Energy Condition of Subsistence-Harvested Fishes in Arctic Coastal Lagoons
Fraley KM, Robards MD, Vollenweider J, Whiting A, Jones T, Rogers MC. 2021. Energy Condition of Subsistence-Harvested Fishes in Arctic Coastal Lagoons. Marine and Coastal Fisheries. 13(6):625-728
In Arctic Alaska, Indigenous and rural residents depend on wild-harvested foods for sustenance and the subsistence lifestyle is integralto their culture. Marine and diadromous fishes, which often occupycoastal lagoon habitats, are relied upon for subsistence harvest, partic-ularly Pacific salmon, whitefishes (Coregoninae), cods (Gadidae), andflounder species (Pleuronectidae). However, little research has beenconducted that assesses the energetic condition of these fishes, whichare harvested by the tens of thousands annually. The effects of accel-erating climate change and human development on the metabolicrates, diet, body condition, and energy density of fish is of great con-cern because these effects will, in turn, affect the people who dependon these species for food security. Consequently, we characterizedenergy density and percentage of lipid, water, and protein content of10 fish species in four coastal lagoons within Cape KrusensternNational Monument, Alaska. We found that whitefishes, particularlyBering Cisco Coregonus laurettae and Least Cisco C. sardinellaexhibited the highest energy density, percentage of lipid, and percent-age of protein content, significantly greater than that of marine codand flounder species, Fourhourn Sculpin Myoxocephalus quadricor-nis, freshwater Pond Smelt Hypomesus olidus, and values from otherregional species that have been in published literature. Additionally,when the relative mean abundance and body weight of each specieswas taken into account, total energy value by availability in thelagoons was highest for whitefishes when compared with marine taxaand the freshwater Pond Smelt. Given the impending effects of cli-mate change and coastal construction in the region, it will be impor-tant to monitor the energy condition of lagoon fishes to ensure theirquality and availability for subsistence harvesters
- Type
- Journal Article
- Authors
- Fraley, Kevin; Robards, Martin; Vollenweider, Johanna; Whiting, Alex; Jones, Tahzay; Rogers, Matthew
- Units
- BELA , CAKR
- Keywords
- alaska, arctic, coastal, energy, fish, lagoon, subsistence