EFFECTS OF AGE, SEX AND ABUNDANCE ON THE BATHYMETRIC PATTERN OF AMERICAN PLAICE IN THE SOUTHERN GULF OF ST-LAWRENCE

American plaice Hippoglossoides platessoides density in September in t he southern Gulf of St Lawrence was strongly related to depth, with pe ak densities at intermediate depths (70-90 m). Bathymetric pattern was similar for all ages of plaice (3-12+ year) and varied little among y ears. Densities were highest al similar depths for males and females, bur depth distribution tended to be more spread out for females. Depth distribution was not significantly density dependent except for 10- a nd 11-year-old males and for females aged 12 years and older. In the t hree significant cases, depth distribution tended to spread ut as abun dance increased. Water temperature and depth were closely linked in th e southern Gulf, but plaice depth preferences could not be attributed solely to temperature selection. (C) 1997 The Fisheries Society of the British Isles