Document Type

Article

Department/Program

Virginia Institute of Marine Science

Publication Date

1994

Journal

Fishery Bulletin

Volume

92

Issue

3

First Page

591

Last Page

598

Abstract

Capture of transforming larval and newly settled juvenile (age-0) summer flounder, Paralichthys dentatus, over four years (1986-1989) in the seaside salt marshes of Virginia's Eastern Shore and in the lower Chesapeake Bay verifies Virginia waters as a nursery area. Gear specific for juvenile flatfish was used and sampling was conducted in a broad range of habitats in all months. This study demonstrates a fluctuation in the timing of the appearance and magnitude of abundance of age-0 summer flounder in Virginia waters over a four-year sampling period. Age-0 summer flounder (11-27 mm TL) began entering the area in October 1986 and were present throughout the winter of 1987. The 1988 and 1989 year classes did not appear until April at larger sizes (22-83 mm TL). Highest catch per unit of effort (CPUE) occurred between April and August and abundance declined in the fall. Data indicated that year-class strength declined from 1986 to 1988 and increased slightly in 1989. To monitor year-class strength of age-0 summer flounder, we recommend sampling Virginia estuaries in April, May, and June when both abundance of flounder is high and small-mesh-lined trawl gear is most efficient.

Keywords

North-Carolina; Beam-Trawl; New-Jersey; Immigration; Temperature; Growth; Fishes

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