Fishery and Reproductive Cycle of the Red Sea Urchin, Strongylocentrotus franciscanus, in British Columbia

Abstract

Gametogenesis and gonadal index undergo an annual cycle with minima in September and maxima in May for a population of red urchins, Strongylocentrotus franciscanus, from southwestern Vancouver Island. Postspawning recovery is rapid and there are no significant differences between male and female gonadal indices, but a small gonad to body-size correlation is evident. Gonadal index is not the product of gametogenesis, but is correlated to glycogen accumulation which may reach 13% gonad total weight. The fishing season for roe in southern British Columbia extends from October to April with several weeks variability depending on local conditions and weather. Yields constitute up to 25% total drained weight. Key words: urchins, fishery, gametogenesis, glycogen, hermaphroditism, sex ratio