Reproductive biology of bluefish ( Pomatomus saltatrix) along the East Coast of the United States

Abstract

The reproductive biology of bluefish ( Pomatomus saltatrix) along the U.S. East Coast is examined from a collection 1437 females sampled from nearshore to the continental slope and from Florida to New York over a period of 3 years (2001–2003). In most years concurrent sampling along the coast was conducted over spring and summer months to resolve the initiation of spawning. We examined the spawning location, pattern and timing, and calculated the fecundity of fish from 600 to 840 mm in length. Based on macro- and microscopic analysis of female gonads, bluefish are multiple spawners with indeterminate fecundity. The presence of all stages of development in fully mature ovaries further indicates that bluefish have asynchronous oocyte development. Mean age at first maturity for female bluefish was ∼1.90 years and 480 mm total length. Mean batch fecundity was 402,247 eggs and ranged from 114,513 to 920,746 eggs, depending on age and weight. Direct observation of gonads showed imminent spawning in Florida and North Carolina during March to April, and from April to August from Virginia to New York. Given the progression of oocyte development over the range of space and time we sampled, we suggest that bluefish exhibit continuous spawning during their migration from the South Atlantic Bight (SAB) to Middle Atlantic Bight (MAB).