Distribution of Witch Flounder in the Northern Gulf of St. Lawrence and Changes in Its Growth and Sexual Maturity Patterns
- 1 October 1984
- journal article
- Published by Oxford University Press (OUP) in North American Journal of Fisheries Management
- Vol. 4 (4A) , 399-413
- https://doi.org/10.1577/1548-8659(1984)4<399:dowfit>2.0.co;2
Abstract
Witch flounder (Glyptocephalus cynoglossus) in the Gulf of St. Lawrence form dense prespawning concentrations in a localized area of deep water during the early winter months. At this time they are fished by the Newfoundland deep sea otter trawlers. During the summer, these fish disperse throughout the Gulf and do not form concentrations large enough to afford a viable otter trawl fishery. One area of localized abundance in St. George's Bay, however, allows for a small seiner fishery during summer months. Growth rates of both males and females in this area increased significantly since 1976. The life span of this stock also has decreased from 26 to 16 years while stock biomass appears to have remained stable and the mean size at maturity has not changed. There is some indication of a reduction in the age at maturity; however, the evidence presented cannot be regarded as conclusive. These changes in growth and maturity are discussed in relation to changes in catch levels since 1975.This publication has 0 references indexed in Scilit: