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 (C. h. harengus) caught during spawning along the Gaspe coast and the St. Lawrence Estuary indicate the existence of at least 3 herring populations in that area. The 1st occurs in the St. Lawrence Estuary, spawns in the spring and is characterized by smaller length-at-age values than the 2 other populations which are comprised, respectively, of spring-spawners and autumn-spawners that are fished off the Gaspe peninsula.