Density-dependent Growth in the Northwest Atlantic Stock of Atlantic Mackerel (Scomber scombrus)

W. J. Overholtz

National Marine Fisheries Service, Northeast Fisheries Center
Woods Hole Laboratory, Woods Hole, Massachusetts 02543, USA

Source - Journal of Northwest Atlantic Fishery Science, Volume 9(2): 115-121
ISSN-0250-6408

 

Overholtz, W.J. 1989. Density-dependent Growth in the Northwest Atlantic Stock of Atlantic Mackerel (Scomber scombrus). J. Northw. Atl. Fish. Sci. 9(2): 115-121. https://doi.org/10.2960/J.v9.a10

Abstract

Density-dependent growth relationships in the Northwest Atlantic stock of Atlantic mackerel (Scomber scombrus) were investigated with regression and non-parametric statistical procedures. Mean weight at ages 1-3 for research survey caught and ages 2-4 for commercially caught fish were found to be significantly and negatively correlated with stock density. Weight-at-age of fish from the 1978-82, and 1984 cohorts were significantly different at ages l, 2 and 3. The 1982 cohort was found to be one of the slowest growing on record; it is also one of the largest recruiting year-classes that has been observed. Results suggested that a two stage growth model that accounts for different distribution of juvenile and adult fish may be appropriate for this stock. Early growth may be related to year-class size, whereas stock size may be more influential after juvenile fish join the adult stock further offshore.

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Language - English
Publisher - Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Organization (NAFO), Dartmouth, N.S., Canada
Publication Date - December 1989
Publication Type - Journal Article

Citation: Overholtz, W.J. 1989. Density-dependent Growth in the Northwest Atlantic Stock of Atlantic Mackerel (Scomber scombrus). J. Northw. Atl. Fish. Sci. 9(2): 115-121. https://doi.org/10.2960/J.v9.a10