felt that, though some
fish did migrate long distances, most migration was localized. New evidence
however, indicates that a significant number of fish do migrate long
distances (over 185 km). Large fish (over 60 cm) in the Gulf of Alaska tend
to migrate eastward, while small (less than 60 mm) fish tend to move
westward (possilbe drifting with prevailing ocean currents). The change in
direction of movement may be associated with the onset of maturity, with
large numbers of adult fish moving to the southeastern gulf to spawn *232*.
Natural Factors Influencing Populations: The IPHC listed sablefish as a
frequent food item of Pacific halibut (Hippoglossus stenolepis). Other
large predators such as lingcod (Ophiodon elongatus) probably also consume
sablefish, and sablefish eggs, larvae, and juveniles are probably consumed
by many more species. Sea lions eat sablefish, and sablefish are sometimes
pursued by seals. As with many other ocean species, the survival of
sablefish eggs and larvae is dependant upon beneficial weather patterns and
ocean currents that carry them into areas where temperature regimes and food
Life History - 1 (DRAFT) - Life History
Species sablefish
Species Id M010402
Date 26 AUG 96
concentrations are favorable to development *232*.
Human-related Factors Influencing Populations: A summary of possible
impacts from human-related activities includes: alteration of preferred
water temperatures, pH, dissolved oxygen, and chemical composition;
introduction of water-soluble substances; increase in suspended organic or
mineral material; reduction in food supply; human harvest; and seismic shock
waves *232*.
LIFE HISTORY CODES -
Periodicity: Most active in early spring
Periodicity: Most active in late spring
Breeding/Spawning Season: January
Breeding/Spawning Season: February
Breeding/Spawning Season: March
Breeding Spawning Season: April
Average Number of Offspring/Reproductive Effort: Grea
REFERENCES FOR LIFE HISTORY- 232
Life History - 2 (DRAFT) - Management Practices
Species sablefish
Species Id M010402
Date 26 AUG 96
MANAGEMENT PRACTICES
RESULT MANAGEMENT PRACTICE
Beneficial Developing/maintaining suitable salinity
Beneficial Developing/maintaining suitable pH
Adverse Salinity alteration
Beneficial Regulating harvest of species being described
Beneficial Other management practices [specified in comments]
Adverse Other management practices [specified in comments]
REFERENCES FOR BENEFICIAL MANAGEMENT PRACTICES - 232
REFERENCES FOR ADVERSE MANAGEMENT PRACTICES - 232
COMMENTS ON MANAGEMENT PRACTICES -
Human-related Factors Influencing Populations: A summary of possible
impacts from human-related activities includes: alteration of preferred
water temperatures, pH, dissolved oxygen, and chemical composition;
introduction of water-soluble substances; increase in suspended organic or
mineral material; reduction in food supply; human harvest; and seismic shock
waves *232*.
Management Practices - 1 (DRAFT) - References
Species sablefish
Species Id M010402
Date 26 AUG 96
References
232 * State of Alaska Department of Fish, and Game. 1986. Alaska
Habitat Management Guide: Life Histories and Habitat
Requirements of Fish and Wildlife. (ed.). Alaska Department of
Fish and Game Juneau, Alaska:763.
References - 1