Density-dependent growth in the Northwest Atlantic stock of Atlantic mackerel (Scomber scombrus)

Abstract

Mean weight at ages 1-3 for research survey caught and ages 2-4 for commercially caught fish were significantly negatively correlated with stock density. Weight-at-age of fish from 1978-82, and 1984 cohorts were significantly different at ages 1, 2 and 3. The 1982 cohort was one of the slowest growing on record; it is also one of the largest recruiting year-classes observed. 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. -from Author