Production of flounder (Pleuronectiformes) in eastern North America: biological issues1This review is part of a virtual symposium on current topics in aquaculture of marine fish and shellfish.

Abstract

Flounders (Pleuronectiformes) from eastern North America have been extensively studied over the last few decades, and most of that work has been oriented towards different aspects related to fish production, i.e., aquaculture. However, aquaculture production has not progressed as it might have been expected. Flounders are omnivorous, euryhaline, inhabit shore habitats, and offer good potential for aquaculture diversification. They are found all along the eastern coast of Canada and the US, and different species occupy coastal habitats with some species overlapping in certain areas. Despite specific biological and ecological requirements for each species, the accumulated knowledge on breeding, larval rearing, juveniles, and stock enhancement creates a frame of reference that is often underestimated but that indicates a promising future for the production of these fishes.