Distribution of Atlantic Menhaden, 'Brevoortia tyrannus' Purse-seine Sets and211 Catches from Southern New England to North Carolina, 1985-96

摘要

Sets and catches of Atlantic menhaden, Brevoortia tyrannus, made in 1985-96 by211u001epurse-seine vessels from Virginia and North Carolina were studied by digitizing 211u001eand analyzing Captain's Daily Fishing Reports (CDFR's), daily logs of fishing 211u001eactivities completed by captains of menhaden vessels. 33,674 CDFR's were 211u001eprocessed, representing 125,858 purse-seine sets. On average, the fleet made 211u001e10,488 sets annually. Virginia vessels made at least one purse-seine set on 67%-211u001e83% of available fishing days between May and December. In most years, five was 211u001ethe median number of sets attempted each fishing day. Mean set duration ranged 211u001efrom 34 to 43 minutes, and median catch per set ranged from 15 to 30 metric tons 211u001e(t.). Spotter aircraft assisted in over 83% of sets overall. Average annual catch 211u001ein Chesapeake Bay (149,500 t) surpassed all other fishing areas, and accounted 211u001efor 52% of the fleet's catch. Annual catch from North Carolina waters (49,100 t) 211u001eranked a distant second.