Life history and population dynamics of four endemic Alaskan skates: determining essential biological information for effective management of bycatch and target species

In the Bering Sea, skates (Bathyraja spp.) are among the most common bycatch species taken in groundfish fisheries.
The susceptibility of skates to fishing pressure has been well documented, however, life history information required for
stock assessments and implementation of sustainable management plans is largely unknown for species occurring in Alaskan waters.
To address this knowledge gap, the age, growth, longevity, reproductive biology, and demography of four common bathyrajid species
(Bathyraja lindbergi, B. maculata, B. minispinosa, and B. taranetzi) were examined. The maximum age estimate for B. lindbergi and
B. maculata was 32, B. minispinosa was 37, and B. taranetzi was 14. Multiple growth models were applied to evaluate growth
characteristics. No significant differences were detected between the growth of females and males for B. lindbergi, B. maculata,
or B. minispinosa. Three parameter von Bertalanffy growth functions generated estimates of k = 0.04 yr-1 L∞ = 131.9 cm TL for
B. lindbergi, k = 0.036 yr-1 L∞ = 155.6 cm TL for B. maculata, k = 0.02 yr-1 L∞ = 146.9 cm TL for B. minispinosa, and k = 0.11
yr-1 L∞ = 85.4 and k = 0.19 yr-1 L∞ = 66.4 cm TL for B. taranetzi females and males respectively. Median size at maturity was
estimated to be 82.0, 95.5, 67.4, and 61.4 cm TL for female B. lindbergi, B. maculata, B. minispinosa, and B. taranetzi, respectively.
Demographic models incorporating uncertainty in vital rates projected annual population growth rates of 11% for B. lindbergi, 8% for
B. maculata, 10% for B. minispinosa, and 12% for B. taranetzi. These datasets were archived as part of the North Pacific Research Board legacy project recovery effort undertaken by Axiom Data Science and NPRB in 2025. The goal of the recovery effort was to assess the NPRB-funded data projects from 2002 to 2014 and archive final data packages that were ready for publication to increase long-term accessibility and discoverability. Data packages were archived as is given limited funding and resources.