Summary of Life History of Pacific Sand Lance (Ammodytes hexapterus) and Its Distribtion in Relation to Protection Island National Wildlife Refuge

摘要

Pacific sand lace (Ammodytes hexapterus) is a significant prey species for certain seabirds, salmonid fishes, and possibly marine mammals. Rational management of this food base requires a knowledge of sand lace life history and habitat requirements. In particular, the sand lace resource available to the seabird populations of Protection Island is of interest because this island provides one of the significant nesting habitats for rhinocerus auklet (Ceratorhincus monoceras) in the State of Washington. Knowledge of the distribution and habitat requirements of the local sand lance population is a natural complement to the preservation of auklet habitat.