The role of sand lances (Ammodytes sp.) in the Northwest Atlantic Ecosystem: A synthesis of current knowledge with implications for conservation and management

Michelle D Staudinger,Suzanne Paton,Deirdre Boelke,Hannes Baumann,Les Kaufman,Jerry Moxley,Jooke Robbins,Julia Beaty,Joel K Llopiz,Halley Steinmetz,Irit Altman,Justin J Suca,Andew Applegate,Kevin D Powers ,Linda J Welch ,Holly F Goyert ,Brian E Smith ,David N Wiley ,Pam H Loring ,Caleb S Spiegel ,Jeffrey A Runge ,Peter J Auster ,David E Richardson ,K Coleman

doi:10.1111/faf.12445

Abstract

AbstractThe American sand lance (Ammodytes americanus, Ammodytidae) and the Northern sand lance (A. dubius, Ammodytidae) are small forage fishes that play an important functional role in the Northwest Atlantic Ocean (NWA). The NWA is a highly dynamic ecosystem currently facing increased risks from climate change, fishing and energy development. We need a better understanding of the biology, population dynamics and ecosystem role of Ammodytes to inform relevant management, climate adaptation and conservation efforts. To meet this need, we synthesized available data on the (a) life history, behaviour and distribution; (b) trophic ecology; (c) threats and vulnerabilities; and (d) ecosystem services role of Ammodytes in the NWA. Overall, 72 regional predators including 45 species of fishes, two squids, 16 seabirds and nine marine mammals were found to consume Ammodytes. Priority research needs identified during this effort include basic information on the patterns and drivers in abundance and distribution of Ammodytes, improved assessments of reproductive biology schedules and investigations of regional sensitivity and resilience to climate change, fishing and habitat disturbance. Food web studies are also needed to evaluate trophic linkages and to assess the consequences of inconsistent zooplankton prey and predator fields on energy flow within the NWA ecosystem. Synthesis results represent the first comprehensive assessment of Ammodytes in the NWA and are intended to inform new research and support regional ecosystem‐based management approaches.

Highlights

Sand lances and sandeels (Ammodytes sp.) are considered a “quintessential forage fish” in the Northern Hemisphere (Robards, Willson, Armstrong, & Piatt, 1999)
Fish and squid predators captured in the Northeast Fisheries Science Center (NEFSC) survey between 1973 and 2015 and containing notable amounts (≥5% M) of Northwest Atlantic Ocean (NWA) Ammodytes in their stomach contents included Atlantic cod, longhorn sculpin (Myoxocephalus octodecemspinosus, Cottidae), winter skate (Leucoraja ocellata, Rajidae), alewife (Alosa pseudoharengus, FIGURE 3 Spatial distribution of Northwest Atlantic Ammodytes during A) spring and B) fall caught during the Massachusetts Department of Marine Fisheries resource trawl survey
NWA Ammodytes have gone through periods of importance as prey to other forage fishes including: alewife in the 1980s during spring; and to a lesser extent, American shad during the 2000s in spring in the Gulf of Maine; Atlantic herring from the 1980s to present during spring primarily in the Georges Bank region; and scup (Stenotomus chrysops, Sparidae) in Southern New England during fall in the 1970s

Summary

Introduction

Sand lances and sandeels (Ammodytes sp.) are considered a “quintessential forage fish” in the Northern Hemisphere (Robards, Willson, Armstrong, & Piatt, 1999).

Results

Conclusion