The distribution of plaice eggs and larvae in the Clyde Sea Area

Abstract

SynopsisInformation concerning the abundance and distribution of plaice Pleuronectet, platessa L. eggs and larvae has been gathered from the examination of old records and from cruises carried out for this precise purpose. Additional information on the spawning of plaice is presented from the capture of ripe specimens.Plankton samples have been taken in the Clyde Sea Area over many years by the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries for Scotland for a variety of purposes. All samples taken since 1950 have been examined and data on plaice eggs and larvae have been extracted and collated. The data have been standardised by expressing all the results in terms of number/100 m3.The data show that plaice spawn in the Clyde between February and April, with maximum concentrations of eggs and larvae occurring in early March and April, respectively. Although the eggs are widely distributed, they are commonest to the east of Arran, the greatest densities being found off the Heads of Ayr, in Ayr Bay, close to Ailsa Craig and in Irvine Bay. The distribution of eggs and larvae in relation to the position of the nursery grounds for the young fish is discussed.