The spawning period for mackerel in the North Sea

Abstract

The intensity and duration of the spawning of mackerel (Scomber scombrus L.) was studied by daily plankton sampling from late May to early July 1976 at a single locality in the central part of the spawning area in the North Sea. The main spawning, as indicated by the presence of newly spawned eggs, started in early June and probably ended in early July. Slight maxima in egg numbers were recorded in early and late June. On an average, about 25 newly spawned eggs per m^2 were found. The incubation time was estimated to 9 - 10 days. Newly hatched larvae occured from mid June, with a maximum number in early July.