Alternative Title

Anadromous Fish Project

Document Type

Report

Department/Program

Virginia Institute of Marine Science

Publication Date

1982

Abstract

This presentation is the third annual report for P. L. 89-304, AFC 10 project "Anadromous Fisheries Research, Virginia," for the period 1 November 1981 to 31 October 1982. The fishes of concern were the alewife (Alosa pseudoharengus), American shad (A. sapidissima), and the blueback herring (A. aestivalis).

The Alosa species were once an important component of the landings of Virginia fisheries. In the last decade, however, there has been a dramatic decrease in American shad and river herring landings. The 1981 landings of Alosa species in Virgin.ia were the lowest ever recorded. American shad and river herring are also sought by recreational fishermen in Virginia; however, data are few and the extent of this activity is. unknown. Additionally, these· species have a vital ecological role. Young-of-the-year Alosa are the dominant pelagic prey species in their extensive freshwater and upper estuarine nursery grounds. After spawning, adults return to the sea and are prey of many marine piscivores. It is important that studies of the Alosa stocks in Virginia be continued. Current data, as well as historical data, are needed in order that analyses are constructive contributions to rational management strategies.

The following jobs were performed:

  1. Catch and Effort Statistics of the Virginia Anadromous Fisheries
  2. Population Dynamics of the Virginia Alosa Fisheries
  3. Annual Index of Juvenile Alosa Abundance

Description

Project Period: 1 November 1981 to 31 October 1982

DOI

https://doi.org/10.25773/gw6g-5t65

Keywords

Alosa -- Virginia, Anadromous fishes -- Virginia, Atlantic herring fisheries -- Virginia, Shad fisheries -- Virginia

Download
COinS