Reproductive Biology of Atlantic Halibut (Hippoglossus hippoglossus) in Canadian Waters

Citations Over Time

Abstract

Through examination of commercial fishery samples, surveys conducted from research vessels, and fishery observer programs, the reproductive biology of Atlantic halibut (Hippoglossus hippoglossus) in the Canadian North Atlantic is described. Using data derived from conventional techniques including histology and visual assessment of maturity, and a more novel approach using image analyses equipment, halibut were found to be group-synchronous spawners whose spawning activity peaks in the November–December period, considerably earlier than was previously thought. Our analyses also allowed us to comment on the life history of Atlantic halibut in Canadian waters. The comparative absence of spawners in the continental shelf/slope areas may mean that halibut spawn in comparatively deep water, consistent with the habits of the Pacific member of the genus, H. stenolepis. Immature fish typically occurred on the southwestern Scotian Shelf but rarely off Newfoundland, supporting the view that the former area is an important rearing area for immature halibut.

Related Papers

• → Survival of Atlantic Halibut (Hippoglossus hippoglossus) Caught by Longline and Otter Trawl Gear(1989)79 cited
• → On the Biology and Fishery of the Canadian Atlantic Halibut, Hippoglossus hippoglossus L.(1958)44 cited
• → Reproductive Biology of Atlantic Halibut (Hippoglossus hippoglossus) in Canadian Waters(1993)17 cited
• → First record of Atlantic halibut (Hippoglussus hippoglussus (L.)) larvae from the Skagerrak(1993)10 cited
• → Strong relationship between commercial catch of adult Atlantic halibut (Hippoglossus hippoglossus) and availability of suitable habitat for juveniles in the Northwest Atlantic Ocean: supp. table 2(2018)