Potential for sustainable expansion of the dogfish (Squalus acanthias) fishery in the northeast Pacific

摘要: Spiny dogfish are one of the most abundant shark species and support major commercial fisheries. Because their slow life history, including longest gestation time among vertebrates, they expected to be vulnerable overfishing recover from depletion. Indeed, in Atlantic have been declared overfished, a petition list them under CITES agreement is currently underway. In Pacific, on other hand, there may scope for expansion current fishery. Here, we provide scientific information stock structure demographic parameters dogfish, together with an analysis sensitivity exploitation. Genetic data suggested deep phylogeographic split between / South Pacific North coinciding differences history two groups. Within was little evidence genetic differentiation, though essentially self recruiting populations still exist. Statistical comparisons region-specific growth curves females indicated northern southern regions latitudinal range Puget Sound outside waters open coast. As expected, slower growing later maturing were found susceptible fishing, suggesting that while fishery expanded, sustain only relatively low levels fishing mortality. From socioeconomic perspective, spiny catches dominate elasmobranch landings coast, averaging 2270 mt annually, approximately 4% global catch. Sound, decreased over last twenty years 3,900 round weight about 64 (as 2000). Over same period prices changed 08 cents 19 per pound 2004). The potential listing would change economic situation described herein considerably.