Seasonal Variations in Condition of Larval Herring in Boothbay Area of the Maine Coast

Abstract

The relative condition values for larval herring (Clupea harengus harengus L.) in the Boothbay area of the Maine coast were lowest in winter: in February in 1965, 1966, and 1967 and in January in 1968. Low water temperatures and a scarcity of food are suggested as reasons for the poor condition. Larval condition showed the greatest variation in 1964–65, and in February 1965 reached the lowest point for the 4 years. The evidence suggests that larval mortality was unusually high during that winter.