Habitat Suitability Index Models: Juvenile English Sole.
Abstract
English sole (Parophrys vetulus) is a most abundant fish in many bays and estuaries. A review and synthesis of existing information were used to develop a model for evaluating juvenile English sole habitat. The model is scaled to produce an index between 0 (unsuitable habitat) and 1 (optimal habitat) along the Pacific coast of North America from central California to southern British Columbia in estuaries and lagoons. Habitat suitability models are designed for use with the Habitat Evaluation Procedures previously developed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Guidelines for model application and techniques for measuring model variables are provided. English sole (Parophrys vetulus) is one of the major commercial groundfish species caught along the Pacific coast. Landings in the United States and Canada averaged 4,947 t/yr between 1975 and 1984, placing it third in importance among flatfish caught by Pacific coast trawlers (Pacific Marine Fisheries Commission 1985). Juvenile English sole are also among the most abundant fishes in many bays and estuaries along the Pacific (Westrheim 1955; Sopher 1974; Ambrose 1976; Rogers 1985). The English sole is not an important recreational species.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 01, 1987
- Accession Number
- ADA323404
Entities
People
- Christopher L. Toole
- Christopher P. Onuf
- Roger A. Barnhart