Biological characteristics of the catch from the 1980-81 and 1981-82 Pacific herring (Clupea harengus pallasi) roe fishery in California

Abstract

The age and size composition of the 1980-81 and 1981-82 herring catch in Tomales and San Francisco Bays have remained relatively stable over the past two seasons. The Tomales Bay gill net catch was dominated by 5-, 6-, and 7- yr-old herring which combined for an average of 76% of the catch each season. The San Francisco Bay gill net catch was dominated by 5- and 6-yr-old herring which combined for an average of 62% of the catch over the past two seasons. The average size of herring in the gill net catch declined in San Francisco Bay due to smaller mesh nets employed by fishermen late in the season when large herring are less abundant. (18pp.)