Abstract
AbstractFishing pressure is increasing on the seven skate species on the continental shelf of the northeastern United States. We provide the first abundance estimate for this skate complex by using data from an annual video survey (2003–2009) at depths of 40–120 m from Georges Bank through the Middle Atlantic Bight. Average annual skate densities were 0.014 individuals/m2 on Georges Bank and 0.009 individuals/m2 in the Middle Atlantic Bight; total skate abundance estimates averaged around 410 and 210 million fish, respectively. Coefficients of variation in density were low, averaging 9% for Georges Bank and 12% for the Middle Atlantic Bight. Abundance was relatively constant between 2003 and 2009 on Georges Bank and in the Middle Atlantic Bight except for a significant increase in 2006 within the latter area. These abundance estimates can be used for detailed population studies, analysis of harvest strategies, and community studies necessary for ecosystem‐based management.
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