Physical oceanographic data in the Gulf of Alaska/Shelikof Strait, September 2000

The late-summer FOCI cruise was designed to address biological and methodological questions regarding age-0 walleye pollock in the western Gulf of Alaska. The primary cruise objective was to collect data on age-0 pollock and their environment in the area between Shelikof Strait and the Shumagin Islands, from nearshore to the outer shelf. Many juvenile pollock, spawned in Shelikof Strait, are carried to the study area of interest by the prevailing current. Complex topography in this area creates a habitat mosaic that probably affects pollock nursery suitability and may lead to accumulations of fish in favorable areas. This is relevant to FOCI's goal because accumulation of age-0 pollock in favorable areas may be an important factor in subsequent recruitment to the GOA stock. The Chirikof Island area was of particular interest because the abundance of yearling pollock in that area during the late winter is a proven indicator of year-class strength.