Séparation des populations de hareng de l'Atlantique (Clupea harengus harengus) de l'estuaire du Saint-Laurent et de la péninsule gaspésienne

Abstract

Examination of morphometric and meristic characteristics of Atlantic herring (Clupea harengus harengus) caught during spawning along the Gaspé coast and the St. Lawrence Estuary lead to the conclusion of the existence of at least three herring populations in that area. The first one occurs in the St. Lawrence Estuary, spawns in the spring and is characterized by smaller length-at-age values than the two other populations which are comprised respectively of spring-spawners and autumn-spawners that are fished off the Gaspé peninsula.Key words: Atlantic herring, St. Lawrence Estuary, Gaspé peninsula, morphometric characteristics, meristic characteristics