Blackbelly rosefish Helicolenus dactylopterus (Delaroche, 1809) is one of the most important species of the demersal/deep‐water assemblages fished in the NE Atlantic Ocean (Azores archipelago). However, there is insufficient information about the stock structure of this species to support analytical resource assessments and it is currently managed with a precautionary approach. Here, we examine the depth and temporal distribution, size composition, sex, and movement patterns of blackbelly rosefish in order to test the hypothesis that the stock structure in the Azores region comprises different local management units (MUs). We also evaluate annual abundance indices and size composition from scientific surveys and commercial landings over the past c. 25 years for an assessment of the species' vulnerability to bottom longline fishing pressure. The greatest abundance occurred in seamount areas at 350–800 m depth. Larger individuals were mainly found in deeper waters, and no sexual segregation by depth was observed. Tagging results indicated a strongly sedentary behavior and an intraregional separation among populations. Although the abundance pattern and size composition were very similar over time, this species is particularly vulnerable to overfishing due to its biological characteristics (long life, large size, late maturity, slow growth, and low mortality rate). Proper monitoring and management of its exploitation should be a priority. Exploratory analysis for analytical assessment should be performed under the assumption of local MUs. Further oceanographic research is needed to understand larval transport and mixing of populations.

中文翻译：

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东北大西洋（亚速尔群岛）黑腹玫瑰鱼的种群结构和移动方式

黑腹玫瑰鱼Helicolenus dactylopterus （Delaroche，1809年）是在东北大西洋（亚速尔群岛）捕捞的海底/深水组合中最重要的物种之一。但是，有关该物种种群结构的信息不足，无法支持分析性资源评估，目前已采取预防措施进行管理。在这里，我们检查黑腹玫瑰鱼的深度和时间分布，大小组成，性别和运动方式，以检验亚速尔群岛地区种群结构包含不同的本地管理单位（MU）的假设。我们还通过过去的科学调查和商业登陆来评估年度丰度指数和规模构成。评估该物种对底延绳钓压力的脆弱性的评估时间为25年。丰度最大的地区是在350–800 m深度的海山地区。较大的个体主要在较深的水域中发现，未观察到按深度的性别隔离。标记结果表明，久坐行为很强，并且人群之间存在区域内分隔。尽管随着时间的推移，丰度模式和大小组成非常相似，但由于其生物学特征（寿命长，大小大，成熟晚，生长缓慢和死亡率低），该物种特别容易过度捕捞。适当监测和管理其利用应成为优先事项。用于分析评估的探索性分析应在当地MU的假设下进行。