Source - Journal of Northwest Atlantic Fishery Science, Volume 7(2): 145-154
ISSN-0250-6408

Abstract

Distribution, sexual maturity, spawning dates and temperature preferences of Georges Bank haddock (Melanogrammus aeglefinus L.) were investigated with data collected on spring bottom-trawl surveys in 1977-83. The results agree with earlier work that peak spawning ocurs during late March or early April and that preferred bottom temperatures ranged from 4° to 7° C. The Northeast peak of Georges Bank appeared to be the most important spawning area, but the area to the east of the Great South Channel in depths less than 100 m was also important during some years. Length at 50% maturity averaged 37cm for males and 40 cm for females, and a response to large incoming year-classes was noted. The stock was composed of about 37% mature individuals at age 2 and 90% at age3, but these percentages varied by sex and year. Sex ratios averaged 1.33:1 in favour of femalesduring the period and were skewed in favor of females in every year.

Language - English
Publisher - Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Organization (NAFO), Dartmouth, N.S., Canada
Publication Date - December 1987
Publication Type - Journal Article
Descriptors - Atlantic haddock, distribution, Georges Bank, maturity, spawning, temperatures