Essential Fish Habitat Descriptions for Pacific Pelagic Fishery Ecosystem Plan Management Unit Species

The most important fish ( economically, culturally and socially) in the Pacific are oceanic and pelagic, meaning they live in the near-surface waters of the ocean, often far from shore. Tuna, billfish and other large pelagic species are among the world's most popular fish sought for food and sport. These fish are noteworthy for their rapid growth and, for the tunas, high rates of reproduction, as well as their remarkable swimming speed and stamina. Unlike nearshore pelagic species or bottom-dwelling fish that spend most of their lives near islands, pelagic fish move freely in the oceanic environment. Variations in the distribution and abundance of these nomadic species are often related to differences between their life history profiles, migration patterns and habits that are affected by ever-changing environmental influences, such as water temperatures, current patterns and the availability of food.