Document Type
Article
Department/Program
Virginia Institute of Marine Science
Publication Date
2005
Journal
Journal of Northwest Atlantic Fishery Science
Issue
35
First Page
67
Last Page
78
Abstract
The barndoor skate (Dipturus laevis) has been reported to be close to extinction in parts of its northern range and is believed to be particularly vulnerable to fishing mortality due to its relatively large size. A lack of basic life history information, however, has hampered an accurate assessment and management of north Atlantic populations. In an attempt to fill this void, information was collected from 2 310 specimens caught during commercial sea scallop dredging in the southern section of Georges Bank Closed Area II. Eighty-seven fish were determined to be mature from a visual inspection of reproductive tracts and the allometric growth of claspers, oviducal glands and developing ova. Sexual dimorphism was apparent in length at 50% maturity with females maturing at 116.3 cm and males at 107.9 cm. A preliminary analysis of 118 vertebrae indicates faster growth (k = 0.14 to 0.18) and younger female maturation (6.5 to 7.2 yr) than previously believed. Thus, resilience of the barndoor skate to overfishing may be higher than recently assumed.
DOI
10.2960/J.v35.m512
Keywords
Dipturus laevis, Georges Bank, growth, life history, maturity, reproduction, skate
Recommended Citation
Gedamke, Todd; DuPaul, William D.; and Musick, John A., Observations on the life history of the barndoor skate, Dipturus laevis, on Georges Bank (Western North Atlantic) (2005). Journal of Northwest Atlantic Fishery Science.
10.2960/J.v35.m512
