Ecology of the hagfish, Myxine glutinosa L., in the gulf of Maine: II. Potential impact on benthic communities and commercial fisheries

摘要: Abstract The Atlantic hagfish, Myxine glutinosa L., is found throughout the Gulf of Maine at depths greater than 50 m in areas soft bottom substrata. A preliminary density estimate has been developed, based on trap survey data collected over a 5 year period one area. Calculated densities range from 1:16.75 m2 to 1:2 m2, with biomass estimated be 8119 kg km−2. These are comparable those for Pacific hagfish by other investigators. energetic requirements average size within inner calculated approximately 2.39 kJ · day−1. requirement populations minimum 142 679 day−1 daily this would equivalent day−1km−2 shrimp flesh or 27.1 km−2of fish flesh. On an annual basis, they require 18.25 mt (metric tons) km−2 9.9 Given their abundance and habits, may play significant role substratum turnover nutrient recycling, including removal discarded by-catch. positive effects benthic ecosystem far outweigh potential negative impacts commercial fisheries, such as damage captured groundfish predation shrimp. Hagfish eggs also form part diet several species marine mammals. Nevertheless, not usually included models energy flow Maine. It known what percentage suitable habitat occupied M. high densities. If our 5% areas, demands roughly caloric value combined landings therefore important that (1) large-scale efforts undertaken determine actual distribution Maine, (2) ecosystems where occur.