Growth of a deep-water, predatory fish is influenced by the productivity of a boundary current system

摘要: The effects of climate change on predatory fishes in deep shelf areas are difficult to predict because complex processes may govern food availability and temperature at depth. We characterised the net impact recent environmental changes hapuku (Polyprion oxygeneios), an apex predator found continental slope habitats (>200 m depth) by using dendrochronology techniques develop a multi-decadal record growth from otoliths. Fish were sampled off temperate south-western Australia, region strongly influenced Leeuwin Current, poleward-flowing, eastern boundary current. common variance among individual records was relatively low (3.4%), but otolith chronology positively correlated (r = 0.61, p < 0.02) with sea level Fremantle, proxy for strength Current. Current influences primary productivity ecosystems, strong current favouring hapuku. is predicted decline under models this study provides evidence that associated flow through higher trophic levels even water habitats.