Variation in life history parameters of Dover sole, Microstomus pacificus,off the coasts of Washington, Oregon, and northern California

Variation in the life history parameters of Dover sole (Microstomus pacific us) off the coasts of Washington, Oregon, and northern California was inves tigated by using research survey data. We compared growth, maturation, and length-weight curves of Dover sole within the International North Pacific F isheries Commission (INPFC) statistical areas of Monterey, Eureka, Columbia , and Vancouver. We found strong evidence of dimorphism in growth and matur ation rates between sexes. In addition, geographic variation in both growth and maturation rates was also suggested. Male and female Dover sole from t he Columbia area had lower Brody growth coefficients and larger asymptotic lengths than Dover sole from other areas. Further; there was an apparent la titudinal dine in maturation rates because males and females matured at sma ller size and younger ages at higher latitudes. In contrast, no difference between male and female length-weight relationships was detected. In compar ison with other pleuronectids, we found that Dover sole matured at relative ly larger sizes and younger ages. These differences likely reflect adaptati on of Dover sole to the inherent variability of the California Current.