Abstract
Interannual variations in distribution, size, indices of feeding and condition of juvenile Bristol Bay sockeye salmon Oncorhynchus nerka collected in August to September (2000–2003) during Bering–Aleutian Salmon International Surveys were examined to test possible mechanisms influencing their early marine growth and survival. Juvenile sockeye salmon were mainly distributed within the southern region of the eastern Bering Sea, south of 57°0′ N during 2000 and 2001 and farther offshore, south of 58°0′ N during 2002 and 2003. In general, juvenile sockeye salmon were significantly larger ( P P Ammodytes hexapterus were important components of the juvenile sockeye salmon diet during 2000 and 2001 (20 to 50% of the mean wet mass) and age 0 year walleye pollock Theragra chalcogramma were important components during 2002 and 2003 (50 to 60% of the mean wet mass). Warmer sea temperatures during spring and summer of 2002 and 2003 probably increased productivity on the eastern Bering Sea shelf, enhancing juvenile sockeye salmon growth.