Modeled Connectivity Between Northern Rock Sole (Lepidopsetta polyxystra) Spawning and Settlement Areas in the Eastern Bering Sea

Previous studies have shown that northern rock sole (Lepidopsetta polyxystra) recruitment to the commercial fishery in the eastern Bering Sea is related to wind patterns during the larval period, and suggest larval transport patterns influence recruitment.  Accordingly, northern rock sole larval distribution and transport were studied in the Bering Sea (for the 1981 to 2006 year classes).  Larval distribution was determined by ichthyoplankton surveys and input into an individual based bio-physical coupled model.  A connectivity matrix between spawning and age-0 nursery sites was created.  Transport of larvae from the Gulf of Alaska to the eastern Bering Sea through Unimak Pass is likely.  Predicted settlement areas include the north side of the Alaska Peninsula, Bristol Bay, and in the vicinity of the Pribilof Islands.