| Abstract: | Estimates of Pacific halibut habitat in conjunction with catch per unit of effort can be used to approximate the relative biomass in small regulatory areas and improve estimates of biomass in larger regulatory areas. This report presents two measures of habitat: total bottom area inside 500 fathoms and bottom area of fishing grounds. Area of fishing grounds underestimates total habitat, but probably provides the best estimate of relative habitat among areas. Habitat estimates are provided by regulatory area, statistical area, and depth strata. Figures are provided showing fishing grounds in each regulatory area. |
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