Seasonal maturity and size at age of Loligo pealeii in waters of southern New England

This paper investigates patterns of size-at-age and of maturity-at-size and -age using data from opportunistic, seasonal collections of Loligo pealeii from fisheries and research surveys off southern New England during 1993-1 997. We describe basic life history parameters, such as lifespan, size and age at 50% maturity, size at stage of sexual maturation, and growth rates b y sex and hatch month. The results provide nea quantitative information on the population structure of L. pealeii and provide evidence that the link b etween the inshore and offshore components of the stock may be more complic ated than formerly believed. Age composition appeared to be stable througho ut the year, except during autumn, with modal ages at capture of only 150-1 80 d. L. pealeii spawning was inferred to occur throughout the year based o n observed ages. Direct age sampling of the inshore and offshore fisheries for L. pealeii showed that these seasonal fisheries likely interact and tha t each harvests squid spawned in the previous season. (C) 2001 Internationa l Council for the exploration of the Sea.