INTERANNUAL VARIATION IN THE RECRUITMENT PATTERN AND ABUNDANCE OF AGE-0 SUMMER FLOUNDER, PARALICHTHYS-DENTATUS, IN VIRGINIA ESTUARIES

Capture of transforming larval and newly settled juvenile (age-0) summ er flounder, Paralichthys dentatus, over four years (1986-1989) in the seaside salt marshes of Virginia's Eastern Shore and in the lower Che sapeake Bay verifies Virginia waters as a nursery area. Gear specific for juvenile flatfish was used and sampling was conducted in a broad r ange of habitats in all months. This study demonstrates a fluctuation in the timing of the appearance and magnitude of abundance of age-0 su mmer flounder in Virginia waters over a four-year sampling period. Age -0 summer flounder (11-27 mm TL) began entering the area in October 19 86 and were present throughout the winter of 1987. The 1988 and 1989 y ear classes did not appear until April at larger sizes (22-83 mm TL). Highest catch per unit of effort (CPUE) occurred between April and Aug ust and abundance declined in the fall. Data indicated that year-class strength declined from 1986 to 1988 and increased slightly in 1989. T o monitor year-class strength of age-0 summer flounder, we recommend s ampling Virginia estuaries in April, May, and June when both abundance of flounder is high and small-mesh-lined trawl gear is most efficient .