Intra‐ and interspecific density‐dependent growth and maturation of Pacific salmon in the Bering Sea

Abstract

AbstractMany studies have reported density‐dependent growth in single species, but density‐dependent growth can also occur between species when overlap in resource use occurs. We interrogate long‐term (1972–2010) monitoring data from the Bering Sea for evidence of intra‐ and interspecific density‐dependent growth among three species of Pacific salmon: sockeye, chum and pink. Partial correlation analysis, using intraspecific density as a control variable, identified interspecific density‐dependent growth among these three salmon species. As growth condition affects maturation, the maturity rates also depend on intra‐ and interspecific densities. Pacific salmon in the Bering Sea are of mixed origin, from North American and Asian rivers. As salmon return to their natal rivers, density‐dependent effects on their ocean growth and maturity during migration might have cascading effects on salmon returning to each continent, as salmon‐derived nutrients play important roles in riparian and terrestrial ecosystems.