Distribution of Herring (Clupea harengus) Larvae Along the Southern Coast of Nova Scotia with Observations on Their Growth and Condition Factor

Abstract

The distribution and abundance of herring larvae on the southern coast of Nova Scotia suggested the presence of a fall spawning population. Larvae were found in St. Margaret's Bay from late September to June. They showed a slower growth rate than larvae from the Clyde Sea, Scotland, and weighed less at a particular length than did larvae from the Clyde Sea and Boothbay, Maine. The larvae had a lower condition factor at 25 mm length than larvae from the North and Baltic Seas. No larvae were found on the Scotian Shelf during late May and early June, 1969, but were abundant during September and October. Herring spawning beds were reported from areas along the entire coast of Nova Scotia from Canso to Cape Sable.