Diel vertical migration in Pacific sand lance (Ammodytes personatus)-a pelagic forage fish associated with benthic substrates

Diel vertical migration (DVM) in marine organisms is an evolved response to maximize foraging opportunities and minimize predation risk. This pattern in vertical distribution is a widely observed phenomenon and common in pelagic forage fish species. Modelling these dynamics has important relevance to understanding marine ecosystem dynamics, predator-prey interactions, and marine food webs. We examine DVM in sand lance-an ecologically important taxa of forage fishes throughout northern hemisphere marine systems and target of commercial fisheries. Much remains unknown about their diurnal emergence from sediments. We apply data from autonomous stereo-camera deployments and tank observations to provide new insight to DVM patterns in Pacific sand lance (Ammodytes personatus). We model emergence curves using beta regression models with random effects, depicting important differences in the shape of ascent and descent. Our observations and analyses document crepuscular movement patterns, suggesting pelagic foraging occurs primarily at dawn and dusk. Results suggest critical light thresholds are necessary to initiate and maintain pelagic foraging. Results also suggest the importance of seasonality and life stage, such that adult fish exhibit reduced pelagic foraging in the fall relative to juvenile fish. These results constitute a comprehensive evaluation of DVM in this species, better define the physical drivers, and mathematically depict the pattern and shape of emergence timing.

Automated summary

Diel vertical migration (DVM) is a common pattern in pelagic forage fish species, and studying this phenomenon is important for understanding marine ecosystem dynamics. This study focuses on DVM in sand lance and provides new insights into their patterns using camera and tank observations. Results suggest that dawn and dusk are the primary foraging times for sand lance, and light thresholds and seasonality play important roles in their behavior. These findings contribute to a comprehensive evaluation of DVM in sand lance and enhance our understanding of the physical drivers and timing of emergence.