Density-dependent and independent changes in somatic growth of female North Sea plaice Pleuronecles platessa between 1930 and 1985 as revealed by back-calculation of otoliths
Rijnsdorp, A.D.; van Leeuwen, P.I. (1992). Density-dependent and independent changes in somatic growth of female North Sea plaice Pleuronecles platessa between 1930 and 1985 as revealed by back-calculation of otoliths. Mar. Ecol. Prog. Ser. 88(1): 19-32
Acceleration Age determination Age determination > Otolith reading Availability Density dependence Dimensions > Length Food Population characteristics > Population density Population characteristics > Population structure Population functions > Growth Sex > Females Size distribution Pleuronectes platessa Linnaeus, 1758 [WoRMS] Marine/Coastal
Changes in the somatic growth of female plaice Pleuronectes platessa between 1930 and 1985 is studied by back-calculation of otoliths. It is shown that in the period 1940-49 growth rate was reduced, which coincided with a 3-fold increase in the plaice stock due to the closure of the fishery during the second world war. The growth reduction was largest in large fish (> 45 cm) as compared to medium size fish (30-40 cm), but could not be detected in the size classes < 20 cm. In large plaice the growth reduction occurred later in time as compared to the medium sized fish. Growth in the immediate pre- and post-war years appeared to be similar. At some time in the 1950s and 1960s a growth acceleration started in the size classes up to 30 cm, levelling off in the 1970s. This growth acceleration was largest in the smallest size classes. Within the period of growth acceleration, the 1963 year class, which was about 3 times the average year class strength, showed a slight but significant reduction in growth. The reduction in growth was restricted to size classes < 30 cm and was largest in smaller fish.
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