Estimating survival in a remote community-based fishery using acoustic telemetry

Small-scale fisheries are often considered data poor due to a myriad of complex factors. Precise estimates of key demographic rates are central to the sustainable management of these fisheries. We used 3 years of acoustic telemetry data to derive survival estimates of Greenland halibut (Reinhardtius hippoglossoides; n = 255) within a small-scale community fishery in Pangnirtung, Nunavut. Cormack-Jolly-Seber survival estimates were similar for the three top models (quarterly phi > 0.80) and detection probability varied with time and as a result of different tag configurations used (pTag type + t). Survival also differed depending on the location and timing of fish tagging (phi Catch; summer vs. winter). A further joint analysis combining detections of live fish and returned tags estimated quarterly survival and site fidelity probability (s = 0.97, 0.92-1.00 CI (credible interval) and f = 0.96, 0.92-1.00 CI, respectively). Survival estimates were unachievable using traditional tagging methods, highlighting the value of acoustic telemetry mark-recapture as a management tool for estimating demographic parameters for poorly known small-scale fisheries.

Automated summary

Small-scale fisheries are often data poor. This study estimated the survival rate of Greenland halibut in a small-scale community fishery using acoustic telemetry data. The findings highlight the value of acoustic telemetry mark-recapture as a management tool for estimating demographic parameters for these fisheries.