Alternative Title

Anadromous Fish Project

Document Type

Report

Department/Program

Virginia Institute of Marine Science

Publication Date

1985

Abstract

This presentation 1.s the completion report for P. L. 89-304, AFC 10 project "Anadromous Fisheries Research, Virginia," for the period 1 October 1979 to 31 December 1983. 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 Alusa species 1.n Virginia 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 October 1979 to 31 December 1983

DOI

https://doi.org/10.25773/zch1-a058

Keywords

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

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