NEW: Annual Report - George Mason University

50
Average Number of Fish per Trawl
120
100
80
60
40
20
0
Gunston Cove Study - 2003
White perch
Bay anchovy
Blueback herring
Alewife
Channel catfish
Spottail shiner
Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Figure 60. Adult and Juvenile Fishes Collected by Trawling. Dominant Species by Month.
White perch were observed at appreciable levels in most months from April through
November. In the spring, most are returning adults, whereas in summer and fall young-ofthe-year
dominate trawl catches. Bay anchovy were mainly found in the late summer-early
fall as they work their way up from further down in the estuary. Blueback herring and
alewife juveniles were found in the warmer months. Channel cat and spottail shiner were
collected sporadically throughout the year.
Blueback herring (Alosa
aestivalis) was formerly a
major commercial species,
but is now less common
due to overfishing. Adults
grow to over 30 cm and
are found in the coastal
ocean. They return to tidal
freshwater embayments
and freshwater creeks to
spawn in April and May.
They feed on zooplankton
and may eat fish larvae.
Alewife (Alosa pseudoharengus),
like blueback
herring, was once a
valuable commercial
species. They also grow in
the coastal ocean to about
30 cm as adults and return
to tidal creeks in March
and April to spawn at
about age 4. As juveniles
they feed on zooplankton
and, sometimes, on fish
larvae.
Channel cat (Ictalurus
punctatus) is an introduced
species from the
Mississippi River basin.
They are yearround
residents, growing to more
than 45 cm and are
sexually mature at 4-6
years of age. They spawn
in nests on the bottom in
May-June and the eggs
and larvae are protected
by the male. As larvae
they feed on zooplankton;
juveniles and adults on
benthos, fishes, and plant
material.