Trophic Relationships of Ornrnastrephes bartrarnii During Winter Migrations to Subtropical Waters North of the Hawaiian Islands

• Main Author: Michael P. Seki
• Other Authors: The Pennsylvania State University CiteSeerX Archives
• Format: Text
• Language: English
• Subjects: Pacific; Subarctic
• Online Access: http://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/viewdoc/summary?doi=10.1.1.493.269; http://swfsc.noaa.gov/publications/cr/1993/9382.pdf

Abstract: Ornmasrrephes barrramii. occupy waters in the Nonh Pacific near the Subarctic Boundary during summer and fall where they are targeted by international driftnet fishing fleets. During the winter, 0. barrramir migrate south to spawn in subtropical waters probably between 25 ' and 35'N latitude. Diet and trophic relationships were examined for 0. barrramri during the winter occupation of these subtropical waters. Food composition was determined for stomachs from 42 large (48-57 cm mantle length). mature female 0. barrrarnricaptured bv large (I80 mm) mesh driftnet (6me ami) dur-ing 12-19 February 1991. The bvlk of the diet was composed of cephalopods (60.5%) and micronek-tonic fishes (37.7%); cannibalism was common. The relationship between winter-migrating 0. barrromrr and the recently developed swordfish. Xiphius g/adius. longline fishery is also discussed. Squids found among swordfish stomach contents included adult 0. barrramri, Thysanoreurhis rhombus. and Sihenoreuihrs oualanrensrs.