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

In the Gulf of Alaska and Bering Sea, skates (Raja and Bathyraja spp.) are among the most common bycatch species taken in groundfish
fisheries. Additionally, directed fisheries recently developed for Raja binoculata and R. rhina in the Gulf of Alaska. 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 two common bathyrajid species (Bathyraja aleutica and B. interrupta) and reproductive biology
and demography of two currently targeted rajid species (R. rhina and R. binoculata) were examined. Maximum age estimates for B. aleutica and B.
interrupta were 17 and 13 years, respectively. Multiple growth models were applied to evaluate growth characteristics. No significant differences
were detected between the growth of females and males for either species. Three parameter von Bertalanffy growth functions generated estimates of
k = 0.11 yr-1 L∞ = 172.6 cm TL for B. aleutica and k = 0.08 yr-1 L∞ = 126.4 cm TL for B. interrupta. Median size at maturity was estimated to be
124.4, 70.2, 148.6, and 113.1 cm TL for female B. aleutica, B. interrupta, R. binoculata, and R. rhina, respectively. Demographic models incorporating
uncertainty in vital rates projected annual population growth rates of 25% for B. aleutica, 36% for B. interrupta, 33% for R. binoculata, and 20%
for R. rhina. 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.