Species Profiles: Life Histories and Environmental Requirements of Coastal Fishes and Invertebrates (South Atlantic): Alewife and Blueback Herring
Abstract
Species profiles (summaries of the literature on taxonomy, life history, and environmental requirements of coastal fishes and aquatic invertebrates) are prepared to assist with impact assessment. The alewife (Alosa pseudoharengus) and blueback herring (A. aestivalis) are morphologically and ecologically similar anadromous species of clupeids. The blueback herring is common throughout the South Atlantic Region, but the alewife occurs primarily in North Carolina and northern parts of South Carolina. These species spawn in spring in freshwater or brackish, tidally influenced portions of coastal rivers. Blueback herring initially use freshwater habitats for nursery areas, and then migrate downriver to brackish estuaries, where they overwinter prior to migrating to sea the following spring. Alewives use brackish water or tidal freshwater as nursery areas until they migrate to coastal waters in winter or the following spring. Landlocked populations of blueback herring occur in several southeastern reservoirs. Both species are ecologically important by serving as prey for many other fishes; they are economically important because they support commercial inshore and offshore fisheries. Little information is available on environmental factors that limit these species in the South Atlantic Region. Adults of both species have broad salinity tolerances, but blueback herring appear to require access to freshwater for successful reproduction. Clupeidae; Growth physiology; Feeding; Spawning; Habitat requirements. (edc)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 01, 1989
- Accession Number
- ADA215677
Entities
People
- Earl L. Bozeman Jr.
- Michael J. Avyle