Distribution and abundance of larval sablefish (Anoplopoma fimbria) off the west coast of Vancouver Island, April 2-18, and May 10-18, 1986 / by W. Shaw, G.A. McFarlane, and D. Davenport.: Fs97-4/1970E-PDF

"The surface distribution and abundance of larval sablefish using a neuston net off Vancouver Island was examined from April 2 to 18 and May 10 to 18, 1986. A total of 74 stations was fished at night with a neuston net during April and 42 stations during May. Nine stations in April and 18 in May were repeated during daylight hours. Sablefish larvae were caught at 31 stations in April for a total of 251 larvae. In May, sablefish were caught at 24 stations for a total 299 larvae. They composed 2.8% and 4.3% of the total coastwide catch of larvae in the night tows during April and May respectively. Estimates of relative abundance for sablefish larvae are presented. The highest relative abundance estimates of sablefish larvae in April were off Wickaninnish Bay, and in May off Clayoquot Sound. Sablefish larvae ranged in length from 7 to 29 mm in April and from 10 to 35 mm in May. The mean length of the larvae in April was 12.7 mm (SE=0.81) and in May, 19.4 mm (SE=1.03). Bongo tows and vertical plankton hauls were also conducted during both surveys. One sablefish larva was caught in a bongo tow at a midwater depth between 200 m and 500 m. Other larval species caught during both surveys are also discussed in this report. A summary of the physical oceanographic data collected in both surveys is presented"--Abstract, page iii.

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