Biological characteristics of the gill net catch from the 1988-89 Pacific herring, Clupea harengus pallasi, roe fishery in California

Spratt, Jerome D. (1989) Biological characteristics of the gill net catch from the 1988-89 Pacific herring, Clupea harengus pallasi, roe fishery in California. Monterey, CA, California Department of Fish and Game, Marine Resources Region, (Marine Resources Administrative Report, 89-5)

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Abstract

In Tomales Bay, 4-, 5-, and 6-yr-old herring, Clupea harengus pallasi, comprised 83% by number of the 1988-89 season's gill net catch. Recruitment of the 1985 year class (4-yr-olds) was relatively good, comprising 22% of the gill net catch by number. Average length of the Tomales Bay gill net catch decreased to 197 mm BL because the percent of 3- and 4-yr-olds in the catch doubled over the 1987-88 season. Average weight of 4- through 8-yr-olds returned to normal this season, reversing a downward trend. The origin of the Tomales Bay catch this season changed to Bodega Bay, and the possibility that the catch may be from a different stock must be considered. In San Francisco Bay, 4-, 5-, and 6-yr-old herring comprised 81% by number of the gill net catch; average length of the catch stabilized at 195 mm BL. A subtle gear change this season is believed to have resulted in very little change in the San Francisco Bay catch characteristics. A lighter monofilament that stretches easily was used in gill nets this season. This type gear effectively lowered the mesh size of many gill nets to 2 in. These gill nets technically were legal (2 1/8 in.) when measured because they stretched easily. (18pp.)

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