Publication Abstract

Pilchard (Sardina pilchardus, Walbaum) egg distribution in the English Channel from plankton surveys in 1978, 1981, 1988 and 1991

Pilchard (Sardina pilchardus,Walbaum) egg distribution in the English Channel from plankton surveys in 1978, 1981, 1988and 1991

G.M. Haynes and J.H. Nichols

The distribution, abundance and production of pilchard (Sardina pilchardns. Walbaumeggs are described from a series of plankton surveys in the English Channel. These arediscussed ii relation to surface temperature and compared with the results from previouslypublished surveys The surveys confirm that spawning begins in the western English Channelduring the second half o March, progresses eastwards and is 2-3 weeks later in the easternEnglish Channel. Some spawning still occurs in the southern North Sea and at a similarlevel to that found on surveys in 1950 and 1967 Pilchard eggs were found developing insurface temperatures down to 8.5°C. Concentrations as high as 1500 m^-2 werefound in the Bay of the Seine at 10-10.5°C. These surveys suggest that increasin€egg production is linked to increasing sea temperature and that the major productionoccurs in the western English Channel at surface temperatures >14.5°C.

Reference:

G.M. Haynes and J.H. Nichols, 1994. Pilchard (Sardina pilchardus, Walbaum) eggdistribution in the English Channel from plankton surveys in 1978, 1981, 1988 and 1991.Journal of Plankton Research, 16: 771-782.

G.M. Haynes* and J.H. Nichols*

Journal of Plankton Research, 16: 771-782