Biological Changes in Herring Stocks Following An Epizootic

Abstract
Herring landings in the Chaleur Bay area of the Gulf of St. Lawrence declined from 25 million lb (11,340 metric tons) in 1947 to 12 million lb (5443 metric tons) in 1959. The decline is attributed to lower levels of abundance resulting from mortalities caused by a fungus (Ichthyosporidium hoferi) disease which reached epidemic proportions during the mid 1950's. Data obtained during the periods 1946–48 and 1960–61 are compared and show mean lengths of herring have remained unchanged, mean ages have decreased, growth rates have increased, fewer year-classes are represented and relative abundance of autumn-hatched fish has increased.

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