Spatial variation in habitat quality for juvenile flatfish in the southeastern Bering Sea and its implications for productivity in a warming ecosystem Journal of Sea Research

• Multi-year warm-cold environmental phases affect juvenile flatfish habitat usage. • Juveniles appeared to occupy the North habitat only during a warm phase. • Higher temperature variability in the North habitat may cause poorer body condition. • Habitat expansion to encompass both South and North habitats may increase productivity. • Mere shift of habitat from South to North may not increase productivity.