Publication Abstract

Batch fecundity of Atlantic mackerel, Scomber scombrus

J.J. Watson, I.G. Priede, P.R. Witthames and A. Owori-Wadunde

The total annual fecundity of mackerel, Scomber scombrus, during a spawning season is produced by release of discrete batches of eggs. Total fecundity is then the product of the number of batches times the batch fecundity F_bw. An extensive trawl survey of the Western mackerel stock in the NE Atlantic was undertaken in the 1989 spawning season. Batch fecundity was estimated for 298 fish by counting hydrated eggs in ovaries just prior to ovulation. F, expressed as eggs/g body weight, varied with latitude: south of 51 degree N, F_bw) = 55 multiplied by 49, S.E. = 2 multiplied by 04, n = 227; between 51°N and 55°N, F sub(bw) = 45 multiplied by 72, S.E. = 3 multiplied by 41, n = 52 and north of 55 degree N, F_bw = 41 multiplied by 33, S.E. = 5 multiplied by 52, n = 19. It is suggested that as spawning fish migrate northwards the batch size decreases with progress of the spawning season.

Reference:

J.J. Watson, I.G. Priede, P.R. Witthames and A. Owori-Wadunde, 1991. Batch fecundity of Atlantic mackerel, Scomber scombrus. Journal of Fish Biology, 40: 591-598.