Skip to main content

The role of sand lances (Ammodytes sp.) in the Northwest Atlantic Ecosystem: A synthesis of current knowledge with implications for conservation and management

Authors:

Michelle Staudinger

Holly Goyert

Justin Suca

Kaycee Coleman

Linda Welch

Joel Llopiz

David Wiley

Irit Altman

Andew Applegate

Peter Auster

Hannes Baumann

Julia Beaty

Deirdre Boelke

Les Kaufman

Pam Loring

Jerry Moxley

Suzanne Paton

Kevin Powers

David Richardson

Jooke Robbins

Jeffrey Runge

Brian Smith

Caleb Spiegel

Halley Steinmetz

+19 more
Publication Type:
Journal Article
Year of Publication:
2020
Secondary Title:
Fish and Fisheries
DOI:
10.1111/faf.12445
Year:
2020
Date:
Aug-03-2021

Abstract

The American sand lance (Ammodytes americanus, Ammodytidae) and the Northern sand lance (A. dubius, Ammodytidae) are small forage fishes that play an important functional role in the Northwest Atlantic Ocean (NWA). The NWA is a highly dynamic ecosystem currently facing increased risks from climate change, fishing and energy development. We need a better understanding of the biology, population dynamics and ecosystem role of Ammodytes to inform relevant management, climate adaptation and conservation efforts. To meet this need, we synthesized available data on the (a) life history, behaviour and distribution; (b) trophic ecology; (c) threats and vulnerabilities; and (d) ecosystem services role of Ammodytes in the NWA. Overall, 72 regional predators including 45 species of fishes, two squids, 16 seabirds and nine marine mammals were found to consume Ammodytes. Priority research needs identified during this effort include basic information on the patterns and drivers in abundance and distribution of Ammodytes, improved assessments of reproductive biology schedules and investigations of regional sensitivity and resilience to climate change, fishing and habitat disturbance. Food web studies are also needed to evaluate trophic linkages and to assess the consequences of inconsistent zooplankton prey and predator fields on energy flow within the NWA ecosystem. Synthesis results represent the first comprehensive assessment of Ammodytes in the NWA and are intended to inform new research and support regional ecosystem-based management approaches.