Microhabitat Use of Juvenile Atlantic Cod in a Coastal Area of Bonavista Bay, Newfoundland

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Abstract
Scuba surveys were used to examine the seasonal abundance and habitat use (substrate, temperature, and depth) of two species of juvenile cod Gadus spp. over the diel cycle in a coastal area of Bonavista Bay, Newfoundland. The abundance of age-0 cod increased throughout the study period (from early August until mid-November), while that of age-1 and age-2 Atlantic cod Gadus morhua peaked in mid-October. The diel abundance of age-1 Atlantic cod increased with the onset of dusk, indicating that these individuals moved from other habitats into the study area at this time. Although all age-classes used areas with kelp significantly more than other areas during the day, the differences between age-classes became apparent at dusk. Age-1 cod showed no significant difference in habitat density at dusk, while age-2 cod had higher concentrations over complex substrates (kelp and boulders); habitat use at dusk by age-0 cod was inconclusive. No significant differences in nocturnal habitat use were found for a...

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