Growth of juvenile pollock (Pollachius virens L.) along the Atlantic coast of Canada with inferences of inshore-offshore movements

Abstract

Age zero pollock from 0.3-4.2 cm in length were found in the Nova Scotia offshore plankton between November and June and small pollock at lengths of 7-11 cm were caught inshore in July. These small pollock appear to have moved inshore after leaving the offshore pelagic community at 3-6 months of age. They remain inshore until they reach 30+ cm during their 2nd year. Tagged inshore pollock grew 17-18 cm during their 1st year of life, an annual instantaneous growth rate (G) of 4.1, and 27-30 cm by the end of their 2nd year (G=1.8). Seasonal variability in growth was observed. -from Authors