Modeling the dispersal of polar cod (Boreogadus saida) and saffron cod (Eleginus gracilis) early life stages in the Pacific Arctic using a biophysical transport model

Polar cod (Boreogadus saida) and saffron (Eleginus gracilis) are the most abundant ecologically important forage fishes in Pacific Arctic marine ecosystem, yet little is known about their spawning locations or habitats occupied by early life stages (ELS). We developed a biophysical transport model coupled to Pan-Arctic hydrodynamic ocean circulation identify potential examine connectivity between northern Bering, Chukchi, Beaufort seas. simulated growth of newly hatched polar larvae until juvenile stage (to 45 mm length) using hindcasts from 2004 2015. Analyses identified species-specific differences dispersal trajectories, despite similar hatch times locations. Strong interannual variability was linked several global-scale climate indices, suggesting that larval may be sensitive environmental perturbations. Results show spawned Chukchi Sea an source for Basin, while observed aggregations likely originated Bering southern This study provides new information helps ELS habitat. knowledge can help improve management these species and, examining how changes response changing conditions, our ability anticipate respond rapidly Arctic.