Register      Login
Marine and Freshwater Research Marine and Freshwater Research Society
Advances in the aquatic sciences
RESEARCH ARTICLE

Distribution and timing of spawning by the Australian pilchard (Sardinops sagax neopilchardus) off Albany, Western Australia

WJ Fletcher and RJ Tregonning

Australian Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research 43(6) 1437 - 1449
Published: 1992

Abstract

The pattern of abundance of eggs and larvae of the Australian pilchard, Sardinops sagax neopilchardus, collected by plankton tows in the region off Albany, Western Australia, was investigated. In 1989, surface tows were undertaken at five localities extending from the marine embayment of Princess Royal Harbour to the continental shelf just outside King George Sound. In 1990, oblique tows were undertaken at six localities extending from just inside King George Sound to beyond the edge of the continental shelf. Eggs and larvae of pilchards were found in many months, but peaks in egg numbers were found in July and December of both 1989 and 1990. There was, however, only one peak in larva abundance, during December. Most eggs and larvae were found in the region 2-8 km offshore from the entrance to King George Sound. Few were found either well inside King George Sound and Princess Royal Harbour or in outer-shelf localities. Spawning in the Albany region therefore occurred inshore of the main influence of the eastward-flowing tropical waters of the Leeuwin Current. The implications of this spawning activity in relation to the fishery for this species and the potential for stock separation along this coast are discussed.

https://doi.org/10.1071/MF9921437

© CSIRO 1992

Committee on Publication Ethics


Rent Article (via Deepdyve) Export Citation Cited By (15) Get Permission

View Dimensions

View Altmetrics