On relationships between cannibalism, climate variability, physical transport, and recruitment success of Bering Sea walleye pollock (Theragra chalcogramma)

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Abstract
Walleye pollock (Theragra chalcogramma) is the single most abundant fish species in the Bering Sea and comprises the bulk of the commercial catch. Juvenile pollock are an important forage fish for older pollock, other fish, marine mammals, and birds. We examine the interaction between cannibalism, climate variability, and related patterns in physical transport. Our analysis of adult and juvenile pollock abundance and distribution time series, ocean current modelling studies, and information on climate variability indicates that cannibalism is a major determinant of interannual recruitment variability. In turn, the intensity of cannibalism appears to be dependent on the degree of spatial separation of adults and juveniles. Strong year classes occur when juvenile pollock are transported inshore and away from adults in spring – conditions typical of warm years. In cold years, transport is reduced and juveniles remain on the outer shelf in proximity to adults. Co-occurring distribution patterns of adults and juveniles resulting from these conditions lead to potentially increased cannibalism and subsequent weak year classes.

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