Fecundity of American shad, Alosa sapidissima, in the Delaware and Hudson Rivers, United States

American shad (Alosa sapidissima) is the largest member of the family Clupeidae. Individuals move widely within their range, which extends along the Atlantic Coast of North America from the St. Johns River, Florida to the St. Lawrence River, Canada. The fishery has experienced significant changes during the past century, and egg production, or fecundity, of specific populations has not been assessed since the late 1970's. The purpose of this research was to investigate the potential fecundity of American shad. Specific objectives of the study were to: (1) determine temporal variability in egg counts within American shad ovaries collected from the mid-portion of their range, the Delaware and Hudson Rivers; (2) select optimum sampling locations within American shad ovaries; (3) determine average egg size and investigate variability of egg size as a function of fish age and size; (4) determine the relationship between fecundity, fish age, length, and weight; and; (5) determine Gonadosomatic Index (GSI) of American shad in the two rivers and relate it to fish age, length, and weight. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)...