NOAA Technical Report NMFS 148 February 2000

U.S. Department of Commerce

The Distribution and Size Composition 

of Finfish, American Lobster, and 

Long-Finned Squid in Long Island 

Sound Based on the Connecticut 

Fisheries Division Bottom 

Trawl Survey, 1984–1994

Kurt F. Gottschall

Mark W. Johnson

David G. Simpson
U.S. Department of Commerce

Seattle, Washington

NOAA Technical Report NMFS 148

A Technical Report of the Fishery Bulletin

The Distribution and Size Composition

of Finfish, American Lobster, and 

Long-Finned Squid in Long Island 

Sound Based on the Connecticut 

Fisheries Division Bottom 

Trawl Survey, 1984–1994

Kurt F. Gottschall

Mark W. Johnson

David G. Simpson

February 2000
iii

Contents

Introduction1

Description Of Long Island Sound3

 Overview 3

 Bathymetry 3

 Bottom Sediments 4

 Temperature and Salinity 4

Methods5

 Data Collection: The Connecticut Trawl Survey 5

 Preparation of Distribution Maps 7

 Preparation of Length Frequencies 9

 Indices of Abundance 9

 Habitat Utilization: Species Richness and Aggregate Counts/Tow 9

Results and Discussion 10

 Part I: Species Distributions, Abundance, and Length Composition 10

 Alewife (Alosa pseudoharengus) 10

 American lobster (Homarus americanus) 11

 American shad (Alosa sapidissima) 12

 Atlantic croaker (Micropogonias undulatus) 12

 Atlantic herring (Clupea harengus) 13

 Atlantic mackerel (Scomber scombrus) 13

 Atlantic menhaden (Brevoortia tyrannus) 13

 Atlantic sturgeon (Acipenser oxyrinchus) 13

 Bigeye scad (Selar crumenophthalmus) 13

 Black sea bass (Centropristis striata) 14

 Blueback herring (Alosa aestivalis) 14

 Bluefish (Pomatomus saltatrix) 14

 Butterfish (Peprilus triacanthus) 14

 Clearnose skate (Raja eglanteria) 15

 Crevalle jack (Caranx hippos) 15

 Cunner (Tautogolabrus adspersus) 15

 Fourbeard rockling (Enchelyopus cimbrius) 15

 Fourspot flounder (Paralichthys oblongus) 15

 Goosefish (Lophius americanus) 15

 Grubby (Myoxocephalus aeneus) 15

 Hickory shad (Alosa mediocris) 15

 Hogchoker (Trinectes maculatus) 16

 Little skate (Raja erinacea) 16

 Long-finned squid (Loligo pealei) 16

 Longhorn sculpin (Myoxocephalus octodecemspinosus) 16

 Mackerel scad (Decapterus macarellus) 17

 Moonfish (Selene setapinnis) 17

 Northern kingfish (Menticirrhus saxatilis) 17

 Northern pipefish (Syngnathus fuscus) 17

 Northern puffer (Sphoeroides maculatus) 17

 Northern searobin (Prionotus carolinus) 17

 Ocean pout (Macrozoarces americanus) 17

 Oyster toadfish (Opsanus tau) 17

 Planehead filefish (Monacanthus hispidus) 18

 Pollock (Pollachius virens) 18
iv

Contents (continued)

 Rainbow smelt (Osmerus mordax) 18

 Red hake (Urophycis chuss) 18

 Rock gunnel (Pholis gunnellus) 18

 Rough scad (Trachurus lathami) 18

 Round herring (Etrumeus teres) 18

 Scup (Stenotomus chrysops) 18

 Sea raven (Hemitripterus americanus) 19

 Silver hake (Merluccius bilinearis) 19

 Smallmouth flounder (Etropus microstomus) 19

 Smooth dogfish (Mustelus canis) 20

 Spanish mackerel (Scomberomorus maculatus) 20

 Spiny dogfish (Squalus acanthius) 20

 Spot (Leiostomus xanthurus) 20

 Spotted hake (Urophycis regia) 20

 Striped bass (Morone saxatilis) 21

 Striped searobin (Prionotus evolans) 21

 Summer flounder (Paralichthys dentatus) 21

 Tautog (Tautoga onitis) 21

 Tomcod (Microgadus tomcod) 22

 Weakfish (Cynoscion regalis) 22

 Windowpane flounder (Scophthalmus aquosus) 22

 Winter flounder (Pseudopleuronectes americanus) 22

 Winter skate (Raja ocellata) 23

 Yellow jack (Caranx bartholomaei) 24

 Part II: Habitat Utilization of Long Island Sound 24

 Distribution and Abundance of all Finfish, Pelagic Finfish, and Demersal Finfish 24

 Measures of Habitat Utilization: Species Richness and Mean Aggregate Catch/tow 24

Conclusions 27

Acknowledgments 29

Literature Cited 29

Distribution Maps (Figs. DM-1–DM-76) 31

Indices Of Abundance (Figs. IN-1–IN-53) 109

Length Frequencies (Figs. LF-1–LF-26) 163

Appendices 191

 Appendix I. Catch information for 25 rarely occurring species 192

 Appendix II. Total catch of 84 species by year from 1984–94 194
1

The Distribution and Size Composition of Finfish, American Lobster, 

and Long-Finned Squid in Long Island Sound Based on the 

Connecticut Fisheries Division Bottom Trawl Survey, 1984–1994

KURT F. GOTTSCHALL, MARK W. JOHNSON, and DAVID G. SIMPSON*

Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection

Marine Headquarters

P.O. Box 719

Old Lyme, Connecticut 06371

ABSTRACT

The distribution, abundance, and length composition of marine finfish, lobster, and squid 

in Long Island Sound were examined relative to season and physical features of the Sound, 

using Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection trawl survey data collected from 

1984 to 1994. The following are presented: seasonal distribution maps for 59 species, abundance 

indices for 41 species, and length frequencies for 26 species. In addition, a broader view of 

habitat utilization in the Sound was examined by mapping aggregated catches (total catch per 

tow, demersal catch per tow, and pelagic catch per tow) and by comparing species richness and 

mean aggregate catch/tow by analysis of variance (ANOVA) among eight habitat types defined 

by depth interval and bottom type. For many individual species, seasonal migration patterns and 

preference for particular areas within Long Island Sound were evident. The aggregate distribution maps show that overall abundance was lower in the eastern Sound than the central and 

western portions. Demersal and pelagic temporal abundance show opposite trends—demersals 

were abundant in spring and declined through summer and fall, whereas pelagic abundance 

was low in spring and increased into fall. The analysis of habitat types revealed significant differences for both species richness and mean catch per tow. Generally, species richness was highest 

in habitats within the central area of the Sound and lowest in eastern habitats. The aggregate 

mean catch was highest in the western and central habitats, and declined eastward.

* Note: the authors shared equally in the preparation of this report.

1 MacLeod, R. E. 1995. Marine Angler Survey, Job 1. In A Study of 

Marine Recreational Fisheries in Connecticut. Final report, CT DEP/

Fisheries Division, P.O. Box 719, Old Lyme, CT 06371. 80 p.

2 CT DEP. Marine Fisheries Information System. P.O. Box 719, Old 

Lyme, CT 06371.

Introduction

Long Island Sound (the Sound) supports commercial 

and recreational fisheries valued at over one billion dollars annually to the economies of Connecticut and New 

York. In Connecticut alone, 350,000 anglers make over 

one million fishing trips per year, primarily for bluefish 

(Pomatomus saltatrix), scup (Stenotomus chrysops), summer 

flounder (Paralichthys dentatus), striped bass (Morone saxatilis), tautog (Tautoga onitis), and winter flounder (Pseudopleuronectes americanus),1 while Connecticut commercial 

fisheries harvest more than three million pounds of finfish, lobster, and squid from the Sound annually.2

Effective management of exploited species in the 

Sound requires understanding their distribution and 

size composition. In particular, this type of information 

is needed to identify essential habitat as required under 

the Magnuson-Stevens Act, develop habitat descriptions 

required in Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission Fishery Management Plans, provide habitat utilization information to state and federal environmental 

agencies responsible for habitat conservation, and evaluate the effectiveness of minimum trawl codend mesh 

requirements, particularly where they include bycatch 

thresholds.

Although the distributions of many species in the 

mid-Atlantic and Gulf of Maine ocean waters have been 

analyzed using commercial fishery data (Chang, 1990) 

and research trawl surveys (Bowman, 1981; Grosslein 

and Azarovitz, 1982; Almeida et al., 1984; Wigley and 
2 NOAA Technical Report NMFS 148

Gabriel, 1991), similar information is lacking for major 

estuaries, including the Sound. Information describing 

fishes occurring in the Sound is available from several 

sources, but descriptions of their distributions are limited seasonally and spatially. One of the first studies 

was conducted by Richards (1963), who characterized 

the demersal finfish assemblage in central Long Island 

Sound based on sampling with a modified shrimp trawl. 

Although the temporal coverage of this study was comprehensive (from June 1955 to July 1957), sampling was 

only conducted at two sites. Thompson et al. (1978) 

provided a thorough description of finfish species that 

occur in the Sound, based on a wide number of collections and literature citations; however, the spatial distribution and length composition of finfish within the 

Sound was not described. Since 1976, the Northeast 

Utilities Environmental Lab has monitored finfish abundance, but these data are limited to Niantic Bay and 

surrounding waters in eastern Long Island Sound. And 

finally, in 1991 the Environmental Protection Agency’s 

Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Program 

(EMAP) began sampling finfish in the Sound, but sampling has only been conducted from July through September at 14 sites (Schimmel et al., 1994).

The purpose of this report is to describe the seasonal 

and spatial distribution and size composition of finfish, 

lobster, and squid in the Sound by summarizing and 

interpreting Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection (CTDEP) Trawl Survey (Survey) data. The 

Survey provides a unique opportunity to examine the 

distribution of finfish, lobster, and squid. Initiated in 

1984, the Survey employs a stratified-random sampling 

design to monitor the relative abundance of finfish in 

the Sound. The sampling area includes all trawlable 

waters deeper than 5 m from New London, Connecticut, in the eastern Sound to Hempstead Harbor, New 

York, in the west, with sampling conducted from April 

through November in most years. In addition, the sampling gear employed is a small mesh otter trawl, which 

probably catches and retains a wider range of species 

and size groups than any other sampling gear. Although 

excessive by-catch of target and non-target species in 

otter trawls has concerned U.S. fishermen, managers, 

and conservationists alike since the gear was introduced 

in 1905 (Smolowitz, 1983), these same properties make 

otter trawls well suited for depicting species distributions 

and abundance when they are used in an overall fishery 

resource monitoring program. Summarizing the results 

of the Large Marine Ecosystems Monitoring Workshop 

held at Cornell University in 1991, Sherman and Laughlin (1992) cited trawl surveys as a proven method for 

monitoring both commercially important and noncommercial fish species.

Although the otter trawl is an effective sampling gear,

the analysis of fish distributions and size compositions 

presented in this report must be viewed with the selectivity of the Survey trawl gear in mind. The catch composition is affected by a variety of factors including trawl 

design, mesh size, associated gear, and towing speed (Sissenwine and Bowman, 1978; Byrne et al., 1981; Byrne 

and Fogarty, 1985; Rose and Walters, 1990).

One way to examine the efficiency of a sampling gear, 

and to assess what portion of a population is sampled, 

is to examine the length frequency of captured fish. 

Generally, length frequencies exhibit increasing abundance up to some size, and then decreasing abundance 

with further increases in length. The size at greatest 

abundance indicates full recruitment to the gear, while 

decreasing abundance after this size indicates a decline 

in abundance of older, larger fish in the population. 

However, as mentioned above, a trawl does not sample 

all species equally, or capture all of the fish in its path. 

Large fish may evade capture by out-swimming the trawl, 

which causes their numbers to be underestimated. This 

is undoubtedly true of tunas, large sharks, and perhaps 

large bluefish and striped bass. Since the trawl is towed 

along the bottom, fish may also avoid the net by swimming above the headrope. In addition, rocky reef areas 

cannot be sampled with the type of trawl used in the 

Survey. This is particularly important when considering 

the distributions of structure-oriented species such as 

scup, black sea bass, and tautog. Despite these problems, 

catch and length frequencies from the Survey data provide valuable insight into most populations of finfish.

This report is organized into several sections. The 

first section, Description of Long Island Sound, provides information about the physical characteristics 

of the Sound that is useful for interpreting species 

distributions. Included are average seasonal bottom 

temperatures and salinities, and maps of the Sound’s 

major geological features, bathymetry, and bottom sediment types. The Methods section describes the CTDEP 

Survey methodology and the methods used to analyze 

the Survey data. The Results and Discussion section 

is divided into two parts. Part I presents observations 

on distributions of individual species based on distribution maps, either by season or month, for 59 species 

of finfish, lobster, and squid; abundance indices for 

41 species; and monthly length frequencies of 26 species. (Note that the figures referred to for each species 

appear in separate sections at the end of the report, 

titled Distribution Maps, Indices of Abundance, and 

Length Frequencies.) Part II presents a broader view of 

habitat utilization in the Sound by mapping aggregated 

catches and by comparing species richness and mean 

aggregate catch/tow among eight habitat types defined 

by depth interval and bottom type. And finally, appendices contain catch information for 25 rarely occurring 

species and the total catch by year of each species taken 

in the Survey.
The Distribution and Size Composition of Finfish, American Lobster, and Long-Finned Squid in Long Island Sound 3

Figure 1

Long Island Sound depth contours and major bathymetric features. The 18.3 m (60 ft) and 27.4 m (90 ft) depth contours of 

Long Island Sound are adapted from Williams (1981). The bathymetric profile along the mainstem of the Sound showing major 

bathymetric and geological features is adapted from Welsh (1993).

Description of Long Island Sound

Overview

Long Island Sound is a 337,000 ha estuary (Wolfe et 

al., 1991) located between Connecticut and Long Island, 

New York, with exchange to the Atlantic Ocean through 

Block Island Sound to the east and through the New York 

Bight via a tidal strait, the East River, to the west (Fig. 1). 

The Sound is 182 km long and 32 km at its widest point 

(Lewis and Stone, 1991), with a total volume of 64 × 109

m3 (Wolfe et al., 1991). 

Shaped by glaciers, the Connecticut shore of the Sound 

is comprised of numerous embayments, marshes, small 

islands, and rocky reefs interspersed with sand deposits 

(Williams, 1981). All the major rivers that flow into the 

Sound—the Housatonic, Quinnipiac, Connecticut, and 

Thames Rivers—are on the Connecticut side of the Sound. 

The Long Island shore of the Sound west of Port Jefferson, 

New York, is irregular in shape with several narrow bays 

terminating inland along the Harbor Hill Moraine. In contrast, Long Island’s shore east of Port Jefferson is characterized by steep coastal bluffs associated with the Roanoke 

Point Moraine, and adjacent shoal areas (< 9 m depth) comprised of unconsolidated coarse sediments (primarily sand 

and gravel) that extend 0.9–3.7 km into the Sound.

Bathymetry

There are three major basins in the Sound: the Eastern, 

Central, and Western (Fig. 1). The Eastern Basin is the 
4 NOAA Technical Report NMFS 148

deepest, with depths up to 90 m at its eastern boundary. 

Depths increase rapidly from both the Connecticut and 

Long Island shoal areas to between 35 and 60 m in most 

areas. Along the Connecticut shore of the Eastern Basin 

a 3–6 km wide band of shallow water (<18 m) contains 

numerous rock ledges and reefs. 

Although the Eastern Basin is very narrow at the eastern 

end, considerable exchange of ocean water occurs with 

Block Island Sound through the deep channels of the 

Race. The flow of deeper water from the Eastern Basin 

into the Central Basin is moderated by the Mattituck Sill, 

a relatively shallow (averaging about 21 m), submarine 

ridge crossing the Sound at about longitude 72°30'W. 

The Central Basin, located in the widest portion of the 

Sound, is the largest of the three basins. Depths increase 

gradually from the Connecticut shore to 30–40 m in the 

deepest area of the basin, whereas depths increase quickly 

from the narrow shoals along Long Island, often to more 

than 30 m deep within 5 km from shore. Reefs and islands 

are common within 3–4 km of the Connecticut shore, but 

are uncommon along the Long Island coastline.

Reef and island structures continue along the Connecticut shore into the Western Basin. Stratford Shoal, 

a reef mid-Sound between the Central and Western 

Basins, limits the exchange of water with the Western 

Basin. Unlike the Eastern and Central Basins, depths in 

the Western Basin increase gradually from both shores, 

resulting in proportionally more shallow (<18 m) habitat off Long Island. Deep water (>27 m) is limited to 

a channel approximately 3 km wide along the Sound’s 

main axis that extends westward into the Narrows. The 

mid-Sound reefs and channels of the Narrows mark the 

limit of the Western Basin. 

Further west in the Narrows is the Hempstead Sill, 

a shallow (<18 m) area separating the deeper portions 

of the eastern and western Narrows. West of the Sill, 

depths range from 12 to 33 m, and reefs and islands are 

common features.

Bottom Sediments

Reid et al. (1979) described three sediment types in the 

Sound: sand (<5% silt/clay), transition (5–50% silt/clay), 

and mud (>50% silt/clay) (Fig. 2). Sand substrate is 

common in shallow water (<18 m) along the Long Island 

coast, but only occurs sporadically along the Connecticut coast. A lobe of sand extending from the mouth of 

the Connecticut River to the Mattituck Sill contains the 

only sand bottom in depths greater than 18 m. Much of 

the sand bottom over the Mattituck Sill consists of large 

sand wave formations that can be several meters high. 

While transitional substrate predominates in the eastern 

half of the Sound, which includes the eastern portion 

of the Central Basin, Mattituck Sill, and Eastern Basin, 

mud is the major bottom type in the western half, viz. 

the remainder of the Central Basin, Western Basin, and 

the Narrows. However, transitional substrate is found in 

several areas in the western half of the Sound: south of 

New Haven and Milford, in a band that encircles the mud 

bottom in the Western Basin, and near Greenwich, Connecticut, in the Narrows.

Temperature and Salinity 

Temperatures in Long Island Sound are determined by 

marked seasonal changes typical of temperate climates, 

and the relative positions of the Labrador Current and 

Gulf Stream (Thompson et al., 1978). In winter, when the 

Gulf Stream lies further east, the cold Labrador Current 

flowing from the north envelopes the New England coast. 

In summer the Gulf Stream flows closer to New England, 

and a continuous zone of warm surface water extends 

from Florida to Cape Cod.

The bottom temperature of the Sound reaches a minimum in February and maximum in September (Table 

1). Individual measurements recorded along the main 

axis of the Sound from 1991 to 1994 ranged from –0.7°C 

in March 1994 to 23.0°C in September 1993. Except for 

the Eastern Basin, where exchange with Block Island 

Sound waters moderates seasonal temperature change 

by 1–4°C, bottom temperatures along the main axis of 

the Sound are similar at any given time during the year.

Table 1

Long Island Sound average monthly temperature and salinity.1 Table values are the monthly means of readings taken 

at seven stations along the longitudinal axis of the Sound 

from 1991–94. Surface readings were taken at 2 m below the 

surface, and bottom readings were taken at 5 m off bottom.

Temperature (°C) Salinity (‰)

Month Surface Bottom Surface Bottom

January 3.6 3.7 27.6 27.8

February 1.6 1.7 27.1 27.5

March 2.1 1.8 25.5 27.0

April 4.9 3.7 26.1 26.4

May 9.6 7.4 25.8 26.4

June 14.4 11.7 26.0 27.0

July 20.4 16.4 26.9 27.7

August 22.0 19.4 27.4 28.2

September 21.9 21.3 27.2 28.3

October 18.3 18.4 28.2 28.4

November 13.3 13.4 28.3 28.6

December 8.3 8.4 27.9 28.1

1 Olsen, C., and N. Kaputa. Long Island Sound water quality 

monitoring program. CTDEP, Bureau of Water Management, 

719 Elm Street, Hartford, CT 06371, unpubl. data.
The Distribution and Size Composition of Finfish, American Lobster, and Long-Finned Squid in Long Island Sound 5

Figure 2

Long Island Sound sediment map and major bathymetric features. The sediment map is adapted from the work of Reid et 

al. (1979). The bathymetric profile along the mainstem of the Sound showing major bathymetric and geological features is 

adapted from Welsh (1993).

Bottom salinity peaks in October and November and 

reaches a minimum in the spring months (Table 1). 

Reid et al. (1979) reported the bottom water salinity gradient in the Sound ranged from 30–32‰ in the Eastern 

Basin to 26–28‰ west of Stratford Shoal during September, whereas April bottom salinities were generally 

2‰ lower. Similar values were recorded from 1991 to 

1994 by the CTDEP Bureau of Water Management.

Methods

Data Collection: The Connecticut Trawl Survey

The Trawl Survey (Survey) is conducted from longitude 

72°03'W (Groton, Connecticut) to longitude 73°43'W 

(Hempstead Harbor, New York). The sampling area 

includes Connecticut and New York waters from 5 to 46 

m depth over mud, sand, and transitional sediment types. 

Obstructed ground, such as rocky reef habitats, are not 

sampled.

The Survey is based on a stratified-random sampling 

design. The sampling area is divided into 1.85 × 3.7 km 

(1 × 2 n.mi.) sites (Fig. 3), with each site designated 

as one of 12 strata defined by depth interval (<9.1 m, 

9.1–18.2 m, 18.3–27.3 m, or >27.3 m), and bottom type 

(mud, sand, or transitional sediments) as identified by 

Reid et al. (1979). For each sampling cruise, sites are 

selected randomly from within strata. Sampling intensity 

is one site per 68 sq km (20 sq. n.mi.), with a minimum 

of two sites sampled per stratum (Table 2). Discrete stratum areas smaller than a sample site are not sampled. 

Sampling is conducted in monthly cruises of 40 sites 

each. From 1984 to 1990, cruises were conducted from 
6 NOAA Technical Report NMFS 148

Figure 3

Connecticut DEP trawl survey site grid. Each sampling site is 1.85 × 3.7 km (1 × 2 n.mi.). A four digit number identifies the site: 

the first two digits are the row number (corresponding to minutes of latitude) and the last two digits are the column number. 

Examples: site 1428 near Guilford and 0028 near Mattituck. (Note: The sites in column 16 are approximately 1.85 × 3.7 km. The 

grid was drawn on the Eastern and Western Long Island Sound 80,000:1 nautical charts, which overlap by the area in column 16.)

April through November. In 1991, the survey was modified to a spring (April–June) and fall (September–October) sampling schedule, but the 40 site per month 

Table 2

Number of sites scheduled for each sampling cruise. The 

number of sites to be sampled in each stratum was obtained 

by dividing the total stratum area by 68 sq km (20 sq n.mi.). 

A minimum of two sites per stratum were scheduled. The 

total stratum area (sq km) is given in parenthesis.

Bottom type

Depth

interval (m) Mud Transitional Sand Total

 0 – 9.0 2 3 2 7

(135.9) (227.6) (45.5) (409.0)

 9.1–18.2 3 5 2 10

(300.2) (361.1) (99.3) (760.6)

18.3–27.3 5 5 2 12

(382.3) (346.7) (86.9) (815.9)

27.4+ 5 4 2 11

(379.6) (209.5) (122.9) (712.0)

Total 15 17 8 40

(1,197.9) (1,146.9) (354.6) (2,699.4) 

schedule was retained. Beginning in 1993 a third cruise 

of 40 sites, conducted from late September through 

early October, was added to the fall period.

To reduce the day-night difference in catchability of 

some species (Sissenwine and Bowman, 1978), sampling 

is conducted between one half hour before sunrise and 

one half hour after sunset, and with few exceptions 

between 0700 and 1600 hours. At each site, a 14 m chain 

sweep otter trawl (Table 3) is towed for 30 min at 7 

km/h (3.5 kts) with a 5:1 scope (tow wire to depth). 

A 12.8 m fiberglass research vessel was used until September 1990, when it was replaced by a 15.2 m aluminum vessel. On both vessels the trawl was deployed with 

split main winches and a net reel. To minimize potential 

catchability differences between the vessels, calibration 

cruises were conducted to standardize vessel speed, gear 

deployment, and net handling. Additional cruises demonstrated no significant differences of overall catch.3

After each tow is completed, the catch is sorted by 

species and enumerated. Subsamples of selected finfish 

3 Simpson, D. G., K. Gottschall, and M. Johnson. 1992. Job 4 in A Study 

of Marine Recreational Fisheries in Connecticut, Annual report. CT 

DEP Fisheries Division, P.O. Box 719, Old Lyme, CT 06371, 75 p.
The Distribution and Size Composition of Finfish, American Lobster, and Long-Finned Squid in Long Island Sound 7

species (Table 4) are measured to the centimeter total 

length or fork length (ex: measurements from 100 to 

109 mm are recorded as 10 cm). Lobsters are measured 

to 0.1 mm carapace length and squid to the centimeter 

mantle length. A minimum of 30 individuals per species 

are measured; however, for large catches with a wide 

range of lengths, larger subsamples are taken. To estimate the length frequency of the catch, the individuals 

not measured are counted, and then the proportion of 

fish in each centimeter length interval of the subsample 

is multiplied by the total number of fish in the catch, to 

estimate the total numbers at length. Lengths are keypunched into the database as the midpoint of the interval (e.g. 10 cm is keypunched as 10.5 cm), along with 

the corresponding total numbers at length.

When a species’ catch is dominated by many small 

individuals that can be easily separated by length from 

larger fish, the small fish are subsampled while all the 

large fish are measured. Fish not measured in a size 

group are counted, and the proportion of fish in each 

centimeter length interval of the subsample is multiplied by the total number of fish in the size group to 

estimate total numbers at length. The length frequency 

of the large individuals is then appended to complete 

the length frequency. This procedure is often used with 

catches of bluefish, scup, and weakfish (Cynoscion regalis), 

which are usually dominated by young-of-year (YOY).

Over the 11 years of sampling, there were changes 

in the list of species measured (Table 4). Seven species 

important to recreational fishermen were measured from 

all tows: bluefish, scup, striped bass, summer flounder, 

tautog, weakfish, and winter flounder. Beginning in 1987, 

other species were added or removed from the list depending upon research needs and available personnel. 

Preparation of Distribution Maps

Catches were plotted using the latitude and longitude 

of the center of the Survey site boxes. The number of 

fish taken in each tow is represented by either an “x” for 

zero catches or a circle for positive catches, with identical catches plotted over each other. The circle diameter is 

proportional to the number of fish caught, and is scaled 

to the largest catch observed. However, for many species 

one or more catches were much larger than the majority 

of catches. This produced maps with mostly indistinguishable, small circles punctuated with a few large ones. In 

these cases, a smaller catch was used for the scalar to provide the best resolution for the majority of catches. One 

scalar was used for all seasonal maps of a species unless 

the species was plotted by length or age group, in which 

case a scalar was determined for each group.

For each species, the Survey catch data was aggregated 

over eleven years and divided into four seasonal periods: 

spring (April–June), summer (July–August), fall (September–October), and November (the last month sampled in the Survey, and a transitional period between the 

fall and winter finfish assemblages). These periods were 

chosen because they best illustrated the species’ seasonal distributions. Monthly plots were attempted, but 

for most species they provided little additional detail, 

and seasonal distribution patterns were often less discernable. Distribution maps were prepared for a species 

if more than 10 individuals were caught over the time 

series. If 10 or fewer individuals of a species were taken, 

a list of dates and sites where individuals were caught 

was compiled in an appendix.

Additional maps were prepared for winter flounder, 

an important recreational and commercial species. The 

high abundance of winter flounder in Survey catches 

allowed an evaluation of distributional patterns by size 

group and month. Of interest were the migration patterns of different sized fish, and the abundance and distributions of legal (30.5+ cm for the recreational and 

commercial fisheries in Connecticut waters) and sublegal fish. For each month, maps were prepared for 

three size groups: <20 cm, 20–29 cm, and 30+ cm. 

Four other important commercial and recreational 

species, American shad (Alosa sapidissima), bluefish, 

scup, and weakfish, were mapped by season and age 

group because catches of small fish comprised a high 

percentage of the total catch, obscuring the distribution 

of larger, older fish. Distinct modes and discontinuities 

in monthly Survey length frequencies, generally corresponding to literature length-at-age values, were used 

Table 3

Specifications for the Wilcox 14 m high-rise trawl net 

(two seam) and associated gear.

Component Description

Headrope 9.1 m long, 13 mm combination wire rope

Footrope 14.0 m long, 13 mm combination wire rope

Sweep Combination type, 9.5 mm chain in belly, 

7.9 mm chain in wing

Floats 7 floats, plastic, 203 mm dia.

Wings 102 mm mesh, #21 twisted nylon 

Belly 102 mm mesh, #21 twisted nylon 

Tail piece 76 mm mesh, #21 twisted nylon

Codend 51 mm mesh, #54 braided nylon

Ground wires 18.2 m long, 6×7 wire, 9.5 mm dia.

Bridle wires Top legs: 27.4 m long, 6×9 wire, 6.4 mm dia.

Bottom legs: 27.4 m long, rubber disc type, 

38 mm dia.

Doors Steel “V” type, 1.2 m. l × 0.8 m. h, 91 kg
8 NOAA Technical Report NMFS 148

to separate each species into two age groups. American 

shad were separated into juveniles (<32 cm) and adults 

(32+ cm) in all months (Leim, 1924). Bluefish, scup, 

and weakfish were separated into YOY and age 1+ on 

a monthly basis. Young-of-year bluefish were defined as 

<14 cm in July (the month YOY first appeared), <24 cm 

in August, <28 cm in September, and <30 cm in October 

and November. These lengths are comparable to those 

reported by Richards (1976) and Chiarella and Conover 

(1990), who determined that most bluefish less than 30 

cm taken in the fall are YOY. Using Survey length discontinuities and modes similar to those reported by Finklestein (1969) and Hamer (1979), YOY scup were defined 

as <9 cm in August (the month YOY first appeared), 

<11 cm in September, <12 cm October, and <13 cm 

in November. Shepherd and Grimes (1983) reported 

weakfish length at age one to be 20 cm; however, the 

discontinuities in the Survey length frequencies were 

used to separate age groups. Young-of-year weakfish 

were defined as <18 cm in August (the month YOY first 

Table 4

Sampling protocol for length data, 1984–94. Finfish were measured to total length (TL) or fork length (FL) if the caudal 

fin was forked. Starting in 1984, seven species—bluefish, scup, striped bass, summer flounder, tautog, weakfish, and winter 

flounder—were scheduled for measurement from all samples. During the 11 year period, other species were added or removed 

from the list as priorities and resources changed. (Note: some months were not sampled due to vessel availability, therefore they 

are not included. See Table 6 for months and number of tows actually sampled.)

Species Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov

Alewife (FL) 91,93–94 89–94 91–94 89–90 89–94 91–94 89–90

American lobster (CL) 86–91,93–94 85–94 85–94 85–90 85–90 85–94 85–94 85–90

American shad (FL) 89–91,93–94 91–94 89–94 89–90 91–94 89–94

Atlantic croaker (FL) 93–94 93–94 93–94 93–94 93–94

Atlantic herring (FL) 89–91,93–94 91–94 89–94 89–90 91–94 89–94

Atlantic mackerel (FL) 91,93–94 89–94 91–94 89–90 89–94 91–94 89–90

Atlantic sturgeon (FL,TL) 89–91,93–94 89–94 89–94 89–90 89–90 89–94 89–94 89–90

Bigeye scad (FL) 94 94 94 94 94

Black sea bass (FL) 89–91,93–94 89–94 89–94 89–90 89–90 89–94 89–94 89–90

Blueback herring (FL) 91,93–94 89–94 91–94 89–90 89–94 91–94 89–90

Bluefish (FL) 86–91,93–94 84–94 84–94 84–90 84–90 84–94 84–94 84–90

Butterfish (FL) 87–90,93–94 87–88,92–94 87–90,92–94 87–88 87–90 87–88,92–94 87–90,92–94 87–88

Crevalle jack (FL) 93–94 93–94 93–94 93–94 93–94

Fourspot flounder (TL) 89–90 89–90 89–90 89–90

Hickory shad (FL) 91–94 91–94 91–94 91–94 91–94 91–90

Little skate (TL) 89–90 89–90 89–90 89–90

Long–finned squid (ML) 87–88,93–94 87–90,92–94 87–88,92–94 87–90 87–88 87–90,92–94 87–88,92–94 87–90

Moonfish (FL) 93–94 93–94 93–94 93–94 93–94

Northern kingfish (TL) 93–94 93–94 93–94 93–94 93–94

Red hake (TL) 89–90 89–90 89–90 89–90

Rough scad (saurel) (FL) 93–94 93–94 93–94 93–94 93–94

Round herring (FL) 92–94 92–94 92–94 92–94 92–94

Scup (porgy) (FL) 86–91,93–94 84–94 84–94 84–90 84–90 84–94 84–94 84–90

Silver hake (TL) 89–90 89–90 89–90 89–90

Smallmouth flounder (TL) 92–94 92–94 92–94 92–94 92–94

Smooth dogfish (FL) 89–90 89–90 89–90 89–90

Spanish mackerel (FL) 91–94 91–94 91–94 91–94 91–94

Spot (FL) 93–94 93–94 93–94 93–94 93–94

Striped bass (FL) 86–91,93–94 84–94 84–94 84–90 84–90 84–94 84–94 84–90

Striped searobin (TL) 89–90 89–90 89–90 89–90

Summer flounder (TL) 86–91,93–94 84–94 84–90 84–90 84–94 84–94 84–94 84–90

Tautog (blackfish) (TL) 86–91,93–94 84–94 84–94 84–90 84–90 84–94 84–94 84–90

Tomcod (TL) 91–94 91–94 91–94 91–94 91–94

Weakfish (TL) 86–91,93–94 84–94 84–94 84–90 84–90 84–94 84–94 84–90

Windowpane flounder (TL) 94 89–90,94 94 89–90 89–90,94 94 89–90

Winter flounder (TL) 86–91,93–94 84–94 84–94 84–90 84–90 84–94 84–94 84–90
The Distribution and Size Composition of Finfish, American Lobster, and Long-Finned Squid in Long Island Sound 9

appeared), <27 cm in September, and <30 cm in October and November.

In addition to species specific distributions, maps 

were prepared by season for the total number of finfish 

(all species combined) per tow, total demersal finfish, 

and total pelagic finfish. The list of demersal species 

consisted of Atlantic sturgeon (Acipenser oxyrinchus), 

Atlantic tomcod (Microgadus tomcod), black sea bass (Centropristes striata), cunner (Tautogolabrus adspersus), fourbeard rockling (Enchelyopus cimbrius), fourspot flounder 

(Paralichthys oblongus), goosefish (Lophius americanus), 

hogchoker (Trinectes maculatus), little skate (Raja erinacea), longhorn sculpin (Myoxocephalus octodecemspinosus), northern puffer (Sphoeroides maculatus), northern 

searobin (Prionotus carolinus), ocean pout (Macrozoarces 

americanus), oyster toadfish (Opsanus tau), red hake (Urophycis chuss), rock gunnel (Pholis gunnellus), scup (Stenotomus chrysops), sea raven (Hemitripterus americanus), 

smallmouth flounder (Etropus microstomus), spotted hake 

(Urophycis regia), striped searobin (Prionotus evolans), 

summer flounder (Paralichthys dentatus), tautog (Tautoga 

onitis), windowpane flounder (Scophthalmus aquosus), 

winter flounder (Pseudopleuronectes americanus), winter 

skate (Raja ocellata), and 20 other rarely occurring species (n<10/species). Pelagic species were all species not 

listed as demersal.

Preparation of Length Frequencies

Of the 36 species for which length data were collected 

(Table 4), length frequencies were plotted for species 

which occurred in two or more months of the Survey and 

ranged more than 15 cm in length. For each species, all 

length data collected from 1984 to 1994 were aggregated 

and plotted by month. Length intervals ranging from 1–4 

cm were chosen and plotted on a log scale to accommodate length frequencies ranging from one to thousands.

For species that did not meet the criteria required 

for plotting, the number of fish measured and range 

in lengths was determined and reported in the text. To 

characterize length frequencies of species that were not 

scheduled for measurement, field sheets were reviewed 

for comments and occasional length data.

Indices of Abundance

The non-random distributions of fish populations are 

reflected in the skewed trawl survey catch frequencies, 

which typically contained many observations of low to 

moderate abundance and a few with very high abundance. Since an arithmetic mean tends to depart markedly from the median and mode as a consequence of even 

one or two unusually high catches, the geometric mean 

is used in this report to characterize average abundance. 

The geometric mean was calculated from log(e) transformed values (ln(x+1)), which have a more symmetrical 

distribution and therefore a mean that is more consistent 

with other measures of central tendency: the median and 

the mode. Log(e) means were retransformed to original 

units (exp(x )–1) to give the geometric mean.

Percent occurrence, or the proportion of samples 

within which a species is present, is also used to describe 

the distribution of species in the Sound. Together, the 

geometric mean abundance and percent occurrence 

are used to describe distributions of 41 species represented by 100 or more individuals over the 1984–94 

period.

To calculate the indices, catch data were aggregated 

over the time series (1984–94), and the geometric mean 

and percent occurrence were calculated by the following sampling strata: month, month and bottom type, 

and month and depth interval. The extra fall cruises 

of 1993 and 1994 were dropped from the calculations 

because they spanned September and October. 

The percent occurrence and geometric mean catch/

tow were calculated by month, month and bottom type, 

and month and depth interval. The results are displayed 

graphically for 41 species. The percent occurrence of 

a species, or the percentage of tows where at least one 

individual was caught, is used to describe how commonly a species was encountered in the Survey. It is 

also used to indicate when a species might have first 

arrived in the Sound, or became available to the Survey 

sampling gear. Reference to “abundance” is based on 

the geometric mean catch/tow. Reference to “depth” 

is based on the Survey depth strata in which fish were 

caught and is rounded to the nearest meter for brevity 

(e.g. the 9.1–18.2 m stratum is referred to as 9–18 m).

Observations of species distributions, seasonal trends 

in abundance, and preferences for strata (depth and 

bottom type), are inferred directly from the distribution 

maps, abundance indices, and length frequencies.

Habitat Utilization: Species Richness and 

Aggregate Counts/Tow

Species richness, defined as the mean number of finfish 

species caught per tow over the time series, and the 

mean aggregate count per tow, defined as the mean of 

the log(e) transformed, total number of finfish per tow, 

were used to compare habitat utilization of different areas 

within the Sound. The Sound was divided into 14 plots, or 

habitats, comprised of contiguous sampling sites with similar depth interval (0–18.3 m or 18.3+ m) and bottom type 

(mud, transitional, or sand) (Fig. 4). Using spring and 

fall data, species richness and the log(e) mean aggregate 

counts per tow were calculated for each area and then 
10 NOAA Technical Report NMFS 148

compared by ANOVA using SAS Proc GLM (p=0.05)(SAS, 

1990). Spring and fall data were used because only these 

two seasons were sampled every year. The model was run 

with season nested within year, year randomized, and the 

means adjusted with LSMeans.

Results and Discussion

Part I: Species Distributions, Abundance, 

and Length Composition

From 1984 to 1994, 83 species of finfish (Table 5) were 

identified from 2,859 tows (Table 6). Distribution maps 

were plotted for 59 species by season. Additional maps 

were plotted for winter flounder by size group and month; 

bluefish, scup, and weakfish by age 0 and age 1+ groups 

by season; and American shad juveniles and adults by 

season. Maps were also plotted for long-finned squid and 

American lobster, two commercially important invertebrates commonly taken in trawl catches. 

For 25 rarely occurring species (n<10 individuals over 

the time series), the following catch information is provided in Appendix I: date and number captured, site 

number, depth interval, and bottom type. Also, American sand lance and American silversides are included 

in Appendix I because they were not counted until 

1992 and were relatively uncommon in Survey catches. 

Although bay anchovy were frequently caught, they were 

not counted and therefore could not be included in this 

report. 

Alewife (Alosa pseudoharengus) (Figs. DM-1, IN-1, LF-1) 

Alewives taken in the Survey ranged from 7 to 32 cm (Fig. 

LF-1). The majority were juveniles (<25 cm; NMFS, 1989), 

comprising 97–100% of the catch in each month.

Alewives exhibited a seasonal inshore-offshore pattern (Fig. DM-1). In April, when abundance was highest (Fig. IN-1A), alewives were distributed primarily in 

depths greater than 18 m. Abundance was highest over 

mud bottom, with abundance over transitional and sand 

bottoms ranking second and third respectively (Fig. 

IN-1B). In May they were most abundant in depths less 

than 9 m along the Connecticut shore (generally, abundance varied inversely with depth), where many of the 

largest catches were recorded. In June alewives were 

distributed in all depths; however, abundance was still 

slightly higher in depths less than 9 m, and the largest 

catches were still recorded there. 

During the summer period, alewives were distributed 

in all depths (primarily 27+ m in August), particularly 

south of Guilford on the Mattituck Sill and adjacent porFigure 4

Fourteen plots representing habitat types in Long Island Sound. Habitat plots are comprised of contiguous Survey sampling 

sites that have in common one or two types of strata defined by bottom type (M = mud, S = sand, T = transitional) and depth 

interval (1 = 0–9.1 m, 2 = 9.1–18.2 m, 3 = 18.3–27.3 m, 4 = 27.4+ m). Note: refer to Fig. 1 (Long Island Sound depth contours 

and major bathymetric features) and Fig. 2 (Long Island Sound sediment map and major bathymetric features) to locate the 

features of Long Island Sound mentioned in the Discussion.
The Distribution and Size Composition of Finfish, American Lobster, and Long-Finned Squid in Long Island Sound 11

tions of the Central Basin. Distribution in fall was similar to May levels: alewives were again abundant along 

the Connecticut shore in depths less than 9 m from the 

mouth of the Housatonic River to the Hammonassett 

River (also, in October abundance again varied inversely 

with depth). November abundance was similar to May 

levels, and alewives were similarly distributed in nearshore areas on the Connecticut side of the Sound.

American lobster (Homarus americanus) (Figs. DM-2, IN-2, 

LF-2) Lobsters taken in the Survey ranged from 18 to 

126 mm carapace length, with the distribution of lengths 

Table 5

Marine Finfish Survey species list, 1984-94. Eighty-three species of finfish have been identified since 1984 (AFS, 1991). Also 

included are lobster and long-finned squid (Gosner, 1978).

Common name Scientific name Common name Scientific name

Alewife Alosa pseudoharengus

American eel Anguilla rostrata

American lobster Homarus americanus

American sand lance Ammodytes americanus

American shad Alosa sapidissima

Atlantic bonito Sarda sarda

Atlantic cod Gadus morhua 

Atlantic croaker Micropogonias undulatus

Atlantic herring Clupea harengus

Atlantic mackerel Scomber scombrus

Atlantic menhaden Brevoortia tyrannus

Atlantic salmon Salmo salar

Atlantic silversides Menidia menidia

Atlantic sturgeon Acipenser oxyrinchus

Banded rudderfish Seriola zonata

Bay anchovy Anchoa mitchelli

Bigeye Priacanthus arenatus

Bigeye scad Selar crumenophthalmus

Black sea bass Centropristis striata

Blueback herring Alosa aestivalis

Bluefish Pomatomus saltatrix

Butterfish Peprilus triacanthus

Clearnose skate Raja eglanteria

Conger eel Conger oceanicus

Crevalle jack Caranx hippos

Cunner Tautogolabrus adspersus

Dwarf goatfish Upeneus parvus 

Fourbeard rockling Enchelyopus cimbrius

Fourspot flounder Paralichthys oblongus

Goosefish Lophius americanus

Gray triggerfish Balistes capriscus

Grubby Myoxocephalus aeneus

Hickory shad Alosa mediocris

Hogchoker Trinectes maculatus

Inshore lizardfish Synodus foetens

Little skate Raja erinacea

Long-finned squid Loligo pealei

Longhorn sculpin Myoxocephalus octodecemspinosus

Lookdown Selene vomer 

Lumpfish Cyclopterus lumpus

Mackerel scad Decapterus macarellus 

Moonfish Selene setapinnis

Northern kingfish Menticirrhus saxatilis

Northern pipefish Syngnathus fuscus

Northern puffer Sphoeroides maculatus

Northern searobin Prionotus carolinus

Northern sennet Sphyraena borealis

Ocean pout Macrozoarces americanus

Orange filefish Alutera schoepfi

Oyster toadfish Opsanus tau

Planehead filefish Monacanthus hispidus

Pollock Pollachius virens

Rainbow smelt Osmerus mordax

Red cornetfish Fistularia petimba

Red goatfish Mullus auratus

Red hake Urophycis chuss

Rock gunnel Pholis gunnellus

Rough scad Trachurus lathami

Round herring Etrumeus teres

Sandbar shark Carcharhinus plumbeus

Scup (porgy) Stenotomus chrysops

Sea lamprey Petromyzon marinus

Sea raven Hemitripterus americanus

Seasnail Liparis atlanticus

Short bigeye Pristigenys alta

Silver hake Merluccius bilinearis

Smallmouth flounder Etropus microstomus

Smooth dogfish Mustelus canis

Spanish mackerel Scomberomorus maculatus

Spiny dogfish Squalus acanthius

Spot Leiostomus xanthurus

Spotted hake Urophycis regia

Striped bass Morone saxatilis

Striped cusk eel Ophidion marginatum 

Striped searobin Prionotus evolans

Summer flounder Paralichthys dentatus

Tautog (blackfish) Tautoga onitis

Tomcod Microgadus tomcod

Weakfish Cynoscion regalis

White perch Morone americana

Windowpane flounder Scophthalmus aquosus

Winter flounder Pseudopleuronectes americanus

Winter skate Raja ocellata

Yellow jack Caranx bartholomaei

Yellowtail flounder Pleuronectes ferrugineus
12 NOAA Technical Report NMFS 148

similar in all seasons (Fig. LF-2). The percentage of 

juvenile lobsters (<55 mm; Briggs and Mushacke, 1979) 

ranged from 16.4% in November to 23.9% in October.

Although lobsters were found throughout the Sound 

during all seasons—percent occurrence ranged from 

67.0% in April to 79.0% in July (Fig. IN-2D)—abundance 

was highest on mud bottom. Further, there were three 

areas with mud bottom in particular where lobsters were 

concentrated: the Western Basin, which contained the 

largest concentration of lobsters; the area between the 

Housatonic River and south of New Haven Harbor; and 

north of Shoreham, New York (Fig. DM-24). In the Western Basin, abundance was generally highest in depths 

from 9 to 18 m. The area between the Housatonic River 

and New Haven is comprised of mud and transitional 

bottom, with depths generally less than 18 m. The third 

area north of Shorham is primarily mud bottom, with 

depths greater than 18 m. In addition to these three 

areas, lobsters were abundant on transitional bottom in 

Niantic Bay and the mouth of the Thames River during 

the spring and fall sampling periods. 

American shad (Alosa sapidissima) (Figs. DM-3–DM-5, 

IN-3, LF-3) American shad caught in the Survey ranged 

from 8 to 52 cm, although about 99% were less than 27 cm 

(Fig. LF-3). From April through June, 95% ranged from 8 

to 28 cm and corresponded to the lengths-at-age for ages 

one and two reported by Leim (1924). Adult shad (>32 

cm; Leim, 1924) were most common in June. In August, 

97% of the shad taken were age 1+ and ranged from 

16–24 cm. The remaining 3% were adult shad that ranged 

from 40 to 53 cm. Young-of-year shad first appeared in 

Survey catches in September and ranged from 9 to 15 cm. 

From September to November, most shad were age 0+ 

and 1+ and ranged from 8 to 27 cm.

American shad, like alewives, exhibited a seasonal 

inshore/offshore pattern (Fig. DM-3). During the spring 

period, shad were most abundant in depths less than 

18 m along the Connecticut shore from the Housatonic 

River to the Hammonassett River, whereas during the 

summer period shad were more abundant in depths 

greater than 9 m across the Sound from Connecticut 

to Long Island in the Central Basin and Mattituck Sill. 

During the fall period and November, shad distribution 

was similar to the spring months—abundance was again 

highest along the Connecticut shoreline. Both in the 

spring and fall periods, abundance generally increased 

with decreasing depth.

For the years where American shad were measured, 

distribution maps were prepared for juveniles (Fig. 

DM-4) and adults (Fig. DM-5). Juvenile distribution was 

similar to that described above. Adults displayed a similar pattern in spring, but after June very few were taken 

in the Survey.

Atlantic croaker (Micropogonias undulatus) (Fig. DM-6)

Atlantic croaker were uncommon in Survey catches—only 

44 individuals (Appendix II), ranging from 10 to 19 cm, 

were observed. Twenty-nine of the 44 Atlantic croaker 

taken were observed in September, which was also the 

month of first occurrence in the Survey. Fifteen Atlantic 

croaker were observed in October, none were taken in 

November. Most Atlantic croaker were taken in depths less 

Table 6

Number of samples taken by year and cruise. In 1984, 35 sites per month were scheduled for sampling from April through 

November; from 1985 to 1992, 40 sites per month were scheduled. Beginning in 1992, July, August, and November sampling 

was discontinued. In 1993 and 1994 an additional cruise, conducted from late September through early October, was added to 

the fall period.

Year

Cruise 84 85 86 87 88 89 90 91 92 93 94 Total

Apr — — 35 40 40 40 40 40 — 40 40 315

May 13 41 40 40 40 40 40 40 40 40 40 414

Jun 19 5 41 40 40 40 40 40 40 40 40 385

Jul 35 40 40 40 40 40 17 — — — — 252

Aug 34 40 40 40 40 40 40 — — — — 274

Sep 35 40 40 40 40 40 40 40 40 40 40 435

Sep/Oct — — — — — — — — — 40 40 80

Oct 35 40 40 40 40 40 40 40 40 40 40 435

Nov 29 40 40 40 40 40 40 — — — — 269

Total 200 246 316 320 320 320 297 200 160 240 240 2,859

4 Note: to find specific locations and bathymetric and geographical features on distribution maps, please refer to Figs. 1 and 2.
The Distribution and Size Composition of Finfish, American Lobster, and Long-Finned Squid in Long Island Sound 13

than 18 m along the Connecticut shoreline (39 of the 44 

individuals were taken in depths less than 18 m), and none 

were observed east of the Mattituck Sill (Fig. DM-6).

Atlantic herring (Clupea harengus)(Figs. DM-7, IN-4, LF-4)

Atlantic herring taken in the Survey ranged from 3 to 33 

cm (Fig. LF-4). The percentage of adults (>22 cm; NMFS, 

1989) was 81% and 94% in April and May respectively, 

but declined to 0% by October. Although Atlantic herring 

were not measured in November, observations recorded 

on field sheets indicated that most were adults.

Atlantic herring abundance in the Survey was highest 

during April and May (Fig. IN-4) when adults were most 

abundant in the Sound. In the spring sampling period 

they were widely distributed, but were especially abundant in the Western and Central Basins over mud bottom 

(Figs. DM-7 and IN-4B). Adult abundance declined 

through the spring months to very low abundance in 

the summer and fall periods, when most of the Atlantic 

herring taken in the Survey were juveniles. Although 

the Survey trawl did not effectively retain young-ofyear, they were very abundant in the Sound during the 

summer months—in a separate sampling program, up 

to 80,000 per 15 minute tow were caught with an otter 

trawl equipped with a 6 mm codend liner.5 During the 

fall period, most Atlantic herring were taken along the 

Connecticut side of the Sound in depths less than 18 

m, especially south of Milford (Figs. DM-7 and IN-4F). 

Abundance increased in November when adult fish were 

again taken. During November, abundance increased 

slightly with decreasing depth, and the largest catches 

occurred in the Central Basin.

Atlantic mackerel (Scomber scombrus) (Figs. DM-8, IN-5, 

LF-5) Atlantic mackerel were observed in all months 

of the Survey (Fig. IN-5D), but were relatively uncommon (percent occurrence ranged from 0.3% in April to 

7.6% in September) except in August (17.5% occurrence). 

While both juvenile and adult mackerel were taken, they 

were observed during different sampling periods and were 

distributed differently. Adults (>28 cm; NMFS, 1989), ranging in size from 36 to 47 cm (Fig. LF-5), were present from 

April through July and were widely distributed in the Sound 

(Fig. DM-8). In contrast, only juveniles (ranging from 13 to 

23 cm) were present from August through November. They 

were most abundant in August and September in depths 

less than 18 m (Fig. IN-5C), primarily along the Connecticut coastline from Norwalk to the Housatonic River where 

the largest catches were made (>75/tow). Very few Atlantic 

mackerel were observed in October and November (1.6% 

and 1.9% occurrence respectively). 

Atlantic menhaden (Brevoortia tyrannus)(Figs. DM-9, IN-6)

Menhaden first appeared in Survey catches in April (2.2% 

occurrence) and increased in abundance through fall 

(Figs. IN-6A and D). From April through August, catches 

of menhaden were highest near New Haven Harbor in 

depths less than 18 m (Figs. DM-9 and IN-6C). In September and October, catches were highest along the Connecticut shore from New Haven Harbor to Norwalk. By 

November they were concentrated farther east along the 

shore from Milford to Guilford, and from Guilford across 

the Sound towards Mattituck. The New Haven Harbor 

area had consistently high catches during all seasonal 

periods.

Although menhaden length data were not available, 

weights taken in the spring and fall periods from 1992 

to 1994, in addition to observations recorded on field 

sheets, provided information about size composition. 

From April to June, the average weight per fish was 

369 gm, or about 28 cm (length/weight relationship 

from Wilk et al., 1978), indicating many of these menhaden were adults (>22 cm; Lewis et al., 1987). From 

September through October, the mean weight was 132 

gm (about 17 cm), indicating most were juveniles.

Atlantic sturgeon (Acipenser oxyrinchus)(Figs. DM-10, IN-7, 

LF-6) Atlantic sturgeon taken in the Survey ranged from 

72 to 141 cm (Fig. LF-6), and were probably juveniles (size 

at 50% maturity = 200 cm; NMFS, 1995). Although Atlantic sturgeon were not often observed—percent occurrence ranged from 0% in April to 4.1% in October—they 

were taken in all months from May through November 

(Fig. IN-7D).

Most Atlantic sturgeon were found in the eastern half 

of the Sound, especially from the mouth of the Connecticut River on sand bottom in depths less than 9 m to 

deeper sand and transitional areas in the Eastern Basin 

and Mattituck Sill, and further south into a 27+ m mud 

area in the Central Basin (Fig. DM-10). Sturgeon were 

also taken in a 18–27 m transitional bottom area near 

Mattituck. The largest sturgeon concentrations were 

observed in September (the three largest catches of 15, 

46, and 47 sturgeon occurred in three consecutive years 

during the same week in September) in two areas: south 

of Guilford on transitional bottom in depths greater 

than 27 m, and in the 27+ m mud area in the Central 

Basin. Overall, the greatest number of sturgeon were 

taken on transitional bottom in depths greater than 27 

m (158 of the 208 sturgeon captured).

Bigeye scad (Selar crumenophthalmus) (Fig. DM-11) Bigeye scad were relatively uncommon in Survey catches, 

with 83 individuals taken since 1988 (Appendix II). In 

addition, 78 of the 83 scad were caught in 1988 and 

1989, with 34 taken in a single tow in 1989 off Mattituck, 

New York, in depths between 18 and 27 m (Fig. DM-11). 

5 Simpson, D. G., K. Gottschall, and M. Johnson. 1994. Job 5 in: A Study 

of Marine Recreational Fisheries in Connecticut, Annual report. CT 

DEP/Fisheries Division, P.O. Box 719, Old Lyme, CT 06371, 72 p.
14 NOAA Technical Report NMFS 148

Bigeye scad first appeared in Survey catches in July and 

were observed each month thereafter through November. They were most commonly found in the eastern half 

of the Sound, especially from Niantic Bay to the Thames 

River, and along the Mattituck Sill. Although only three 

bigeye scad, ranging from 13 to 15 cm, were measured, 

comments on field sheets indicated that all bigeye scad 

taken in the Survey were probably less than 16 cm.

Black sea bass (Centropristis striata) (Figs. DM-12, IN-8, 

LF-7) Black sea bass captured in the Survey ranged from 

5 to 57 cm (Fig. LF-7). From May through August, most 

black sea bass taken in the Survey were adults (>19 cm; 

NMFS, 1995), whereas in October and November the 

majority of black sea bass were juveniles (84% and 57% 

respectively), many of which were YOY (<10 cm; Wenner 

et al., 1986).

Although black sea bass were not very abundant in the 

Survey, catch distributions exhibited distinct patterns. 

During May and June, when black sea bass were most 

commonly encountered (about 13.6% occurrence), they 

were mostly captured on the Mattituck Sill and along 

the Connecticut side of the Sound from Norwalk to 

Guilford (Fig. DM-12). In contrast, during the summer 

period sea bass were found almost exclusively among 

sand wave formations on the Mattituck Sill in depths 

between 18 and 27 m. During the fall period black sea 

bass were once again more dispersed; however, during 

September they were taken only in depths less than 27 

m, whereas in October and November abundance was 

highest in depths greater than 27 m (Fig. IN-8C).

Blueback herring (Alosa aestivalis) (Figs. DM-13, IN-9, 

LF-8) Blueback herring were observed in every month 

of the Survey, ranging from 17.5% occurrence in April to 

5.6% in November (Fig. IN-9). Ranging in length from 7 

to 30 cm (Fig. LF-8), most bluebacks observed were juveniles (<25 cm; Johnson et al., 1978), with perhaps a few 

adults taken from May through October.

For most of the year, blueback herring were closely 

associated with the Connecticut shoreline (Fig. DM-13). 

During the spring period, bluebacks were mostly found 

in depths less than 18 m (Fig. IN-9C), with the largest 

concentrations along the Connecticut shore near major 

rivers. During the summer period bluebacks were more 

abundant in depths greater than 9 m, with the largest 

catches occurring in depths greater than 18 m in the 

Central Basin (the August indices may indicate a shift to 

shallow water, although they were very low). By fall blueback distribution was similar to the spring months—

they were most abundant along the Connecticut shore 

in depths less than 9 m near the mouths of major rivers. 

The few bluebacks taken in November were caught primarily in depths less than 9 m, with only two bluebacks 

observed in depths greater than 18 m.

Bluefish (Pomatomus saltatrix)(Figs. DM-14–DM-16, IN-10–

IN-12, LF-9) Bluefish first appeared in Survey catches in 

May (7% occurrence), but were relatively rare until June 

when they occurred in 28% of samples (Fig. IN-10D) and 

were taken throughout the Sound (Fig. DM-14). Bluefish 

taken in May ranged from 40 to 76 cm, whereas in June 

they ranged from 24 to 78 cm (Fig. LF-9).

Juveniles first appeared in Survey catches in July. They 

comprised 46% of the bluefish catch, but only appeared 

in 8.3% of samples (Fig. IN-11D). Juvenile abundance 

increased quickly during summer—by August they comprised 94% of the catch and occurred in 63.1% of samples. During the summer period juveniles were primarily 

distributed on the Connecticut side of the Sound from 

New Haven to Norwalk (Fig. DM-15), whereas adults 

appeared to be more abundant in the deeper portions 

of the Central and Western Basins (Figs. DM-16 and 

IN-12C).

When abundance peaked in September (Fig. IN-10A), 

bluefish were found throughout the Sound (93.3% 

occurrence), although about 93% of the bluefish taken 

were juveniles. Juvenile abundance was highest in depths 

between 9 and 27 m over mud bottom in several broad 

areas in the Sound: the Connecticut side from New 

Haven to Norwalk, across the Western Basin into Smithtown Bay, and across the Central Basin from New Haven 

to Mattituck. Adult abundance was also high in some of 

these areas, but in contrast with juveniles, abundance 

tended to generally increase with depth in September, 

and in October abundance was similar in depths greater 

than 9 m (Fig. IN-12C).

While juvenile abundance decreased rapidly after 

September (Fig. IN-12A), adult abundance increased to 

a peak in October before declining (Fig. IN-12A). By 

November, juveniles only comprised 60% of the bluefish catch, down from a high of 94% in September. 

The remaining bluefish in November were distributed 

throughout the Sound (Fig. DM-14).

Butterfish (Peprilus triacanthus)(Figs. DM-17, IN-13, LF-10)

Butterfish, the most abundant species recorded in the 

Survey, were observed from April through November (Fig. 

IN-13). Abundance was relatively low until July, peaked 

at very high levels in August and September, and then 

declined through October and November. From July 

through October, butterfish occurred in 90% of trawls 

on average (Fig. IN-13D) and were encountered throughout the Sound (Fig. DM-17). The percent occurrence 

was high on all bottom types and depth intervals (Figs. 

IN-13C and F), but abundance was highest over mud and 

transitional bottoms in depths between 9 and 27 m (Figs. 

IN-13B and C).

Butterfish taken in the Survey ranged from 3 to 25 cm 

(Fig. LF-10). In May, 83% were adults, whereas only 9% 

were adults in September and October (>11 cm; NMFS, 
The Distribution and Size Composition of Finfish, American Lobster, and Long-Finned Squid in Long Island Sound 15

1989). In November, the percentage of adults increased 

to 27%.

Clearnose skate (Raja eglanteria) (Fig. DM-18) Clearnose skate, a relatively rare species in the Sound (only 29 

observed), were most often taken during September and 

October (Fig. DM-18). They were distributed primarily on 

the sand and transitional bottom of the Mattituck Sill and 

Eastern Basin. Only five clearnose skate were observed 

west of the Sill, four of which were in depths greater than 

18 m on mud bottom.

Crevalle jack (Caranx hippos) (Fig. DM-19) Crevalle jack 

were uncommon in Survey catches; only 20 were observed. 

They first appeared in the Survey in September and most 

were taken during that month (16 individuals). Only 

three were taken in October and one in November (Fig. 

DM-19). They were most commonly found in depths less 

than 18 m (17 individuals), particularly along the Connecticut shoreline. Based on ten measurements and comments from field sheets, crevalle jack taken in the Survey 

ranged from 10–15 cm.

Cunner (Tautogolabrus adspersus)(Figs. DM-20, IN-14) Cunner were observed in all months of the Survey, ranging 

from 5% occurrence in October to 20% occurrence in 

May (Fig. IN-14D), with abundance generally highest 

from April through July (Fig. IN-14A). During all seasons, 

there were three areas of concentration: south of New 

Haven, the Connecticut side of the Western Basin, and off 

Eaton’s Neck in the Western Basin (Fig. DM-20). The sites 

sampled in these areas were typically between 9 and 18 m 

deep. The first two areas were characterized by mud and 

transitional bottom types, whereas the sites sampled near 

Eaton’s Neck, which consistently produced cunner, had 

transitional and sand bottom types and adjacent rocky 

structure.

Fourbeard rockling (Enchelyopus cimbrius) (Figs. DM-21, 

IN-15) Fourbeard rockling were observed from April 

through November, with percent occurrence ranging 

from 6% in October to 39% in June (Fig. IN-15D). Peak 

abundance occurred in June and declined through October (Fig. IN-15A). Although abundance varied, rockling 

distribution was similar during all seasons: most were 

found in depths greater than 18 m over mud bottom in 

the Central and Western Basins, very few were observed 

on the Mattituck Sill, and none were taken in the Eastern 

Basin (Fig. DM-21). Overall, fourbeard rockling were six 

times more abundant over mud compared to transitional 

sediments and were rarely caught on sand. Abundance 

tended to increase with depth (Figs. IN-15B and C).

Fourspot flounder (Paralichthys oblongus) (Figs. DM-22, 

IN-16, LF-11) Fourspot flounder sampled in the Survey 

ranged from 6 to 39 cm (Fig. LF-11). Adults (>22 cm; 

NMFS, 1989) comprised about 85% of fourspot flounder 

taken from April through June, 76% in August, and 16% 

in October.

Abundance increased rapidly during the spring period 

to a peak in June, and then quickly decreased through 

summer to a low level during the fall period that was 

similar to abundance in April (Fig. IN-16A). During May 

through November, the percent occurrence varied less 

than did abundance, ranging from 44% in September 

to 79% in June (Figs. IN-16A and D). Fourspot flounder 

were found throughout the Sound on all bottom types 

and depths, but were most abundant in the Central 

and Western Basins (Fig. DM-22). Preferences for depth 

and bottom type within these basins were most pronounced during the months of highest abundance—

abundance generally increased with depth (Fig. 16C), 

and fourspot flouder were found mostly on mud bottom, 

with abundance over transitional and sand bottoms 

ranking second and third respectively (Fig. 16B).

Goosefish (Lophius americanus) (Fig. DM-23) Goosefish 

has been a relatively rare species in the Sound, with only 

56 individuals observed in the Survey (Appendix II). Of 

the 46 goosefish taken during the spring period (one in 

April, 33 in May, and 13 in June), 44 were in depths greater 

than 18 m, and most were observed on mud and transitional sediments in the Central Basin (Fig. DM-23). Only 

seven goosefish were observed in the summer period, one 

in the fall, and five in November. Observations recorded 

on field sheets indicated that all goosefish taken in the 

Survey were juveniles (<41 cm; NMFS, 1989).

Grubby (Myoxocephalus aeneus) (Fig. DM-24) Grubby 

were uncommon in the Survey, with only 28 taken since 

1984 (Appendix II). Most grubby were observed along 

the Connecticut side of the Sound, but they were also 

taken in a 9–18 m sand and rocky area near Eaton’s Neck, 

New York (Fig. DM-24). Of the 28 grubby observed, 23 

were taken in the spring period (11 in April, seven in May, 

and five in June); 25 were in depths less than 18 m and 

none were taken from depths greater than 27 m; and 12 

each were on sand bottom and mud bottom, and four on 

transitional bottom.

Hickory shad (Alosa mediocris)(Figs. DM-25, IN-17, LF-12)

Hickory shad taken in the Survey ranged in size from 

18 to 37 cm (Fig. LF-12). They first appeared in catches 

in May and were observed every month thereafter (Fig. 

IN-17). 

Although relatively uncommon in the Survey (<4% occurrence in all months), hickory shad appeared to exhibit a seasonal inshore/offshore pattern (Fig. DM-25). 

During the spring period they were primarily taken in 

depths less than 18 m, especially near the Housatonic 
16 NOAA Technical Report NMFS 148

River and New Haven Harbor, whereas in summer most 

hickory shad were observed in depths greater than 18 m 

(Fig. IN-17C). In the fall period they were again taken 

in depths less than 18 m along the Connecticut shoreline. Although few hickory shad were taken in November (12 individuals), they appeared to be distributed 

throughout the Sound. 

Hogchoker (Trinectes maculatus) (Figs. DM-26, IN-18)

Hogchoker taken in the Survey exhibited a seasonal 

inshore/offshore pattern of distribution (Fig. DM-26). 

During April, a month of low abundance (Fig. IN-18A), 

hogchoker were distributed in all depths (Fig. IN-18C) in 

the Central and Western Basins. From May to June abundance was high in shallow water along the Connecticut 

shoreline from Norwalk to New Haven, and hogchoker 

were also found along the north shore of Long Island 

near Shoreham and Eaton’s Neck. During July, when 

abundance was again low, hogchoker were still found 

along the Connecticut shore from Milford to New Haven, 

but they were rare along the Long Island shore, and none 

were observed in depths greater than 27 m.

Hogchoker abundance in deeper water increased 

from August through November, and by October they 

were concentrated along the Long Island side of the 

Western and Central Basins (Fig. DM-26) in depths 

greater than 18 m on mud and transitional bottom (Figs. 

IN-18B and C). Most of the largest catches occurred 

during October in this area. In November, a month of 

high abundance, they were most abundant in depths 

greater than 18 m on mud and transitional bottom, with 

none taken in depths less than 9 m.

Little skate (Raja erinacea) (Figs. DM-27, IN-19, LF-13)

Little skate taken in the Survey ranged from 8 to 51 cm 

(Fig. LF-13). The percentage of adults (>39 cm; NMFS, 

1995) ranged from 40% in April to 68% in August (Fig. 

LF-13).

When abundance was high during the spring period 

(Fig. IN-19A), little skate were most abundant on transitional and sand bottom (Fig. IN-19B) in the Eastern 

Basin and along the Mattituck Sill between Guilford, 

Connecticut, and Mattituck, New York (Fig. DM-27). 

Abundance decreased west of the Mattituck Sill where 

mud bottom is more common. However, little skate 

were abundant in some areas in the Central Basin where 

transitional and sand bottom exists, such as an area 

south of New Haven, and along the Long Island Shore 

near Shoreham, New York. In April little skate abundance was highest in depths less then 9 m and low 

in depths greater than 27 m (Fig. IN-19C). During 

June the reverse occurred—abundance was highest in 

depths greater than 27 m and low in depths less than 

9 m. During the summer, a period of low abundance, 

little skate still occurred in the same areas as in the 

spring, but the largest catches occurred in the Eastern 

Basin.

Abundance increased during the fall months and 

November. When abundance peaked in November, 

skate were again concentrated on transitional bottom 

in depths between 9 and 27 m near Mattituck, and in 

depths less than 18 m near Guilford. In contrast with 

spring, large catches were not recorded over the large 

sand lobe that extends from the Eastern Basin onto the 

Mattituck Sill.

Long-finned squid (Loligo pealei) (Figs. DM-28, IN-20, 

LF-14) Long-finned squid taken in the Survey ranged 

from 2 to 40 cm mantle length (Fig. LF-14). The largest 

long-finned squid were present in May and June, when 

about 65% of long-finned squid were adults (>15 cm; 

NMFS, 1993). The percentage of juveniles increased 

through summer and peaked in September, when 98.8% 

of long-finned squid were less than 16 cm. 

Long-finned squid were rarely observed in April (4% 

occurrence), but from May through November they 

were commonly taken throughout the Sound. The percent occurrence varied little during these months, ranging from 63% in July to 81% in September (Fig. IN-20D). 

Abundance remained stable through late spring and 

summer (Fig. IN-20A), and then increased dramatically 

in fall when small squid, ranging from about 2 to 12 cm, 

recruited to the trawl.

Although squid were commonly encountered throughout the Sound in late spring, they were most abundant 

east of Stratford Shoal, particularly in depths greater 

than 18 m on the transitional and sand bottom (Figs. 

IN-20B and C) of the Mattituck Sill and the adjacent 

portion of the Central Basin (Fig. DM-28). In addition, 

they were concentrated in Niantic Bay. In contrast, longfinned squid appeared to be more dispersed in summer. 

In fall, when small long-finned squid were abundant, they 

were distributed throughout the Sound, but were more 

abundant in the Central and Western Basins. During the 

fall generally, abundance tended to increase with depth 

and was highest over mud bottom, with abundance over 

transitional and sand bottoms ranking second and third 

respectively. Although the abundance of long-finned 

squid was very low in November, they were still commonly encountered throughout the Sound (65% occurrence). Abundance was similar over all bottom types but, 

as in the fall period, abundance tended to increase with 

depth.

Longhorn sculpin (Myoxocephalus octodecemspinosus)(Figs. 

DM-29, IN-21) During the spring period when they were 

most abundant, longhorn sculpin were found primarily 

on transitional and sand bottom in the Eastern Basin 

and on the Mattituck Sill (Fig. DM-29). Generally, abundance increased with depth (Fig. IN-21C) and most of 
The Distribution and Size Composition of Finfish, American Lobster, and Long-Finned Squid in Long Island Sound 17

the largest catches occurred in depths greater than 27 

m in the Eastern Basin. Abundance of longhorn sculpins 

decreased rapidly after April, and none were taken from 

July through October. They reappeared in November, 

occurring in 8.2% of samples. Although only 28 longhorn sculpins were taken in November, the catch distribution contrasted with that of spring: catches were 

dispersed among all bottom types in the Central Basin 

and Mattituck Sill, with only two longhorn sculpins taken 

in the Eastern Basin. However, as in spring, abundance 

appeared to increase with depth.

Mackerel scad (Decapterus macarellus)(Fig. DM-30) Mackerel scad, a rarely occurring species in the Survey, were 

first recorded in 1990 (Appendix II). Of the 13 captured, 

all were caught during the fall period, and 12 were taken 

in the eastern half of the Sound (Fig. DM-30). None were 

taken in depths greater than 27 m. Although only two 

mackerel scad were measured, examination of field sheets 

indicated that all 13 taken were of similar size—about 

12 cm.

Moonfish (Selene setapinnis) (Figs. DM-31, IN-22) Moonfish caught in the Survey ranged from 7 to 12 cm. They 

first appeared during August (5.8% occurrence), and 

were most abundant during the fall period (Figs. IN-22A 

and D). They were most abundant in depths less than 

18 m (IN-22C) along the Connecticut shore from Norwalk to Guilford, and near Mattituck (Fig. DM-31). Abundance decreased in November when they were observed 

in only 5.9% of samples.

Northern kingfish (Menticirrhus saxatilis) (Fig. DM-32)

Northern kingfish, an uncommon species in the Survey, 

were first observed in 1989 (Appendix II). From 1989 to 

1994, 24 kingfish, ranging from 12 to 22 cm (based on 15 

measurements), were taken during the fall period, and 

only one in November (Fig. DM-32). Most kingfish were 

taken over the Mattituck Sill, and 17 of the 25 kingfish 

were taken over sand bottom.

Northern pipefish (Syngnathus fuscus) (Fig. DM-33) Since 

1984, only 33 pipefish were taken in the Survey. Although 

20 were taken within a few miles of shore, they were in 

depths greater than 27 m. Six pipefish were observed in one 

tow in the Eastern Basin over transitional bottom in 27+ m, 

and 11 more were caught in one tow in similar depths in 

the Central Basin over mud bottom (Fig. DM-33).

Northern puffer (Sphoeroides maculatus) (Fig. DM-34)

Northern puffer were relatively uncommon in the Survey. 

Of the 54 individuals observed since 1984, 28 were caught 

in 1993 (Appendix II). Only one puffer was taken during 

the spring period (in June), and four in summer (Fig. 

DM-34). During the fall period when they were most 

common (44 individuals), most puffers were taken in 

the Central Basin over all bottom types and depths (Fig. 

DM-34). Thirteen were caught in a single tow in less than 

9 m off Shoreham, New York.

Northern searobin (Prionotus carolinus) (Figs. DM-35, 

IN-23) Northern searobin were rarely observed in April 

(6.3% occurrence), but became very common during 

May and June when they occurred in about 60% of samples (Fig. IN-23D). Although abundance declined quickly 

after peaking in June (Fig. IN-23A), northern searobin 

were still relatively common from July through November, occurring on average in about 23% of samples each 

month.

During the spring period northern searobin were 

most abundant on the Mattituck Sill, with the largest 

catches occurring near Mattituck (Fig. DM-35). They 

were also abundant in the deeper waters of the Central 

and Western Basins. Generally, abundance was highest 

in depths greater than 18 m, particularly in June, and 

was similar on transitional and sand bottom with slightly 

less abundance over mud bottom (Figs. IN-23B and 

C). During the summer period most northern searobin 

were distributed on the sand and transitional sediments 

of the Mattituck Sill with little preference of depth. 

In contrast, during the fall period and November they 

were more widely distributed, with some indication for 

increasing abundance with depth.

Ocean pout (Macrozoarces americanus)(Figs. DM-36, IN-24)

The distribution of ocean pout was very restricted temporally and spatially. All but one ocean pout caught in the 

Survey were taken during the spring period, with 89% 

of the total catch taken during April and May. During 

these months ocean pout were concentrated in two areas: 

in the Western Basin between Eaton’s Neck and Port 

Jefferson, New York; and a smaller concentration 85 km 

to the east in the Eastern Basin (Fig. DM-36). Both areas 

are generally deeper than 27 m, but the bottom type is different—the Western Basin area is primarily mud with some 

transitional bottom, whereas the bottom in the Eastern 

Basin area is entirely transitional. In general, abundance 

increased with depth (none were taken in depths less than 

9 m), and ocean pout were most abundant on mud bottom 

in depths greater than 27 m (Figs. IN-24B and C). 

Oyster toadfish (Opsanus tau) (Fig. DM-37) Oyster toadfish were rarely encountered in the Survey, with only 26 

individuals taken since 1984 (Appendix II). Of these 26, 

15 were taken in the spring period, two in summer, and 

nine in fall (Fig. DM-37); 17 were taken in depths less 

than 18 m and nine in depths greater than 18 m; and 11 

were taken on mud bottom, 11 on transitional bottom, 

and four on sand.
18 NOAA Technical Report NMFS 148

Planehead filefish (Monacanthus hispidus) (Fig. DM-38)

Athough relatively uncommon (98 taken since 1984), 

planehead filefish were observed in the Survey in most 

years (Appendix II). One filefish was observed in September, 30 in October, and 67 in November. During the 

fall period, most of the filefish were taken on transitional 

sediments along the Mattituck Sill and adjacent portions 

of the Central Basin, with 26 of the 31 filefish taken in 

depths greater than 18 m (Fig. DM-38). Although filefish 

were more widespread over mud and transitional sediments in November, they were still found primarily in 

depths greater than 18 m (50 of the 67 observed).

Pollock (Pollachius virens) (Fig. DM-39) Pollock were 

rarely observed in the Survey, and none have been 

recorded since 1989 (Appendix II). Of 24 pollock taken, 

21 were caught in July and three in August (Fig. DM-39). 

They were observed in all depths over mud and transitional bottoms. Although pollock measurements are not 

available, examination of field data sheets indicates that 

all pollock taken in the Survey were juveniles (<37 cm; 

NMFS, 1989).

Rainbow smelt (Osmerus mordax)(Fig. DM-40) Although 

rainbow smelt were rarely observed in the Survey, seasonal 

and spatial patterns were evident. Of the 31 smelt caught, 

30 were caught in April and one was caught in June (Fig. 

DM-40). Twelve were caught in depths less than 18 m over 

sand and transitional bottom near the mouth of the Connecticut River, and seven were caught in similar depths 

over mud bottom east of Norwalk where the Saugatuck 

and Mill Rivers enter the Sound. Overall, 26 of the 31 

smelt were taken in depths less than 18 m. The remaining 

five smelt were caught in depths greater than 27 m.

Red hake (Urophycis chuss) (Figs. DM-41, IN-25, LF-15)

Red hake caught in the Survey ranged from 7 to 53 cm 

(Fig. LF-15). The percentage of juvenile fish (<22 cm; 

NMFS, 1989) was highest in April (35%), and decreased 

thereafter through October (5%).

In most months red hake were found throughout the 

Sound (Fig. DM-41). However, they were most abundant in deeper water over mud bottom (generally, abundance increased with depth), particularly in June and 

July (Figs. IN-25B and C). During June, the month of 

peak abundance (Fig. IN-25A), red hake were most 

common over mud bottom in depths greater than 27 

m in the Western and Central Basins. Although abundance dropped considerably in July, the largest catches 

observed in the Survey (>100/tow) occurred during this 

month in 27+ meter/mud strata in the Western Basin 

and north of Shoreham (the one exception was a catch 

in a 18–27 meter/mud site). Abundance continued to 

decline into fall, but in November abundance increased 

again to levels comparable to early spring.

Rock gunnel (Pholis gunnellus) (Figs. DM-42) Rock gunnel were rarely taken in the Survey, with only 37 observed 

since 1984 (Appendix II). Overall, 25 of the rock gunnels 

were observed during the spring period; 33 were taken 

in depths less than 18 m and four were in depths greater 

than 18 m; and 18 were taken on sand bottom, 13 on 

transitional bottom, and six on mud bottom. Although 

18 of the 25 rock gunnels observed in spring were taken 

near the mouth of the Connecticut River (Fig. DM-42), 

this may be due to the large amounts of leafy debris and 

kelp in this area that often clogged the trawl net, thereby 

increasing the retention of very small fish.

Rough scad (Trachurus lathami) (Figs. DM-43, IN-26)

Rough scad were generally first observed in August (only 

one was taken earlier in June), which was also the month 

of highest occurrence (17.5%) and abundance (Figs. 

IN-26A and D). The abundance of rough scad decreased 

after August and by November was observed in only 

0.7% of samples. During August most rough scad were 

caught over the Mattituck Sill (Fig. DM-43), with the largest catches occurring over sand and transition bottoms. 

Rough scad were also frequently taken in Niantic Bay and 

south of Milford. In the fall period, rough scad were distributed farther west than during the summer period, 

with the largest catches made in depths less than 18 m 

along both shores of the Sound. Based on 115 measurements and comments on field sheets, rough scad taken in 

the Survey ranged from 12 to 16 cm.

Round herring (Etrumeus teres)(Fig. DM-44) Round herring were rarely taken in the Survey, with only 48 observed 

since 1984. In addition, 37 of the 48 were caught in the 

first two years of the Survey (Appendix II). They were 

observed in all seasonal periods, but the majority (39 of 

48 fish) were taken in the fall period and November (Fig. 

DM-44). Forty-three were observed in depths between 18 

and 27 m, whereas only four were taken in depths less 

than 9 m and only one was deeper than 27 m. Based 

on eight measurements and comments recorded on field 

sheets, round herring ranged from about 11–15 cm.

Scup (Stenotomus chrysops)(Figs. DM-45–DM-47, IN-27–IN-29, 

LF-16) Scup captured in the Survey ranged from 3–39 

cm (Fig. LF-16). The length frequencies have modes at 

11 cm and 18 cm in June, and 9 cm in November, that 

correspond to the modes and backcalculated lengths-atage reported by Finklestein (1969) and Hamer (1970) for 

ages one and two in the spring and age zero in the fall 

respectively. Growth can be approximated by following 

the modes by month: age zero scup, which first recruited 

to the gear in August, increased from 4 cm in August to 9 

cm in October; age one scup increased from 10 cm in July 

to 17 cm in November; and age two scup increased from 

18 cm in July to 22 cm in October. Adult scup (>12 cm; 
The Distribution and Size Composition of Finfish, American Lobster, and Long-Finned Squid in Long Island Sound 19

NMFS, 1989) comprised 77% of the sample population 

in May and 35% in June and July. As YOY recruited to the 

gear, the percentage of adult fish dropped to a low of 8% 

by October.

Scup were one of the most commonly observed species 

in the Survey (Fig. IN-27D). They were taken from April 

through November, but were not commonly observed 

until May (51.0% occurrence). From June through 

November, they occurred in 82.5% (November) to 96.3% 

of samples (September and October). Due to the large 

numbers of YOY scup that recruited to the trawl in 

summer and fall, the abundance and distributions of 

YOY and age 1+ scup were examined separately.

Although scup age 1+ were taken in the Survey in 

April (1.3% occurrence), they were most common from 

May (50.7% occurrence) through November (62.8% 

occurrence). Abundance increased through the spring 

period to a peak in July, and then declined through 

November (Figs. IN-29A and D).

During May and June, scup age 1+ were concentrated 

primarily on transitional and sand bottom at all depths 

(Figs. IN-29B and C) on the Mattituck Sill, and in Niantic Bay (Fig. DM-47). Additionally, some of the largest 

catches occurred south of Milford and near the Thames 

River. The distribution of age 1+ scup was similar during 

the summer period, except that the concentration over 

the Sill extended into the deeper, adjacent portions of 

the Central Basin. Most of the largest catches made in 

the summer period occurred in Niantic Bay.

During the fall period age 1+ scup were more dispersed. However, the areas where scup were abundant 

in spring, such as the Mattituck Sill, Niantic Bay, and 

south of Milford, still produced some of the largest 

catches. In contrast with spring, they appeared to be 

abundant along both the Connecticut and New York 

sides of the Western Basin. In November, when abundance dropped to early spring levels, most age 1+ scup 

were taken in depths greater than 18 m over transitional 

bottom south of Guilford.

Young-of-year scup first appeared in Survey catches in 

August (Fig. DM-46), occurring in 8% of samples (Fig. 

IN-28D). Abundance increased to very high levels in 

October and then dropped in November (Fig. IN-28A). 

Although YOY were distributed throughout the Sound in 

the fall period, they were most abundant on mud and 

transitional bottom (Figs. IN-28B and C), and there were 

several areas of concentration: Niantic Bay, along the Mattituck Sill, north of Shoreham, and throughout the Western Basin. As with age 1+ scup, the abundance of YOY in 

November was highest in depths greater than 18 m. 

Sea raven (Hemitripterus americanus) (Figs. DM-48, IN-30)

Sea ravens were most abundant in the Survey during April 

(Fig. IN-30A) when they occurred in 23.5% of samples 

(Fig. IN-30D). In April they were found primarily in the 

Eastern Basin and Mattituck Sill on transition and sand 

bottom (Fig. DM-48) in depths greater than 18 m (Fig. 

IN-30C). Generally, abundance was highest in depths over 

18 m, but some of the largest catches occurred in depths 

less than 18 m in the Eastern Basin. Abundance decreased 

rapidly after April, and by July sea raven were absent from 

Survey catches.

Sea ravens were again observed in November. Although 

uncommon (6% occurrence), they appeared to be distributed differently than in April: they were still found 

primarily on transitional bottom, but were also found 

equally on mud and sand; abundance was highest in 

depths less than 9 m; most were taken in the Central 

Basin along the Connecticut shore; and only three were 

taken in the Eastern Basin.

Silver hake (Merluccius bilinearis) (Figs. DM-49, IN-31, LF-17)

Silver hake sampled in the Survey ranged from 8 to 38 cm 

(Fig. LF-17). Adults (>19 cm; NMFS, 1989) made up 73% 

of the catches in May, declining to 37% in July and 16% 

in September.

Silver hake were commonly observed in all months, 

ranging from 27.6% occurrence in September to 72.2% 

in June (Fig. IN-31D). Abundance peaked in June, 

dropped in August and September, and increased again 

in October and November (Fig. IN-31A).

Silver hake were primarily distributed in the Central 

and Western Basins (Fig. DM-49). Generally, silver 

hake abundance was highest over mud bottom with 

abundance over transitional and sand bottoms ranking 

second and third respectively (Fig. IN-31B), and abundance tended to increase with depth (Fig. IN-31C). This 

pattern became more evident through spring as abundance increased, and was very pronounced in summer. 

During July, a month of high abundance, they were 

concentrated in depths greater than 27 m over mud 

bottom in the two basins. Eight of the nine largest samples observed in July occurred over mud bottom, and 

seven occurred in depths greater than 27 m (the other 

two were between 18 and 27 m). Although abundance 

was low in fall, the distribution of silver hake was similar 

to summer. In November, when abundance increased 

again, silver hake were distributed in all depths, although 

primarily in the northern half of the Central Basin.

Smallmouth flounder (Etropus microstomus) (Figs. DM-50, 

IN-32) Although taken in all months, smallmouth flounder were relatively uncommon in Survey catches, with percent occurrence ranging from 8.3% of samples in April 

to 1.6% in July (Fig. IN-32D). During most months, they 

were found primarily on the sand and transitional sediments of the Mattituck Sill (Fig. DM-50). Although only 

18 smallmouth flounder were measured, examination of 

field sheets indicated that this sample, ranging from 7–13 

cm, was representative of those taken in the Survey.
20 NOAA Technical Report NMFS 148

Smooth dogfish (Mustelus canis)(Figs. DM-51, IN-33, LF-18)

Smooth dogfish caught in the Survey ranged from 27 to 

130 cm (Fig. LF-18). In July, 83% of smooth dogfish were 

juveniles (<99 cm; Bigelow and Schroeder, 1953) and 

42% were young-of-year (<39 cm; Bigelow and Schroeder, 

1953). The percentage of juveniles decreased to 55% in 

September, but increased again to 85% in November.

Smooth dogfish were first observed in the Survey in 

May, occurring in 18.4% of samples (Fig. IN-33D). By 

June, a month of high abundance (Fig. IN-33A), they 

occurred in 54.3% of samples. They remained relatively 

common in Survey catches through November (30.5% 

occurrence).

During the spring period smooth dogfish were distributed throughout the Sound and were found on all 

bottom types and depths (Fig. DM-51). However, they 

were most abundant in the Central Basin in Connecticut waters, and the largest catches were consistently 

made in depths less than 9 m between New Haven and 

Guilford. Similarly, during the summer period smooth 

dogfish were found in all depths over all bottom types, 

but three areas of concentration were evident: the Central Basin on the Connecticut side, over the Mattituck 

Sill in depths greater than 18 m, and in the Eastern 

Basin in depths greater than 90 m. In addition, the largest catch (56 individuals) was made south of Stratford 

Shoal between the Western and Central Basins.

In September and October, smooth dogfish were 

found in many of the same areas where they were taken 

in summer, but more were found in deep water, especially during October (Fig. IN-33C). However, the largest 

catch of 127 individuals—again made south of Stratford Shoal between the Western and Central Basins—

occurred in depths between 9 and 18 m over mud 

bottom. By November, when abundance decreased, 

smooth dogfish were not caught in depths less than 9 m, 

and most were found in depths greater than 27 m. As in 

summer and fall, the largest catch (114 individuals) was 

made south of Stratford Shoal, but this time it occurred 

in depths greater than 27 m over mud bottom. 

Spanish mackerel (Scomberomorus maculatus)(Figs. DM-52, 

IN-34, LF-19) Spanish mackerel were first observed in 

the Survey in 1989 (Appendix II). They were relatively 

uncommon, occurring in 3.9% of samples in September, 

1.6% in October, and 1.9% in November (Fig. IN-34D). 

They ranged in size from 8 to 54 cm; however, 96% 

were between 8 and 22 cm (Fig. LF-19). Most of the Spanish mackerel were taken in depths less than 18 m (Fig. 

IN-34C) in several nearshore areas: Smithtown Bay, near 

Shoreham, and between Norwalk and New Haven (Fig. 

DM-52).

Spiny dogfish (Squalus acanthius) (Figs. DM-53, IN-35)

Spiny dogfish were relatively uncommon in Survey catches 

from spring through fall. During these seasons, they were 

most likely to be encountered during late spring (May and 

June) when they occurred in about 10% of samples (Fig. 

IN-35D). Only one spiny dogfish was caught in each April 

and August during the 11 years of the Survey. Although 

211 dogfish were caught in July, 202 of these were caught 

in one tow in the Eastern Basin, an unusual occurrence.

Most spiny dogfish observed from spring through fall 

were found in the Eastern Basin in depths greater than 

27 m over sand and transitional bottom (Fig. DM-53). 

Of 558 spiny dogfish caught from April to August, only 

eight were caught in depths less than 18 m. Spiny dogfish 

were also found in deep water across the Mattituck Sill 

into the Central Basin, but their occurrence decreased 

from east to west. One spiny dogfish was captured south 

of the Housatonic River; this was the farthest west that 

any were observed in spring and summer.

The abundance of spiny dogfish increased in late 

fall (Fig. IN-35A). By November they were commonly 

encountered (45.7% occurrence) and were more abundant and widely distributed than in any other month, 

occurring as far west as the Western Basin. Abundance 

was similar on mud and transition bottom, but less 

abundant on sand (Fig. IN-35B). Abundance generally 

increased with depth (Fig. IN-35C), but most spiny dogfish were taken in depths greater than 18 m (90% of 

the total catch), with the largest catches occurring in 

depths greater than 27 m.

Spot (Leiostomus xanthurus) (Figs. DM-54, IN-36) Spot 

captured in the Survey, ranging from 12 to 19 cm (based 

on 175 measurements), were age one or younger (<21.5 

cm; Pacheco, 1962). They were observed as early as July 

(0.4% occurrence), but were most common during the 

fall period (about 8% occurrence) and November (8.6% 

occurrence) (Fig. IN-36D). They were found primarily 

in the Central and Western Basins, especially along the 

Long Island coastline from Mattituck to Shoreham and 

along the Connecticut shoreline from Norwalk to New 

Haven (Fig. DM-54).

Spotted hake (Urophycis regia) (Figs. DM-55, IN-37) Spotted hake were taken in every month of the Survey, with 

percent occurrence ranging from 1.9% in April to 21.6% 

in October (Fig. IN-37D). Spotted hake abundance was 

lowest in April, increased through October, and then 

declined slightly in November (Fig. IN-37A).

During spring and summer, spotted hake were found 

primarily in the Central and Western Basins (Fig. 

DM-55). However, in spring abundance was highest in 

depths less than 18 m, whereas during the summer 

period abundance increased in depths greater than 18 

m, particularly over transitional bottom (Figs. IN-37B 

and C). When abundance was highest from September 

through November, the distribution of spotted hake 
The Distribution and Size Composition of Finfish, American Lobster, and Long-Finned Squid in Long Island Sound 21

changed: they were most abundant over the transitional 

and sand bottoms of the Mattituck Sill and adjacent 

portions of the Central Basin, and in the Eastern Basin 

(Fig. DM-55). During October, the month of peak abundance, spotted hake were most abundant in depths 

greater than 18 m. Spotted hake were also common in 

Smithtown Bay and near the mouth of the Connecticut 

River.

Striped bass (Morone saxatilis)(Figs. DM-56, IN-38, LF-20)

Striped bass abundance in the Survey was highest in May 

and November and lowest during the summer period 

(Fig. IN-38A). Only three striped bass were observed 

during July, and none were taken in August. During all 

seasons they were most commonly taken along the Connecticut and Long Island coastlines in depths less than 18 

m over all bottom types, especially near the mouths of the 

Connecticut and Housatonic Rivers (Figs. DM-56, IN-38B 

and C). 

Striped bass taken in the Survey ranged from 11 to 126 

cm (Fig. LF-20). During the months of highest abundance a wide range of sizes were observed, with striped 

bass ranging from 11 to 91 cm in May and 20 to 75 cm 

in November. From June through October striped bass 

were primarily larger than 45 cm, with none smaller 

than 34 cm. The three largest striped bass taken in the 

Survey—115, 117, and 126 cm—were caught during July 

in one tow south of the Connecticut River over sand 

bottom in depths less than 9 m.

Striped searobin (Prionotus evolans) (Figs. DM-57, IN-39, 

LF-21) Striped searobins taken in the Survey ranged 

from 5 to 45 cm (Fig. LF-21). In June, they ranged from 

15 to 43 cm. In August, the length frequency was comprised of two groups: a smaller group not observed in June 

(probably YOY), ranging from 4 to 11 cm; and a larger 

group similar to the June length frequency, ranging from 

20 to 45 cm. These two groups were also present in October, with the smaller group ranging from 8 to 18 cm and 

the larger group from 26 to 43 cm. 

Striped searobins were rarely observed in April (0.3% 

occurrence), but became more common through late 

spring (Fig. IN-39D). Both abundance and percent 

occurrence remained high from June through November. Whereas striped searobins had been found throughout the Western and Central Basins, primarily on 

mud and transitional bottom (Fig. IN-39B), they were 

rare in the Eastern Basin (Fig. DM-57). In May, abundance decreased slightly with depth, whereas from June 

through November abundance generally increased with 

depth (Fig. IN-39C). 

Searobin distribution within the Central and Western Basins changed seasonally. In the spring period 

(primarily June, since abundance was highest during 

this month) searobins were found throughout the Central and Western Basins, mainly in the deeper portions. 

During the summer period they were more concentrated in the Central Basin toward the Connecticut side 

of the Sound, with the largest catches east of New Haven. 

In fall they occurred throughout the Central and Western Basins, but appeared to be more abundant in the 

Western Basin and the adjacent, western portion of the 

Central Basin. In November searobin distribution resembled the spring period with one exception: the largest 

catches occurred along the Long Island shore in depths 

greater than 18 m from Port Jefferson to Mattituck. 

Summer flounder (Paralichthys dentatus)(Figs. DM-58, IN-40, 

LF-22) Summer flounder taken in the Survey ranged from 

12 to 76 cm (Fig. LF-22). The percentage of juvenile fish 

(<23 cm; NMFS 1989) decreased from 35% in April to 1.0% 

in August, but increased again to 13% in November.

Summer flounder were taken in all months of the 

Survey, with percent occurrence ranging from 17.1% 

of samples in November to 63.2% in September (Fig. 

IN-40D). Abundance peaked twice—in May and September—with highest abundance in September (Fig. 

IN-40A). In April, abundance was similar in all depths 

(Fig. IN-40C), but from late spring through the summer 

period abundance tended to increase with decreasing 

depth. During the spring and summer period, summer 

flounder were particularly abundant along the Connecticut shore from Guilford to New Haven, off the Connecticut River, in Niantic Bay, and near Mattituck, New York 

(Fig. DM-58). During the fall period, summer flounder 

were again distributed in all depths throughout the 

Sound, although in October abundance appeared to be 

lower in shallow water. By November, when abundance 

in the Survey was lowest, the remaining summer flounder were primarily taken in deeper water.

Tautog (Tautoga onitis) (Figs. DM-59, IN-41, LF-23) Tautog captured in the Survey ranged from 8 to 66 cm, with 

little variation in monthly size composition (Fig. LF-23). 

The majority of fish were adults, ranging from 86% of 

the catch in April to 97.5% in August (age at 50% maturity = age 3; Chenoweth, 1963; length at age 3 = 20.0 cm; 

Cooper, 1967).

Tautog were commonly observed in most months of 

the Survey, ranging from 15.4% occurrence in September to 50.2% in May (Fig. IN-41D). Tautog abundance in 

the Survey was highest from May through July, dropped 

in August, and then increased slightly in October and 

November (Fig. IN-41A). 

From May through October tautog were most abundant in depths less than 18 m over all bottom types 

(Figs. IN-41B and C). During those months, tautog concentrations occurred in certain areas: several locations 

between New Haven and Norwalk, north of Hempstead, 

off of Eaton’s Neck, and off Mattituck (Fig. DM-59). 
22 NOAA Technical Report NMFS 148

All of these areas are typically less than 18 m deep 

and are adjacent to rocky structure. In contrast with 

May through October, tautog were more dispersed in 

November. They were found in all depths, although primarily in depths greater than 9 m, and were most abundant over mud bottom.

Tomcod (Microgadus tomcod) (Fig. DM-60) Tomcod were 

rarely taken in the Survey, with only 36 taken since 1984 

(Appendix II). However, of the 36 observed, 32 were taken 

during April and May; 20 were taken near the Connecticut River (Fig. DM-60); six were taken near Eaton’s Neck, 

including the only tomcod that were observed in November; and only six were observed in depths greater than 18 

m. Although they were not consistently measured, most 

tomcod taken in the Survey ranged from 17 to 26 cm (based 

on 15 measurements and comments on field sheets).

Weakfish (Cynoscion regalis) (Figs. DM-61–DM-63, IN-42–

IN-44, LF-24) Weakfish taken in the Survey ranged from 

3 to 90 cm (Fig. LF-24). Most weakfish taken from May 

through July were adults (>24 cm; Shepherd and Grimes, 

1984). Although one 5 cm weakfish was observed in June, 

YOY generally first appeared in Survey catches in August 

(<20 cm; Shepherd and Grimes, 1983) and comprised 

about 98% of the catch through October.

After first appearing in Survey catches in May (2.7% 

occurrence), weakfish abundance increased slightly 

thereafter through late spring and summer (Figs. IN-42A 

and D). Abundance increased dramatically through the 

fall period as YOY recruited to the Survey trawl, and 

then dropped in November.

Although few adult weakfish were taken in spring, 

most were taken along the Mattituck Sill and along both 

coastlines into the Western Basin (Fig. DM-63). They 

occurred in all of the Survey strata (Figs. IN-44E and F), 

but abundance tended to be highest over transitional 

bottom (Fig. IN-44B) in depths less than 18 m (Fig. 

IN-44C). During the summer and fall periods, weakfish 

were still distributed in the same areas as spring, but 

abundance tended to increase with depth, and abundance over mud bottom was proportionally higher compared to spring. In addition, during the fall period adult 

weakfish appeared to be more abundant along the Long 

Island side of the Central Basin, whereas in spring and 

summer more were distributed along the Connecticut 

side. 

Young-of-year were more widely distributed than 

adults (Fig. DM-62). They were most abundant in the 

Central and Western Basins over mud bottom (Figs. 

DM-62 and IN-43B), with most of the largest catches 

occurring along the Long Island side of the Sound. 

Interestingly, in September abundance was highest in 

depths between 9 and 18 m and then decreased in 

deeper water, whereas in October abundance increased 

with increasing depth (Fig. IN-43). During both months 

abundance was lowest in depths less than 9 m. 

Windowpane flounder (Scophthalmus aquosus)(Figs. DM-64, 

IN-45, LF-25) Windowpane flounder observed in the 

Survey ranged from 4 to 36 cm (Fig. LF-25). Adults (>14 

cm; NMFS, 1989) comprised about 55% of the catch from 

April to June, 30% from July through October, and 60% 

in November.

Windowpane flounder was one of the most common 

species in the Survey, occurring throughout the Sound 

from April through November. Percent occurrence was 

high in all months, ranging from 87% of samples in 

September to 99% in April (Fig. IN-45D). Abundance 

peaked in May, declined to lowest abundance during 

September and October, and increased again in November (Fig. IN-45A). From April through July, and November, windowpane flounder were particularly abundant 

on transitional bottom south of Guilford, and on mud 

bottom in the Western Basin (Fig. DM-64).

Winter flounder (Pseudopleuronectes americanus)(Figs. DM65–DM-71, IN-46–IN-49, LF-26) Winter flounder taken 

in the Survey ranged from 6 to 51 cm, with the largest fish 

observed during April and May (Fig. LF-26). After May, 

the length frequencies truncated each month through 

September—the largest fish measured in May was 51 cm, 

compared to 35 cm September. Larger winter flounder 

were again seen in November, when the largest fish measured was 44 cm. Juveniles (<25 cm; NMFS, 1989) comprised approximately 86% of the catch in April and May, 

97% in August and September, and 84% in November.

Winter flounder was one of the most commonly taken 

species in all months of the Survey, ranging from 80.5% 

occurrence in October to 98.6% occurrence in May (Fig. 

IN-46D). Abundance, however, varied more than occurrence, ranging from 107.43 per tow in May to a low of 

6.75 per tow in October. In general, abundance peaked 

in April and May, declined steadily through October, 

and increased again in November (Fig. IN-46A). They 

were generally more abundant on the mud bottom of 

the Central and Western Basins (Figs. DM-65, IN-46B), 

particularly during the months of highest abundance. 

Abundance increased with depth during the spring 

period, whereas during summer and fall abundance was 

similar in all depths (Fig. IN-46C). In November, abundance appeared to be highest in depths between 9 and 

18 m, with a slight decrease in abundance in deeper 

water. 

In addition to seasonal distribution maps of winter 

flounder, maps were prepared by month for three size 

groups to determine if winter flounder distribution and 

abundance changed monthly according to size. Of particular interest was the distribution and abundance of 

legal and sublegal size winter flounder (in Connecticut 
The Distribution and Size Composition of Finfish, American Lobster, and Long-Finned Squid in Long Island Sound 23

waters, the legal size for the recreational and commercial fisheries is 30.5+ cm). Group I was comprised 

of winter flounder less than 20 cm (Figs. DM-66 and 

DM-67), Group II winter flounder were 20 to 29 cm 

(Figs. DM-68 and DM-69), and Group III was 30 cm and 

larger (Figs. DM-70 and DM-71).

The overall seasonal pattern of abundance and occurrence was generally similar for the three size groups of 

winter flounder; however, there were some differences. 

Generally, abundance and occurrence peaked sometime 

in spring, declined thereafter through summer and fall, 

and then increased again in November. This pattern 

was slightly different for Groups I and II in two ways: 

Group I abundance peaked from April through May 

(Fig. IN-47A), whereas Group II peaked only in May 

(Fig. IN-48A); and, while the occurrence of both groups 

was high even during the fall period of low abundance, 

Group II were not as common as Group I (a low of 73.1% 

occurrence in October for Group I, and a low of 62.8% 

occurrence for Group II in September). Group III, however, differed more markedly from both Groups I and II: 

abundance of Group III peaked in April and declined 

rapidly through late spring to very low levels in summer 

and fall (Fig. IN-49A). The occurrence of Group III 

mirrored this trend, and decreased to a much lower 

percent occurrence than the other groups—Group III 

decreased from a high of about 89.8% in April to a low 

of 8.5% in September.

The abundance of the three groups of winter flounder 

also differed by bottom type. Group I abundance tended 

to be highest on mud bottom during all months (particularly during months of highest abundance), with abundance over transitional and sand bottoms ranking second 

and third respectively (Fig. IN-47B). Group II abundance 

by bottom type was similar to Group I during April, and 

perhaps May, but after May abundance on transitional 

sediments was very similar to that on mud bottom in most 

months (Fig. IN-48B). Group III was generally similar to 

Group II, but abundance on transitional bottom was similar to mud bottom even in May, and abundance on sand 

was relatively high as well (Fig. IN-48B).

Abundance by depth also varied among the three 

winter flounder groups. Group I abundance in April 

generally increased with depth (Fig. IN-47C). After 

April, abundance was always lowest in depths less than 9 

m, while in depths greater than 9 m there may have been 

a slight, general decrease in abundance with increasing depth. Group II abundance increased with depth 

from April through July (Fig. IN-48C), but from August 

through November abundance was similar to Group 

I. Group III abundance was similar to Group II from 

April through July, but the trend was not quite as consistent (Fig. IN-49C). Although abundance increased 

with depth, abundance in depths less than 9 m was relatively high (this is also true in October and November). 

Also, in May abundance was similar in depths up to 27 

m, while in depths greater than 27 m abundance was 

almost three times higher than in shallower water.

The differences in abundance by depth and bottom 

type observed between the three flounder groups was 

reflected in their distributions. Group I abundance was 

generally highest on mud bottom in the Central and 

Western Basins and on the adjacent transitional sediments of the Mattituck Sill, but the pattern of distribution changed noticeably during the spring period. In 

April abundance was highest in the central portions of 

the basins, whereas in May they were more dispersed 

within the basins and most of the largest catches were 

made near the Long Island side of the Sound from 

Smithtown Bay to Mattituck. Patterns were less discernable from June through November, but abundance 

appeared to remain relatively similar in both basins, and 

catches were consistently made in depths less than 18 m 

between Milford and New Haven. 

The distribution of Group II winter flounder among 

the three basins appeared to be somewhat different 

from that of Group I. During the spring months, Group 

II winter flounder appeared to be more abundant in 

the Central Basin than in the Western Basin. The distribution of both groups within the basins appeared to 

be very similar in April, but different in May and June. 

In May many of the largest catches of Group II winter 

flounder were made in the same areas as Group I along 

the Long Island side of the Sound, but for Group II this 

was also true throughout much of the Central Basin. 

Also, in June Group II abundance in the Eastern Basin 

appeared to be higher than that of Group I, especially 

south of the Connecticut River, and they were still abundant south of Guilford. After June, Group II flounder 

remaining in the Sound were distributed in all three 

basins. In November, Group II flounder were distributed similarly to Group I along the Connecticut side 

of the Sound, particularly south of Guilford, and from 

New Haven Harbor to Milford. Within this stretch of 

the Connecticut coastline, however, Group I appeared 

to be more abundant off New Haven/Milford versus 

Guilford, whereas the reverse was true for Group II.

Similar to Group II, Group III winter flounder were 

more abundant in the Central Basin during April and 

May, and abundance was also relatively high across the 

Mattituck Sill into the Eastern Basin. From June through 

September, when abundance was very low, Group III 

flounder were observed sporadically throughout the 

Sound. When Group III abundance increased in late 

fall and November, they were most abundant in depths 

less than 18 m along the Connecticut coastline in the 

Eastern and Central Basins.

Winter skate (Raja ocellata) (Figs. DM-72, IN-50) Winter 

skate were most commonly taken during the spring period 
24 NOAA Technical Report NMFS 148

and late fall, occurring on average in 16.4% of samples 

during these periods (Fig. IN-50D). Abundance was highest during April, and decreased thereafter until August 

when none were recorded in the Survey (Fig. IN-50A). 

During the spring period, winter skate were most abundant on sand bottom in the Mattituck Sill and Eastern 

Basin (Figs. DM-72, IN-50B). Abundance was similar in 

most depths, with the exception of depths between 9 and 

18 m, where abundance was lower (Fig. IN-50C). Winter 

skate abundance increased again in October and November, but they were not as concentrated on the Mattituck 

Sill and in the Eastern Basin as during the spring period.

Yellow jack (Caranx bartholomaei) (Fig. DM-73) Yellow 

jacks were relatively uncommon in the Survey, with 70 

individuals taken since they were first observed in 1989 

(Appendix II). They were most commonly taken in September and October, although a single tow in November 

produced almost half the total (30 individuals). Most 

yellow jacks were observed in depths less than 18 m 

along the Connecticut coast (67 were taken in depths less 

than 18 m), particularly in Niantic Bay where the largest 

catches occurred (11 and 30 individuals), and from the 

mouth of the Housatonic River to New Haven Harbor 

(Fig. DM-73). Although only three yellow jacks were measured, comments recorded on field sheets indicate that 

yellow jacks taken in the Survey were of similar size, i.e. 14 

to 16 cm.

Part II: Habitat Utilization of Long Island Sound

As the distribution maps of individual species demonstrate, the occurrence and abundance of many species 

exhibit distinct seasonal patterns and habitat preferences 

in the Sound. But also of interest is whether the finfish 

assemblage as a whole exhibits patterns of utilization. 

To examine this issue, distribution maps were made of 

the aggregate catch/tow of all finfish, demersal finfish, 

and pelagic finfish. Further, species richness and the log 

mean of the aggregate finfish count/tow for eight habitats within the Sound were compared.

Distribution and Abundance of all Finfish, Pelagic Finfish, and Demersal Finfish (Figs. DM-74–DM-76, IN-51–

IN-53) The aggregate abundance of finfish in the Survey 

generally increased from April through October, with two 

peaks in abundance: May (352 fish/tow) and October 

(513 fish/tow) (Fig. IN-51A). Aggregate abundance generally increased with depth in the spring and summer 

periods, whereas in fall and November abundance was 

highest between 9 and 27 m (Fig. IN-51C). Abundance 

tended to be highest over mud bottom during all months; 

however, abundance over transitional bottom was also 

high and was similar to abundance over mud bottom in 

some months (Fig. IN-51B). Abundance over sand bottom 

ranged from one-third to one-sixth that of mud bottom. 

Aggregate abundance was relatively low in the eastern 

portion of the Sound during all seasons, particularly over 

sandy substrate along the Mattituck Sill and the mouth of 

the Connecticut River (Fig. DM-74). During fall, fish were 

very abundant across the Western Basin, east towards New 

Haven, and over the transitional bottom extending from 

Guilford to Mattituck.

The abundance and distribution patterns of aggregate 

catch were generally a result of the different seasonal 

patterns exhibited by demersal and pelagic catches. The 

primary difference is that the seasonal trends of abundance were opposite: demersal abundance peaked in 

May and then declined through summer (Fig. IN-53A), 

whereas pelagic abundance was very low in spring, 

increased through summer, and peaked in October 

(Fig. IN-52A). This opposite seasonal trend was closely 

related to temperature, with demersals decreasing and 

pelagics increasing as water temperatures rose (Fig. 5A). 

The months of peak demersal and pelagic abundance 

(May and October respectively) coincided with the two 

months of peak aggregate abundance; therefore, the 

aggregate distribution in fall primarily reflected that of 

pelagic finfish (DM-75), whereas the aggregate distribution in spring primarily reflected that of demersal finfish (Fig. DM-76).

The fish assemblage in spring was dominated numerically by windowpane and winter flounders, and to a 

lesser extent by little skate (Table 7). Together these 

species accounted for 80% of demersals and 71% of 

all finfish taken during the spring. The most notable 

cold water pelagic species to inhabit the Sound, Atlantic herring, was occasionally taken in large numbers, 

but did not appear to be a major constituent of the 

cold water assemblage in the Sound every year. The 

pelagics were dispersed in all depths throughout the 

Sound (Figs. DM-75 and IN-52C), whereas demersal distribution, which generally reflected windowpane flounder, winter flounder, and little skate distributions, was 

primarily in deeper water (Figs. DM-76 and IN-53C).

As water temperatures warm, most cold water demersals move into deeper water and eventually out of the 

Sound, and are replaced by a variety of warm water 

pelagic migrants such as bluefish, butterfish, and weakfish, and by scup, a warm water demersal. Of the demersal species that migrate into the Sound, scup was the 

most abundant. By the summer period scup ranked 

with winter flounder as the most numerous demersal 

in the Survey, and by fall accounted for about 72% of 

the total demersal catch (Table 7), exceeding winter 

flounder and windowpane flounder abundance by an 

order of magnitude (Figs. IN-27A, IN-45A, and IN-46A). 

The appearance of YOY scup was the principal reason 

demersal abundance increased in fall instead of declin-
The Distribution and Size Composition of Finfish, American Lobster, and Long-Finned Squid in Long Island Sound 25

ing further (Fig. IN-28A). After removing scup from 

the demersal group so as to examine the abundance of 

the original, more resident, cold water demersal assemblage, abundance declined to a low of 39 fish/tow in 

September, resulting in an inverse pattern of monthly 

demersal abundance versus pelagic migrant abundance 

(Fig. 5B).

During the fall period pelagic abundance was highest in depths between 9 and 27 m over mud substrates 

in the Western and Central Basins, with small catches 

consistently appearing over the sandy Mattituck Sill. By 

November, cooling water temperatures triggered emigration of most summer pelagics, with remnant concentrations scattered through the Central and Western 

Basins. Demersal abundance was generally greater in 

deeper areas during the summer and fall, with notable 

exceptions including frequent, large catches of age 1+ 

scup in Niantic Bay, and large catches of YOY scup in 

the shallow waters of Smithtown Bay and Shoreham, 

New York. Demersals were also more uniformly distributed among the three basins, whereas pelagics were 

seldom taken in quantity in the Eastern Basin during 

any season.

Measures of Habitat Utilization: Species Richness and 

Mean Aggregate Catch/tow To evaluate overall habitat 

utilization patterns in the Sound, Survey sites were 

grouped into 14 plots that comprise some of the major 

habitats based on depth, bottom type, and bathymetric 

features (Fig. 4). Species richness (mean number of finfish species per tow) and the log mean, aggregate finfish 

counts per tow were compared among plots by analysis 

of variance. Six of the 14 plots were dropped due to low 

Figure 5

Monthly geometric mean catch/tow for demersals and pelagics plotted with bottom temperature (°C). A) 

Scup included with demersals, B) scup removed from demersals. Note: temperature values were obtained 

from Table 1.

sample size. The final comparison was made using plots 

2, 5, 7, 8, 9, 11, 12, and 13.

Species richness was greatest within the Central Basin 

in plot 5 (13.22 species/tow), which is an area of shallow (<18 m) water over transitional sediments near 

the mouth of the Housatonic River, and plot 7 (12.73 

species/tow), an area of deep water (>18 m) over mud 

substrate (Fig. 6, Table 8). Plots 12 and 13 had the lowest 

species richness (6.32 and 7.19 species/tow respectively). These two plots encompass the shallow, transitional strata along the eastern Connecticut shoreline 

from Niantic Bay to the mouth of the Thames River 

(plot 13), and the shallow sand area between the mouth 

of the Connecticut River and Long Sand Shoal (plot 

12), which lies approximately two miles offshore. Plot 12 

is routinely exposed to the large volume of fresh water 

outflow from the Connecticut River, which limits the 

average number of species occurring at any given time. 

Species that periodically appear in this area in large 

numbers include euryhaline species such as striped bass, 

tomcod, rainbow smelt, and summer flounder. Among 

species that occur in plot 13, scup is perhaps the predominant species. Other finfish utilizing this area with 

some frequency included summer flounder, blueback 

herring, and striped bass.

The deep sand habitat in plot 11 averaged 9.26 species 

per tow and was statistically distinct from any other area, 

ranking higher than plots 12 and 13, and lower than the 

other five plots (Fig 6, Table 8). This area is unique in 

the Sound, with large sand wave formations that are frequented most commonly by black sea bass and winter 

skate, and to a lesser extent by smooth dogfish, spiny 

dogfish, smallmouth flounder, little skate, and scup.
26 NOAA Technical Report NMFS 148

Table 7

Total counts of top 15 finfish species, by season and group (i.e. demersal and pelagic), 1984-94.

Count Percent Count Percent

Spring pelagic

 Atlantic herring 32,935 50.8%

 Silver hake 10,165 15.7%

 Butterfish 9,934 15.3%

 Alewife 3,183 4.9%

 American shad 2,831 4.4%

 Blueback herring 1,605 2.5%

 Smooth dogfish 1,270 2.0%

 American sand lance 1,028 1.6%

 Atlantic menhaden 547 0.8%

 Bluefish 352 0.5%

 Spiny dogfish 346 0.5%

 Striped bass 263 0.4%

 Weakfish 130 0.2%

 Hickory shad 83 0.1%

 Atlantic mackerel 61 0.1%

Summer pelagic

 Butterfish 137,131 78.3%

 Bluefish 17,046 9.7%

 Silver hake 7,608 4.3%

 American shad 4,821 2.8%

 Atlantic herring 2,877 1.6%

 Smooth dogfish 1,466 0.8%

 Weakfish 1,283 0.7%

 Blueback herring 934 0.5%

 Atlantic menhaden 839 0.5%

 Alewife 269 0.2%

 Atlantic mackerel 241 0.1%

 Rough scad 236 0.1%

 Spiny dogfish 212 0.1%

 Moonfish 89 0.1%

 Hickory shad 39 0.0%

Fall pelagic

 Butterfish 479,554 79.9%

 Bluefish 67,775 11.3%

 Weakfish 33,012 5.5%

 American shad 6,320 1.1%

 Atlantic menhaden 2,895 0.5%

 Smooth dogfish 2,430 0.4%

 Silver hake 2,255 0.4%

 Blueback herring 1,790 0.3%

 Atlantic herring 1,013 0.2%

 Alewife 997 0.2%

 Moonfish 596 0.1%

 Rough scad 351 0.1%

 Spanish mackerel 343 0.1%

 Atlantic mackerel 325 0.1%

 Spot 255 0.0%

November pelagic

 Butterfish 60,017 68.4%

 Atlantic herring 17,883 20.4%

 Weakfish 2,113 2.4%

 Silver hake 1,481 1.7%

 American shad 1,351 1.5%

 Bluefish 1,227 1.4%

 Atlantic menhaden 1,039 1.2%

 Spiny dogfish 990 1.1%

 Alewife 698 0.8%

 Smooth dogfish 475 0.5%

 Striped bass 183 0.2%

 Blueback herring 136 0.2%

 Spot 36 0.0%

 Yellow jack 31 0.0%

 Moonfish 30 0.0%

Spring demersal

 Winter flounder 206,993 46.4%

 Windowpane flounder 116,639 26.1%

 Little skate 37,132 8.3%

 Red hake 22,564 5.1%

 Scup (porgy) 22,551 5.1%

 Fourspot flounder 20,169 4.5%

 Northern searobin 6,138 1.4%

 Tautog 3,864 0.9%

 Striped searobin 3,233 0.7%

 Fourbeard rockling 2,241 0.5%

 Summer flounder 1,120 0.3%

 Cunner 835 0.2%

 Longhorn sculpin 816 0.2%

 Winter skate 436 0.1%

 Hogchoker 435 0.1%

Summer demersal

 Scup (porgy) 40,181 30.5%

 Winter flounder 40,003 30.4%

 Windowpane flounder 25,255 19.2%

 Red hake 5,983 4.5%

 Fourspot flounder 5,914 4.5%

 Little skate 5,739 4.4%

 Striped searobin 4,066 3.1%

 Tautog 1,479 1.1%

 Fourbeard rockling 849 0.6%

 Summer flounder 671 0.5%

 Northern searobin 645 0.5%

 Cunner 315 0.2%

 Hogchoker 306 0.2%

 Spotted hake 226 0.2%

 Black sea bass 57 0.0%

Fall demersal

 Scup (porgy) 178,655 71.8%

 Windowpane flounder 19,233 7.7%

 Winter flounder 18,284 7.4%

 Little skate 14,214 5.7%

 Striped searobin 8,303 3.3%

 Fourspot flounder 2,826 1.1%

 Red hake 1,987 0.8%

 Summer flounder 1,526 0.6%

 Spotted hake 881 0.4%

 Northern searobin 760 0.3%

 Tautog 675 0.3%

 Hogchoker 626 0.3%

 Atlantic sturgeon 149 0.1%

 Fourbeard rockling 115 0.0%

 Cunner 108 0.0%

November demersal

 Windowpane flounder 21,471 28.2%

 Winter flounder 20,719 27.2%

 Scup (porgy) 12,963 17.0%

 Little skate 11,877 15.6%

 Striped searobin 2,802 3.7%

 Red hake 2,526 3.3%

 Fourspot flounder 2,482 3.3%

 Tautog 229 0.3%

 Northern searobin 211 0.3%

 Hogchoker 200 0.3%

 Cunner 156 0.2%

 Spotted hake 141 0.2%

 Summer flounder 88 0.1%

 Winter skate 71 0.1%

 Planehead filefish 67 0.1%
The Distribution and Size Composition of Finfish, American Lobster, and Long-Finned Squid in Long Island Sound 27

Figure 6

Comparison of species richness among eight habitats. Species richness, defined as the mean number of species caught/tow 

during spring and fall combined, was compared by ANOVA. Habitat types with similar means are grouped by shading. The 

range of means for each group is provided in the legend. Note: refer to Fig. 1 (Long Island Sound depth contours and major 

bathymetric features) and Fig. 2 (Long Island Sound sediment map and major bathymetric features) to locate the features of 

Long Island Sound mentioned in the Discussion.

Of the three remaining areas, plot 9 had greater species richness than plot 2, but neither plot could be statistically distinguished from plot 8 (Table 8). Therefore, 

for a simpler graphic presentation, these three plots are 

depicted as being similar. Plot 9, an area of transitional 

sediments in 18 to 30 m of water on the Mattituck Sill and 

the adjacent, eastern portion of the Central Basin, averaged 12.12 species per tow. Plot 8, an area of shallow (<18 

m) transitional sediment habitat to the north of plot nine, 

averaged 11.8 species per tow. And plot 2, a mud habitat 

with depths between 18 and 37 m in the center of the 

Western Basin, averaged 11.33 species per tow. Plots 9 and 

8 are both concentration areas for little skate. Plot 9 also 

supports concentrations of butterfish, northern searobin, 

red hake, spotted hake, scup, summer flounder, windowpane flounder, and winter flounder. During the fall, tropical visitors such as the planehead filefish are often found 

with greatest frequency in this area. Plot 8 supports concentrations of American shad moving along the Connecticut shoreline, and commonly attracts butterfish, red hake, 

scup, summer flounder, and windowpane flounder. Plot 2 

in the Western Basin is a concentration area for fourbeard 

rockling, fourspot flounder, ocean pout, scup (in the fall), 

and windowpane flounder. Although not included in the 

evaluation of the eight habitats, American lobster occur 

in remarkable concentrations in plot 2 and are the dominant species collected in most samples. 

Aggregate finfish abundance (log mean counts per 

tow) generally declined along a west to east gradient 

(Fig. 7). Plots 2, 5, 7, and 9 were similar, with retransformed means ranging from 544 fish per tow in plot 2 

to 613 in plot 9 (Table 8). Plots 2, 7, and 9 represent 

the deep (>18 m) mud and transitional substrate habitats of the Sound, while plot 5 is a shallow transitional 

sediment habitat adjacent to the Housatonic River. Plot 

8, a shallow transitional area toward the northeastern 

margin of the Central Basin, had an average of 436 fish 

per tow and was statistically distinct from all other plots. 

The sandy Mattituck Sill (plot 11) and shallow transitional habitat in the Eastern Basin (plot 13) had similar 

mean numbers per tow with 201 and 161 fish per tow, 

respectively. Finally, plot 12, shallow sand area adjacent 

to the Connecticut River, had the lowest mean abundance of fish (66) of the eight plots, due principally to 

the semidiurnal exposure to freshwater flow from the 

river, alternating with more typical Long Island Sound 

salinities (26–28‰).

Conclusions

Long Island Sound provides important habitat for a 

wide variety of species. Among these are resident populations of two economically important species, lobster 
28 NOAA Technical Report NMFS 148

Figure 7

Comparison of aggregate count/tow among eight habitats. The mean aggregate count/tow was computed for each plot and 

compared by ANOVA. Habitat types with similar means are grouped by shading. The range of means for each group is provided 

in the legend. Note: refer to Fig. 1 (Long Island Sound depth contours and major bathymetric features) and Fig. 2 (Long Island 

Sound sediment map and major bathymetric features) to locate the features of Long Island Sound mentioned in the Discussion.

Table 8

Comparison of species richness and mean aggregate catch/tow among habitat types (plots) defined by depth and sediment 

types.

(A) Species richness: F=7.08 (df=175; 1,246 p=.0001)

Plot

Mean 5 7 9 8 2 11 13 12

13.22 12.73 12.12 11.80 11.33 9.26 7.19 6.32

(B) Mean count/tow: F=9.01 (df=175; 1,246 p=.0001)

Plot

Mean 9 5 7 2 8 11 13 12

613 595 572 544 436 201 161 66

Note: Means sharing the same underline are not significantly different from each other.

and tautog, which utilize the Sound through all their life 

history stages. The Sound provides spawning, feeding, 

and nursery habitat for many migratory species, including winter flounder, windowpane flounder, scup, squid, 

butterfish, and little skate. Offshore spawners, such as 

summer flounder and bluefish, also use the Sound as a 

summer feeding area and, in the case of bluefish, as a 

major nursery area. In all, at least 85 species of finfish, 

lobster, and squid utilize the Sound during some portion 

of their life history. 

The transitional and mud areas of the Central and 

Western Basins appear to have particular value as estuarine habitat, attracting both greater numbers of species 

and greater numbers of individuals than other areas 

of the Sound. Within the Central Basin, the shallow 

transitional sediments adjacent to the Housatonic River 

attract a greater number of finfish and lobster than 

most other areas of the Sound. Tautog and lobster are 

attracted to this area because of the variety of nearby 

structure, whereas bluefish, summer flounder, and a 
The Distribution and Size Composition of Finfish, American Lobster, and Long-Finned Squid in Long Island Sound 29

number of anadromous species, including striped bass 

and American shad, appear to be attracted to the river 

mouth and surrounding waters.

The size frequencies presented for 26 species reveal 

a full range of sizes for species such as scup, bluefish, 

winter flounder, tautog, windowpane flounder, squid, 

and striped searobin, indicating that they utilize the 

Sound throughout their juvenile and adult life stages. 

Other species such as red hake and silver hake are juveniles or small adults, with larger individuals remaining 

in offshore waters outside of the Sound. Tropical and 

semitropical species, such as planehead and orange filefish, crevalle jack, yellow jack, moonfish, rough scad, and 

Spanish mackerel, appear principally in late summer 

and fall and are predominantly juveniles.

The size composition of some important commercial 

species targeted by the trawl fishery changes seasonally 

and spatially with implications for codend mesh regulations based on bycatch threshold triggers. These mesh 

regulations are designed to protect sublegal fish or nontargeted species by requiring a fisher to use a larger size 

mesh when the bycatch trigger, defined as a quantity of 

legal size fish, is reached. However, a mesh regulation may 

not provide the intended protection if it is based solely 

on a species-specific bycatch trigger. For example, most 

legal size winter flounder (>30 cm) emigrate from the 

Sound early in spring and are nearly absent in the Sound 

between June and October, whereas smaller winter flounder emigrate later, with many remaining in the Sound 

through summer and fall. Therefore, any mesh requirement based on a bycatch of market size winter flounder 

would seldom be triggered during summer and fall due 

to their low abundance. The fisher would continue to use 

the smaller mesh allowed below the bycatch trigger—thus 

retaining sublegal flounder—and the intended conservation would not occur. More generally, the high proportion of juvenile versus adult fish of many species, such 

as scup, weakfish, bluefish, butterfish, and squid, would 

result in substantial discarding unless mesh regulations 

are applied seasonally rather than on a species-specific 

basis with designated bycatch thresholds.

Acknowledgments

The Connecticut trawl survey is supported by Federal Aid 

to Sport Fish Restoration funds under project F54R: A 

Study of Marine Recreational Fisheries in Connecticut, 

and by the state of Connecticut. We thank the research 

vessel crew, Pete Simpson and Miles Peterle, for their many 

years of dedication during this project; Penny Howell for 

assistance with statistical analysis; Pete Aarrestad, Linda 

Gunn, Penny Howell, Rod MacLeod, and Tom Savoy for 

their comments in review of this report; Mark Alexander 

for guidance in data management and mapping; and the 

numerous seasonal resource assistants who contributed to 

the Survey effort. We also gratefully acknowledge the CT 

DEP Bureau of Water Management for providing monthly 

temperature and salinity data from the Long Island Sound 

Water Quality Monitoring Program.

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30 NOAA Technical Report NMFS 148

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Distribution Maps

Figs. DM-1 through DM-74

Notes

In the Discussion section of the report, finfish distribution is described in reference to various coastal towns and 

bathymetric and geographical features of Long Island 

Sound. To locate these features on the distribution maps, 

the reader can use Fig. 1 (Long Island Sound depth 

contours and major bathymetric features) and Fig. 2 

(Long Island Sound sediment map and major bathymetric features).

The number of fish taken in each tow is represented 

by either an “×” for zero catches or a circle for positive 

catches, with identical catches plotted over each other. 

The circle diameter is proportional to the number of 

fish caught and, for each set of maps, is scaled to one 

catch size (see Methods). Catches were plotted in the 

center of the site box.

The legend in the lower right corner of each map lists 

the number of tows plotted (“tows = ”), the sum of fish 

taken (“sum = ”), and the maximum and minimum catch 

“max = ”, “min = ”). In some cases “max = ” is replaced 

by “max > ”. This indicates that the largest catch resulted 

in poor circle size resolution for most catches. In these 

cases, “max >” is the catch used as the scalar, but the maximum catch (or catches) observed was greater than this 

value. If “max >” does not appear, then the scalar used is 

the largest of the “max =” catches listed on a set of maps.

Note that the number of tows conducted in each season 

is the same for all species (see Table 6 for the number 

of tows taken by year and month), with the exception of 

American shad and bluefish grouped by length (lengths 

were not available from all tows conducted).

31
32 NOAA Technical Report NMFS 148

Figure DM-1

Alewife (Alosa pseudoharengus). Seasonal distribution maps based on 5,147 fish 

taken in 2,859 tows between 1984 and 1994. The largest circle size represents a 

tow with a catch of greater than 150 alewives.
The Distribution and Size Composition of Finfish, American Lobster, and Long-Finned Squid in Long Island Sound 33

Figure DM-2

American lobster (Homarus americanus). Seasonal distribution maps based on 

82,892 lobsters taken in 2,859 tows between 1984 and 1994. The largest circle size 

represents a tow with a catch of greater than 600 lobsters.
34 NOAA Technical Report NMFS 148

Figure DM-3

American shad (Alosa sapidissima). Seasonal distribution maps based on 15,310 

fish taken in 2,859 tows between 1984 and 1994. The largest circle size represents 

a tow with a catch of greater than 200 shad.
The Distribution and Size Composition of Finfish, American Lobster, and Long-Finned Squid in Long Island Sound 35

Figure DM-4

American shad (Alosa sapidissima), <33 cm. Seasonal distribution maps based on 

4,456 fish taken in 1,377 tows between 1989 and 1994. The largest circle size 

represents a tow with a catch of greater than 150 shad.
36 NOAA Technical Report NMFS 148

Figure DM-5

American shad (Alosa sapidissima), >32 cm. Seasonal distribution maps based on 

74 fish taken in 1,377 tows between 1989 and 1994. The largest circle size represents a tow with a catch of 11 shad.
The Distribution and Size Composition of Finfish, American Lobster, and Long-Finned Squid in Long Island Sound 37

Figure DM-6

Atlantic croaker (Micropogonias undulatus). Seasonal distribution maps based on 

44 fish taken in 2,859 tows between 1984 and 1994. The largest circle size represents a tow with a catch of six croakers.
38 NOAA Technical Report NMFS 148

Figure DM-7

Atlantic herring (Clupea harengus). Seasonal distribution maps based on 54,710 

fish taken in 2,859 tows between 1984 and 1994. The largest circle size represents 

a tow with a catch of greater than 1,400 Atlantic herring.
The Distribution and Size Composition of Finfish, American Lobster, and Long-Finned Squid in Long Island Sound 39

Figure DM-8

Atlantic mackerel (Scomber scombrus). Seasonal distribution maps based on 635 

fish taken in 2,859 tows between 1984 and 1994. The largest circle size represents 

a tow with a catch of greater than 75 Atlantic mackerel.
40 NOAA Technical Report NMFS 148

Figure DM-9

Atlantic menhaden (Brevoortia tyrannus). Seasonal distribution maps based on 

5,291 fish taken in 2,859 tows between 1984 and 1994. The largest circle size represents a tow with a catch of greater than 120 Atlantic menhaden.
The Distribution and Size Composition of Finfish, American Lobster, and Long-Finned Squid in Long Island Sound 41

Figure DM-10

Atlantic sturgeon (Acipenser oxyrinchus). Seasonal distribution maps based on 208 

fish taken in 2,859 tows between 1984 and 1994. The largest circle size represents 

a tow with a catch of greater than 20 Atlantic sturgeon.
42 NOAA Technical Report NMFS 148

Figure DM-11

Bigeye scad (Selar crumenophthalmus). Seasonal distribution maps based on 83 fish 

taken in 2,859 tows between 1984 and 1994. The largest circle size represents a 

tow with a catch of greater than 10 bigeye scad.
The Distribution and Size Composition of Finfish, American Lobster, and Long-Finned Squid in Long Island Sound 43

Figure DM-12

Black sea bass (Centropristis striata). Seasonal distribution maps based on 334 fish 

taken in 2,859 tows between 1984 and 1994. The largest circle size represents a 

tow with a catch of nine black sea bass.
44 NOAA Technical Report NMFS 148

Figure DM-13

Blueback herring (Alosa aestivalis). Seasonal distribution maps based on 4,419 

fish taken in 2,859 tows between 1984 and 1994. The largest circle size represents 

a tow with a catch of greater than 150 blueback herring.
The Distribution and Size Composition of Finfish, American Lobster, and Long-Finned Squid in Long Island Sound 45

Figure DM-14

Bluefish (Pomatomus saltatrix). Seasonal distribution maps based on 86,192 fish 

taken in 2,859 tows between 1984 and 1994. The largest circle size represents a 

tow with a catch of greater than 800 bluefish.
46 NOAA Technical Report NMFS 148

Figure DM-15

Bluefish (Pomatomus saltatrix), young-of-year. Seasonal distribution maps based 

on 77,514 young-of-year fish taken in 2,859 tows between 1984 and 1994. The 

largest circle size represents a tow with a catch of greater than 800 bluefish.
The Distribution and Size Composition of Finfish, American Lobster, and Long-Finned Squid in Long Island Sound 47

 Figure DM-16

Bluefish (Pomatomus saltatrix), age 1+. Seasonal distribution maps based on 8,782 

age 1+ fish taken in 2,859 tows between 1984 and 1994. The largest circle size 

represents a tow with a catch of greater than 100 bluefish.
48 NOAA Technical Report NMFS 148

Figure DM-17

Butterfish (Peprilus triacanthus). Seasonal distribution maps based on 686,504 

fish taken in 2,859 tows between 1984 and 1994. The largest circle size represents 

a tow with a catch of greater than 4,000 butterfish.
The Distribution and Size Composition of Finfish, American Lobster, and Long-Finned Squid in Long Island Sound 49

Figure DM-18

Clearnose skate (Raja eglanteria). Seasonal distribution maps based on 29 fish 

taken in 2,859 tows between 1984 and 1994. The largest circle size represents a 

tow with a catch of three clearnose skate.
50 NOAA Technical Report NMFS 148

Figure DM-19

Crevalle jack (Caranx hippos). Seasonal distribution maps based on 20 

fish taken in 2,859 tows between 1984 and 1994. The largest circle size 

represents a tow with a catch of three crevalle jacks.
The Distribution and Size Composition of Finfish, American Lobster, and Long-Finned Squid in Long Island Sound 51

Figure DM-20

Cunner (Tautogolabrus adspersus). Seasonal distribution maps based on 1,401 fish 

taken in 2,859 tows between 1984 and 1994. The largest circle size represents a 

tow with a catch of greater than 35 cunner.
52 NOAA Technical Report NMFS 148

Figure DM-21

Fourbeard rockling (Enchelyopus cimbrius). Seasonal distribution maps based on 

3,242 fish taken in 2,859 tows between 1984 and 1994. The largest circle size represents a tow with a catch of 57 fourbeard rockling.
The Distribution and Size Composition of Finfish, American Lobster, and Long-Finned Squid in Long Island Sound 53

Figure DM-22

Fourspot flounder (Paralichthys oblongus). Seasonal distribution maps based on 

31,373 fish taken in 2,859 tows between 1984 and 1994. The largest circle size 

represents a tow with a catch of greater than 250 fourspot flounder.
54 NOAA Technical Report NMFS 148

Figure DM-23

Goosefish (Lophius americanus). Seasonal distribution maps based on 60 fish 

taken in 2,859 tows between 1984 and 1994. The largest circle size represents a 

tow with a catch of five goosefish.
The Distribution and Size Composition of Finfish, American Lobster, and Long-Finned Squid in Long Island Sound 55

Figure DM-24

Grubby (Myoxocephalus aeneus). Seasonal distribution maps based on 28 fish taken 

in 2,859 tows between 1984 and 1994. The largest circle size represents a tow with 

a catch of three grubby.
56 NOAA Technical Report NMFS 148

Figure DM-25

Hickory shad (Alosa mediocris). Seasonal distribution maps based on 188 fish taken 

in 2,859 tows between 1984 and 1994. The largest circle size represents a tow with 

a catch of 31 hickory shad.
The Distribution and Size Composition of Finfish, American Lobster, and Long-Finned Squid in Long Island Sound 57

Figure DM-26

Hogchoker (Trinectes maculatus). Seasonal distribution maps based on 1,568 fish 

taken in 2,859 tows between 1984 and 1994. The largest circle size represents a 

tow with a catch of greater than 30 hogchoker.
58 NOAA Technical Report NMFS 148

Figure DM-27

Little skate (Raja erinacea). Seasonal distribution maps based on 68,962 fish taken 

in 2,859 tows between 1984 and 1994. The largest circle size represents a tow with 

a catch of greater than 400 little skate.
The Distribution and Size Composition of Finfish, American Lobster, and Long-Finned Squid in Long Island Sound 59

Figure DM-28

Long-finned squid (Loligo pealei). Seasonal distribution maps based on 233,459 

squid taken in 2,413 tows between 1986 and 1994. The largest circle size represents a tow with a catch of greater than 2,500 long-finned squid.
60 NOAA Technical Report NMFS 148

Figure DM-29

Longhorn sculpin (Myoxocephalus octodecemspinosus). Seasonal distribution maps 

based on 844 fish taken in 2,859 tows between 1984 and 1994. The largest circle 

size represents a tow with a catch of greater than 30 longhorn sculpin.
The Distribution and Size Composition of Finfish, American Lobster, and Long-Finned Squid in Long Island Sound 61

Figure DM-30

Mackerel scad (Decapterus macarellus). Seasonal distribution maps based on 13 

fish taken in 2,859 tows between 1984 and 1994. The largest circle size represents 

a tow with a catch of five mackerel scad.
62 NOAA Technical Report NMFS 148

Figure DM-31

Moonfish (Selene setapinnis). Seasonal distribution maps based on 714 fish taken 

in 2,859 tows between 1984 and 1994. The largest circle size represents a tow with 

a catch of greater than 40 moonfish.
The Distribution and Size Composition of Finfish, American Lobster, and Long-Finned Squid in Long Island Sound 63

Figure DM-32

Northern kingfish (Menticirrhus saxatilis). Seasonal distribution maps based on 25 

fish taken in 2,859 tows between 1984 and 1994. The largest circle size represents 

a tow with a catch of four northern kingfish.
64 NOAA Technical Report NMFS 148

Figure DM-33

Northern pipefish (Syngnathus fuscus). Seasonal distribution maps based on 33 

fish taken in 2,859 tows between 1984 and 1994. The largest circle size represents 

a tow with a catch of 11 northern pipefish.
The Distribution and Size Composition of Finfish, American Lobster, and Long-Finned Squid in Long Island Sound 65

Figure DM-34

Northern puffer (Sphoeroides maculatus). Seasonal distribution maps based on 54 

fish taken in 2,859 tows between 1984 and 1994. The largest circle size represents 

a tow with a catch of 13 northern puffer.
66 NOAA Technical Report NMFS 148

Figure DM-35

Northern searobin (Prionotus carolinus). Seasonal distribution maps based on 

7,749 fish taken in 2,859 tows between 1984 and 1994. The largest circle size 

represents a tow with a catch of greater than 150 northern searobin.
The Distribution and Size Composition of Finfish, American Lobster, and Long-Finned Squid in Long Island Sound 67

Figure DM-36

Ocean pout (Macrozoarces americanus). Seasonal distribution maps based on 349 

fish taken in 2,859 tows between 1984 and 1994. The largest circle size represents 

a tow with a catch of greater than 20 ocean pout.
68 NOAA Technical Report NMFS 148

Figure DM-37

Oyster toadfish (Opsanus tau). Seasonal distribution maps based on 26 fish taken 

in 2,859 tows between 1984 and 1994. The largest circle size represents a tow with 

a catch of five oyster toadfish.
The Distribution and Size Composition of Finfish, American Lobster, and Long-Finned Squid in Long Island Sound 69

Figure DM-38

Planehead filefish (Monacanthus hispidus). Seasonal distribution maps based on 

98 fish taken in 2,859 tows between 1984 and 1994. The largest circle size represents a tow with a catch of four planehead filefish.
70 NOAA Technical Report NMFS 148

Figure DM-39

Pollock (Pollachius virens). Seasonal distribution maps based on 24 fish taken in 

2,859 tows between 1984 and 1994. The largest circle size represents a tow with a 

catch of two pollock.
The Distribution and Size Composition of Finfish, American Lobster, and Long-Finned Squid in Long Island Sound 71

Figure DM-40

Rainbow smelt (Osmerus mordax). Seasonal distribution maps based on 31 fish 

taken in 2,859 tows between 1984 and 1994. The largest circle size represents a 

tow with a catch of four rainbow smelt.
72 NOAA Technical Report NMFS 148

Figure DM-41

Red hake (Urophycis chuss). Seasonal distribution maps based on 33,067 fish 

taken in 2,859 tows between 1984 and 1994. The largest circle size represents a 

tow with a catch of greater than 300 red hake.
The Distribution and Size Composition of Finfish, American Lobster, and Long-Finned Squid in Long Island Sound 73

Figure DM-42

Rock gunnel (Pholis gunnellus). Seasonal distribution maps based on 37 fish 

taken in 2,859 tows between 1984 and 1994. The largest circle size represents a 

tow with a catch of five rock gunnel.
74 NOAA Technical Report NMFS 148

Figure DM-43

Rough scad (Trachurus lathami). Seasonal distribution maps based on 589 fish 

taken in 2,859 tows between 1984 and 1994. The largest circle size represents a 

tow with a catch of greater than 30 rough scad.
The Distribution and Size Composition of Finfish, American Lobster, and Long-Finned Squid in Long Island Sound 75

Figure DM-44

Round herring (Etrumeus teres). Seasonal distribution maps based on 48 fish taken 

in 2,859 tows between 1984 and 1994. The largest circle size represents a tow with 

a catch of 15 round herring.
76 NOAA Technical Report NMFS 148

Figure DM-45

Scup (Stenotomus chrysops). Seasonal distribution maps based on 254,371 fish 

taken in 2,859 tows between 1984 and 1994. The largest circle size represents a 

tow with a catch of greater than 2,000 scup.
The Distribution and Size Composition of Finfish, American Lobster, and Long-Finned Squid in Long Island Sound 77

Figure DM-46

Scup (Stenotomus chrysops), young-of-year. Seasonal distribution maps based on 

163,464 fish taken in 2,859 tows between 1984 and 1994. The largest circle size 

represents a tow with a catch of greater than 2,000 scup.
78 NOAA Technical Report NMFS 148

Figure DM-47

Scup (Stenotomus chrysops), age 1+. Seasonal distribution maps based on 90,790 

fish taken in 2,859 tows between 1984 and 1994. The largest circle size represents 

a tow with a catch of greater than 1,000 scup.
The Distribution and Size Composition of Finfish, American Lobster, and Long-Finned Squid in Long Island Sound 79

Figure DM-48

Sea raven (Hemitripterus americanus). Seasonal distribution maps based on 425 

fish taken in 2,859 tows between 1984 and 1994. The largest circle size represents 

a tow with a catch of greater than 20 sea raven.
80 NOAA Technical Report NMFS 148

Figure DM-49

Silver hake (Merluccius bilinearis). Seasonal distribution maps based on 21,500 fish 

taken in 2,859 tows between 1984 and 1994. The largest circle size represents a 

tow with a catch of greater than 250 silver hake.
The Distribution and Size Composition of Finfish, American Lobster, and Long-Finned Squid in Long Island Sound 81

Figure DM-50

Smallmouth flounder (Etropus microstomus). Seasonal distribution maps based on 

154 fish taken in 2,859 tows between 1984 and 1994. The largest circle size represents a tow with a catch of 16 smallmouth flounder.
82 NOAA Technical Report NMFS 148

Figure DM-51

Smooth dogfish (Mustelus canis). Seasonal distribution maps based on 5,635 fish 

taken in 2,859 tows between 1984 and 1994. The largest circle size represents a 

tow with a catch of greater than 70 smooth dogfish.
The Distribution and Size Composition of Finfish, American Lobster, and Long-Finned Squid in Long Island Sound 83

Figure DM-52

Spanish mackerel (Scomberomorus maculatus). Seasonal distribution maps based 

on 353 fish taken in 2,859 tows between 1984 and 1994. The largest circle size 

represents a tow with a catch of greater than 30 Spanish mackerel.
84 NOAA Technical Report NMFS 148

Figure DM-53

Spiny dogfish (Squalus acanthius). Seasonal distribution maps based on 1,627 

fish taken in 2,859 tows between 1984 and 1994. The largest circle size represents a tow with a catch of greater than 50 spiny dogfish.
The Distribution and Size Composition of Finfish, American Lobster, and Long-Finned Squid in Long Island Sound 85

Figure DM-54

Spot (Leiostomus xanthurus). Seasonal distribution maps based on 298 fish taken 

in 2,859 tows between 1984 and 1994. The largest circle size represents a tow with 

a catch of greater than 20 spot.
86 NOAA Technical Report NMFS 148

Figure DM-55

Spotted hake (Urophycis regia). Seasonal distribution maps based on 1,427 fish 

taken in 2,859 tows between 1984 and 1994. The largest circle size represents a 

tow with a catch of greater than 40 spotted hake.
The Distribution and Size Composition of Finfish, American Lobster, and Long-Finned Squid in Long Island Sound 87

Figure DM-56

Striped bass (Morone saxatilis). Seasonal distribution maps based on 514 fish 

taken in 2,859 tows between 1984 and 1994. The largest circle size represents a 

tow with a catch of greater than 12 striped bass.
88 NOAA Technical Report NMFS 148

Figure DM-57

Striped searobin (Prionotus evolans). Seasonal distribution maps based on 18,400 

fish taken in 2,859 tows between 1984 and 1994. The largest circle size represents 

a tow with a catch of greater than 200 striped searobin. 
The Distribution and Size Composition of Finfish, American Lobster, and Long-Finned Squid in Long Island Sound 89

Figure DM-58

Summer flounder (Paralichthys dentatus). Seasonal distribution maps based on 

3,407 fish taken in 2,859 tows between 1984 and 1994. The largest circle size 

represents a tow with a catch of greater than 20 summer flounder.
90 NOAA Technical Report NMFS 148

Figure DM-59

Tautog (Tautoga onitis). Seasonal distribution maps based on 6,235 fish taken in 

2,859 tows between 1984 and 1994. The largest circle size represents a tow with a 

catch of greater than 100 tautog.
The Distribution and Size Composition of Finfish, American Lobster, and Long-Finned Squid in Long Island Sound 91

Figure DM-60

Tomcod (Microgadus tomcod). Seasonal distribution maps based on 38 fish taken 

in 2,859 tows between 1984 and 1994. The largest circle size represents a tow 

with a catch of seven tomcod.
92 NOAA Technical Report NMFS 148

Figure DM-61

Weakfish (Cynoscion regalis). Seasonal distribution maps based on 36,683 fish 

taken in 2,859 tows between 1984 and 1994. The largest circle size represents a 

tow with a catch of greater than 550 weakfish.
The Distribution and Size Composition of Finfish, American Lobster, and Long-Finned Squid in Long Island Sound 93

Figure DM-62

Weakfish (Cynoscion regalis) young-of-year. Seasonal distribution maps based on 

35,853 fish taken in 2,859 tows between 1984 and 1994. The largest circle size 

represents a tow with a catch of greater than 550 weakfish.
94 NOAA Technical Report NMFS 148

Figure DM-63

Weakfish (Cynoscion regalis) ages 1+. Seasonal distribution maps based on 690 fish 

taken in 2,859 tows between 1984 and 1994. The largest circle size represents a 

tow with a catch of greater than 30 weakfish.
The Distribution and Size Composition of Finfish, American Lobster, and Long-Finned Squid in Long Island Sound 95

Figure DM-64

Windowpane flounder (Scophthalmus aquosus). Seasonal distribution maps based 

on 182,583 fish taken in 2,859 tows between 1984 and 1994. The largest circle size 

represents a tow with a catch of greater than 1,200 windowpane flounder.
96 NOAA Technical Report NMFS 148

Figure DM-65

Winter flounder (Pseudopleuronectes americanus). Seasonal distribution maps based 

on 286,091 fish taken in 2,859 tows between 1984 and 1994. The largest circle size 

represents a tow with a catch of greater than 2,000 winter flounder.
The Distribution and Size Composition of Finfish, American Lobster, and Long-Finned Squid in Long Island Sound 97

Figure DM-66

Winter flounder (Pseudopleuronectes americanus), <20 cm, April–July. Monthly distribution maps based on 133,759 fish taken in 1,366 tows between 1984 and 1994. 

The largest circle size represents a tow with a catch of greater than 900 winter 

flounder.
98 NOAA Technical Report NMFS 148

Figure DM-67

Winter flounder (Pseudopleuronectes americanus), <20 cm, August–November. Monthly 

distribution maps based on 31,690 fish taken in 1,493 tows between 1984 and 1994. 

The largest circle size represents a tow with a catch of 841 winter flounder.
The Distribution and Size Composition of Finfish, American Lobster, and Long-Finned Squid in Long Island Sound 99

Figure DM-68

Winter flounder (Pseudopleuronectes americanus), 20–29 cm, April–July. Monthly 

distribution maps based on 88,610 fish taken in 1,366 tows between 1984 and 

1994. The largest circle size represents a tow with a catch of greater than 550 

winter flounder.
100 NOAA Technical Report NMFS 148

Figure DM-69

Winter flounder (Pseudopleuronectes americanus), 20–29 cm, August–November. 

Monthly distribution maps based on 19,155 fish taken in 1,493 tows between 

1984 and 1994. The largest circle size represents a tow with a catch of 301 winter 

flounder.
The Distribution and Size Composition of Finfish, American Lobster, and Long-Finned Squid in Long Island Sound 101

Figure DM-70

Winter flounder (Pseudopleuronectes americanus), 30+ cm, April–July. Monthly distribution maps based on 9,949 fish taken in 1,366 tows between 1984 and 1994. The 

largest circle size represents a tow with a catch of greater than 90 winter flounder.
102 NOAA Technical Report NMFS 148

Figure DM-71

Winter flounder (Pseudopleuronectes americanus), 30+ cm, August–November. Monthly 

distribution maps based on 1,626 fish taken in 1,493 tows between 1984 and 1994. 

The largest circle size represents a tow with a catch of 26 winter flounder.
The Distribution and Size Composition of Finfish, American Lobster, and Long-Finned Squid in Long Island Sound 103

Figure DM-72

Winter skate (Raja ocellata). Seasonal distribution maps based on 585 fish taken 

in 2,859 tows between 1984 and 1994. The largest circle size represents a tow 

with a catch of greater than 12 winter skate.
104 NOAA Technical Report NMFS 148

Figure DM-73

Yellow jack (Caranx bartholomaei). Seasonal distribution maps based on 70 fish 

taken in 2,859 tows between 1984 and 1994. The largest circle size represents a 

tow with a catch of greater than 10 yellow jack.
The Distribution and Size Composition of Finfish, American Lobster, and Long-Finned Squid in Long Island Sound 105

Figure DM-74.

Distribution of aggregate catch/tow by season. The largest circle size represents 

a tow with a catch of greater than 5,000 fish.
106 NOAA Technical Report NMFS 148

Figure DM-75

Distribution of aggregate pelagic catch/tow by season. The largest circle size represents a tow with a catch of greater than 5,000 pelagic fish.
The Distribution and Size Composition of Finfish, American Lobster, and Long-Finned Squid in Long Island Sound 107

Figure DM-76

Distribution of aggregate demersal catch/tow by season. The largest circle size 

represents a tow with a catch of greater than 2,500 demersal fish. 

Indices of Abundance: Figs. IN-1 through IN-53

109
110 NOAA Technical Report NMFS 148

Figure IN-1

Alewife (Alosa pseudoharengus). Relative abundance (geometric mean catch/tow) catch/tow and percent occurrence (proportion of 

samples in which at least one individual was observed) by month, month and bottom type, and month and depth interval.
The Distribution and Size Composition of Finfish, American Lobster, and Long-Finned Squid in Long Island Sound 111

Figure IN-2

American lobster (Homarus americanus). Relative abundance (geometric mean catch/tow) catch/tow and percent occurrence (proportion of samples in which at least one individual was observed) by month, month and bottom type, and month and depth interval.
112 NOAA Technical Report NMFS 148

Figure IN-3

American shad (Alosa sapidissima). Relative abundance (geometric mean catch/tow) catch/tow and percent occurrence (proportion 

of samples in which at least one individual was observed) by month, month and bottom type, and month and depth interval.
The Distribution and Size Composition of Finfish, American Lobster, and Long-Finned Squid in Long Island Sound 113

Figure IN-4

Atlantic herring (Clupea harengus). Relative abundance (geometric mean catch/tow) catch/tow and percent occurrence (proportion 

of samples in which at least one individual was observed) by month, month and bottom type, and month and depth interval.
114 NOAA Technical Report NMFS 148

Figure IN-5

Atlantic mackerel (Scomber scombrus). Relative abundance (geometric mean catch/tow) catch/tow and percent occurrence (proportion of samples in which at least one individual was observed) by month, month and bottom type, and month and depth interval.
The Distribution and Size Composition of Finfish, American Lobster, and Long-Finned Squid in Long Island Sound 115

Figure IN-6

Atlantic menhaden (Brevoortia tyrannus). Relative abundance (geometric mean catch/tow) catch/tow and percent occurrence (proportion of samples in which at least one individual was observed) by month, month and bottom type, and month and depth interval.
116 NOAA Technical Report NMFS 148

Figure IN-7

Atlantic sturgeon (Acipenser oxyrinchus). Relative abundance (geometric mean catch/tow) catch/tow and percent occurrence (proportion of samples in which at least one individual was observed) by month, month and bottom type, and month and depth interval.
The Distribution and Size Composition of Finfish, American Lobster, and Long-Finned Squid in Long Island Sound 117

Figure IN-8

Black sea bass (Centropristis striata). Relative abundance (geometric mean catch/tow) catch/tow and percent occurrence (proportion 

of samples in which at least one individual was observed) by month, month and bottom type, and month and depth interval.
118 NOAA Technical Report NMFS 148

Figure IN-9

Blueback herring (Alosa aestivalis). Relative abundance (geometric mean catch/tow) catch/tow and percent occurrence (proportion 

of samples in which at least one individual was observed) by month, month and bottom type, and month and depth interval.
The Distribution and Size Composition of Finfish, American Lobster, and Long-Finned Squid in Long Island Sound 119

Figure IN-10

Bluefish (Pomatomus saltatrix). Relative abundance (geometric mean catch/tow) catch/tow and percent occurrence (proportion of 

samples in which at least one individual was observed) by month, month and bottom type, and month and depth interval.
120 NOAA Technical Report NMFS 148

Figure IN-11

Bluefish (Pomatomus saltatrix), young-of-year. Relative abundance (geometric mean catch/tow) catch/tow and percent occurrence 

(proportion of samples in which at least one individual was observed) by month, month and bottom type, and month and depth 

interval.
The Distribution and Size Composition of Finfish, American Lobster, and Long-Finned Squid in Long Island Sound 121

Figure IN-12

Bluefish (Pomatomus saltatrix), age 1+. Relative abundance (geometric mean catch/tow) catch/tow and percent occurrence (proportion of samples in which at least one individual was observed) by month, month and bottom type, and month and depth interval.
122 NOAA Technical Report NMFS 148

Figure IN-13

Butterfish (Peprilus triacanthus). Relative abundance (geometric mean catch/tow) catch/tow and percent occurrence (proportion of 

samples in which at least one individual was observed) by month, month and bottom type, and month and depth interval.
The Distribution and Size Composition of Finfish, American Lobster, and Long-Finned Squid in Long Island Sound 123

Figure IN-14

Cunner (Tautogolabrus adspersus). Relative abundance (geometric mean catch/tow) catch/tow and percent occurrence (proportion 

of samples in which at least one individual was observed) by month, month and bottom type, and month and depth interval.
124 NOAA Technical Report NMFS 148

Figure IN-15

Fourbeard rockling (Enchelyopus cimbrius). Relative abundance (geometric mean catch/tow) catch/tow and percent occurrence (proportion of samples in which at least one individual was observed) by month, month and bottom type, and month and depth interval.
The Distribution and Size Composition of Finfish, American Lobster, and Long-Finned Squid in Long Island Sound 125

Figure IN-16

Fourspot flounder (Paralichthys oblongus). Relative abundance (geometric mean catch/tow) catch/tow and percent occurrence (proportion of samples in which at least one individual was observed) by month, month and bottom type, and month and depth interval.
126 NOAA Technical Report NMFS 148

Figure IN-17

Hickory shad (Alosa mediocris). Relative abundance (geometric mean catch/tow) catch/tow and percent occurrence (proportion of 

samples in which at least one individual was observed) by month, month and bottom type, and month and depth interval.
The Distribution and Size Composition of Finfish, American Lobster, and Long-Finned Squid in Long Island Sound 127

Figure IN-18

Hogchoker (Trinectes maculatus). Relative abundance (geometric mean catch/tow) catch/tow and percent occurrence (proportion 

of samples in which at least one individual was observed) by month, month and bottom type, and month and depth interval.
128 NOAA Technical Report NMFS 148

Figure IN-19

Little skate (Raja erinacea). Relative abundance (geometric mean catch/tow) catch/tow and percent occurrence (proportion of 

samples in which at least one individual was observed) by month, month and bottom type, and month and depth interval.
The Distribution and Size Composition of Finfish, American Lobster, and Long-Finned Squid in Long Island Sound 129

Figure IN-20

Long-finned squid (Loligo pealei). Relative abundance (geometric mean catch/tow) catch/tow and percent occurrence (proportion 

of samples in which at least one individual was observed) by month, month and bottom type, and month and depth interval.
130 NOAA Technical Report NMFS 148

Figure IN-21

Longhorn sculpin (Myoxocephalus octodecemspinosus). Relative abundance (geometric mean catch/tow) catch/tow and percent occurrence (proportion of samples in which at least one individual was observed) by month, month and bottom type, and month and 

depth interval.
The Distribution and Size Composition of Finfish, American Lobster, and Long-Finned Squid in Long Island Sound 131

Figure IN-22

Moonfish (Selene setapinnis). Relative abundance (geometric mean catch/tow) catch/tow and percent occurrence (proportion of 

samples in which at least one individual was observed) by month, month and bottom type, and month and depth interval.
132 NOAA Technical Report NMFS 148

Figure IN-23

Northern searobin (Prionotus carolinus). Relative abundance (geometric mean catch/tow) catch/tow and percent occurrence (proportion of samples in which at least one individual was observed) by month, month and bottom type, and month and depth interval.
The Distribution and Size Composition of Finfish, American Lobster, and Long-Finned Squid in Long Island Sound 133

Figure IN-24

Ocean pout (Macrozoarces americanus). Relative abundance (geometric mean catch/tow) catch/tow and percent occurrence (proportion of samples in which at least one individual was observed) by month, month and bottom type, and month and depth interval.
134 NOAA Technical Report NMFS 148

Figure IN-25

Red hake (Urophycis chuss). Relative abundance (geometric mean catch/tow) catch/tow and percent occurrence (proportion of 

samples in which at least one individual was observed) by month, month and bottom type, and month and depth interval.
The Distribution and Size Composition of Finfish, American Lobster, and Long-Finned Squid in Long Island Sound 135

Figure IN-26

Rough scad (Trachurus lathami). Relative abundance (geometric mean catch/tow) catch/tow and percent occurrence (proportion of 

samples in which at least one individual was observed) by month, month and bottom type, and month and depth interval.
136 NOAA Technical Report NMFS 148

Figure IN-27

Scup (Stenotomus chrysops). Relative abundance (geometric mean catch/tow) catch/tow and percent occurrence (proportion of 

samples in which at least one individual was observed) by month, month and bottom type, and month and depth interval.
The Distribution and Size Composition of Finfish, American Lobster, and Long-Finned Squid in Long Island Sound 137

Figure IN-28

Scup (Stenotomus chrysops), young-of-year. Relative abundance (geometric mean catch/tow) catch/tow and percent occurrence (proportion of samples in which at least one individual was observed) by month, month and bottom type, and month and depth interval.
138 NOAA Technical Report NMFS 148

Figure IN-29

Scup (Stenotomus chrysops), ages 1+. Relative abundance (geometric mean catch/tow) catch/tow and percent occurrence (proportion 

of samples in which at least one individual was observed) by month, month and bottom type, and month and depth interval.
The Distribution and Size Composition of Finfish, American Lobster, and Long-Finned Squid in Long Island Sound 139

Figure IN-30

Sea raven (Hemitripterus americanus). Relative abundance (geometric mean catch/tow) catch/tow and percent occurrence (proportion of samples in which at least one individual was observed) by month, month and bottom type, and month and depth interval.
140 NOAA Technical Report NMFS 148

Figure IN-31

Silver hake (Merluccius bilinearis). Relative abundance (geometric mean catch/tow) catch/tow and percent occurrence (proportion 

of samples in which at least one individual was observed) by month, month and bottom type, and month and depth interval.
The Distribution and Size Composition of Finfish, American Lobster, and Long-Finned Squid in Long Island Sound 141

Figure IN-32

Smallmouth flounder (Etropus microstomus). Relative abundance (geometric mean catch/tow) catch/tow and percent occurrence 

(proportion of samples in which at least one individual was observed) by month, month and bottom type, and month and depth 

interval.
142 NOAA Technical Report NMFS 148

Figure IN-33

Smooth dogfish (Mustelus canis). Relative abundance (geometric mean catch/tow) catch/tow and percent occurrence (proportion 

of samples in which at least one individual was observed) by month, month and bottom type, and month and depth interval.
The Distribution and Size Composition of Finfish, American Lobster, and Long-Finned Squid in Long Island Sound 143

Figure IN-34

Spanish mackerel (Scomberomorus maculatus). Relative abundance (geometric mean catch/tow) catch/tow and percent occurrence 

(proportion of samples in which at least one individual was observed) by month, month and bottom type, and month and depth 

interval.
144 NOAA Technical Report NMFS 148

Figure IN-35

Spiny dogfish (Squalus acanthius). Relative abundance (geometric mean catch/tow) catch/tow and percent occurrence (proportion 

of samples in which at least one individual was observed) by month, month and bottom type, and month and depth interval.
The Distribution and Size Composition of Finfish, American Lobster, and Long-Finned Squid in Long Island Sound 145

Figure IN-36

Spot (Leiostomus xanthurus). Relative abundance (geometric mean catch/tow) catch/tow and percent occurrence (proportion of 

samples in which at least one individual was observed) by month, month and bottom type, and month and depth interval.
146 NOAA Technical Report NMFS 148

Figure IN-37

Spotted hake (Urophycis regia). Relative abundance (geometric mean catch/tow) catch/tow and percent occurrence (proportion of 

samples in which at least one individual was observed) by month, month and bottom type, and month and depth interval.
The Distribution and Size Composition of Finfish, American Lobster, and Long-Finned Squid in Long Island Sound 147

Figure IN-38

Striped bass (Morone saxatilis). Relative abundance (geometric mean catch/tow) catch/tow and percent occurrence (proportion of 

samples in which at least one individual was observed) by month, month and bottom type, and month and depth interval.
148 NOAA Technical Report NMFS 148

Figure IN-39

Striped searobin (Prionotus evolans). Relative abundance (geometric mean catch/tow) catch/tow and percent occurrence (proportion of samples in which at least one individual was observed) by month, month and bottom type, and month and depth interval.
The Distribution and Size Composition of Finfish, American Lobster, and Long-Finned Squid in Long Island Sound 149

Figure IN-40

Summer flounder (Paralichthys dentatus). Relative abundance (geometric mean catch/tow) catch/tow and percent occurrence (proportion of samples in which at least one individual was observed) by month, month and bottom type, and month and depth interval.
150 NOAA Technical Report NMFS 148

Figure IN-41

Tautog (Tautoga onitis). Relative abundance (geometric mean catch/tow) catch/tow and percent occurrence (proportion of samples 

in which at least one individual was observed) by month, month and bottom type, and month and depth interval.
The Distribution and Size Composition of Finfish, American Lobster, and Long-Finned Squid in Long Island Sound 151

Figure IN-42

Weakfish (Cynoscion regalis). Relative abundance (geometric mean catch/tow) catch/tow and percent occurrence (proportion of 

samples in which at least one individual was observed) by month, month and bottom type, and month and depth interval.
152 NOAA Technical Report NMFS 148

Figure IN-43

Weakfish (Cynoscion regalis), young-of-year. Relative abundance (geometric mean catch/tow) catch/tow and percent occurrence (proportion of samples in which at least one individual was observed) by month, month and bottom type, and month and depth interval.
The Distribution and Size Composition of Finfish, American Lobster, and Long-Finned Squid in Long Island Sound 153

Figure IN-44

Weakfish (Cynoscion regalis), ages 1+. Relative abundance (geometric mean catch/tow) catch/tow and percent occurrence (proportion of samples in which at least one individual was observed) by month, month and bottom type, and month and depth interval.
154 NOAA Technical Report NMFS 148

Figure IN-45

Windowpane flounder (Scophthalmus aquosus). Relative abundance (geometric mean catch/tow) catch/tow and percent occurrence 

(proportion of samples in which at least one individual was observed) by month, month and bottom type, and month and depth 

interval.
The Distribution and Size Composition of Finfish, American Lobster, and Long-Finned Squid in Long Island Sound 155

Figure IN-46

Winter flounder (Pleuronectes americanus). Relative abundance (geometric mean catch/tow) catch/tow and percent occurrence (proportion of samples in which at least one individual was observed) by month, month and bottom type, and month and depth interval.
156 NOAA Technical Report NMFS 148

Figure IN-47

Winter flounder (Pleuronectes americanus), <20 cm. Relative abundance (geometric mean catch/tow) catch/tow and percent occurrence (proportion of samples in which at least one individual was observed) by month, month and bottom type, and month and 

depth interval.
The Distribution and Size Composition of Finfish, American Lobster, and Long-Finned Squid in Long Island Sound 157

Figure IN-48

Winter flounder (Pleuronectes americanus), 20–29 cm. Relative abundance (geometric mean catch/tow) catch/tow and percent occurrence (proportion of samples in which at least one individual was observed) by month, month and bottom type, and month and 

depth interval.
158 NOAA Technical Report NMFS 148

Figure IN-49

Winter flounder (Pleuronectes americanus), 30+ cm. Relative abundance (geometric mean catch/tow) catch/tow and percent occurrence (proportion of samples in which at least one individual was observed) by month, month and bottom type, and month and 

depth interval.
The Distribution and Size Composition of Finfish, American Lobster, and Long-Finned Squid in Long Island Sound 159

Figure IN-50

Winter skate (Raja ocellata). Relative abundance (geometric mean catch/tow) catch/tow and percent occurrence (proportion of 

samples in which at least one individual was observed) by month, month and bottom type, and month and depth interval.
160 NOAA Technical Report NMFS 148

Figure IN-51

Aggregate catch indices. Relative abundance (geometric mean catch/tow) catch/tow and percent occurrence (proportion of samples 

in which at least one individual was observed) by month, month and bottom type, and month and depth interval.
The Distribution and Size Composition of Finfish, American Lobster, and Long-Finned Squid in Long Island Sound 161

Figure IN-52

Aggregate pelagic finfish indices. Relative abundance (geometric mean catch/tow) catch/tow and percent occurrence (proportion 

of samples in which at least one individual was observed) by month, month and bottom type, and month and depth interval.
162 NOAA Technical Report NMFS 148

Figure IN-53

Aggregate demersal finfish indices. Relative abundance (geometric mean catch/tow) catch/tow and percent occurrence (proportion 

of samples in which at least one individual was observed) by month, month and bottom type, and month and depth interval. 
Length Frequencies: Figs. LF-1 through LF-26

163
164 NOAA Technical Report NMFS 148

Figure LF-1

Alewife (Alosa pseudoharengus). Monthly log10 length frequencies (cm) based on 2,922 fish taken in 283 tows between 

1989 and 1994.
The Distribution and Size Composition of Finfish, American Lobster, and Long-Finned Squid in Long Island Sound 165

Figure LF-2

American lobster (Homarus americanus). Monthly log10 length frequencies (cm) based on 78,398 lobsters taken in 1,979 

tows between 1985 and 1994.
166 NOAA Technical Report NMFS 148

Figure LF-3

American shad (Alosa sapidissima). Monthly log10 length frequencies (cm) based on 4,531 fish taken in 346 tows 

between 1989 and 1994.
The Distribution and Size Composition of Finfish, American Lobster, and Long-Finned Squid in Long Island Sound 167

Figure LF-4

Atlantic herring (Clupea harengus). Monthly log10 length frequencies (cm) based on 21,149 fish taken in 360 tows 

between 1989 and 1994.
168 NOAA Technical Report NMFS 148

Figure LF-5

Atlantic mackerel (Scomber scombrus). Monthly log10 length frequencies (cm) based on 204 fish taken in 37 tows between 

1989 and 1994.
The Distribution and Size Composition of Finfish, American Lobster, and Long-Finned Squid in Long Island Sound 169

Figure LF-6

Atlantic sturgeon (Acipenser oxyrhynchus). Monthly log10 length frequencies (cm) based on 175 fish taken in 36 tows 

between 1989 and 1994.
170 NOAA Technical Report NMFS 148

Figure LF-7

Black sea bass (Centropristis striata). Monthly log10 length frequencies (cm) based on 155 fish taken in 106 tows between 

1989 and 1994.
The Distribution and Size Composition of Finfish, American Lobster, and Long-Finned Squid in Long Island Sound 171

Figure LF-8

Blueback herring (Alosa aestivalis). Monthly log10 length frequencies (cm) based on 1,763 fish taken in 130 tows 

between 1989 and 1994.
172 NOAA Technical Report NMFS 148

Figure LF-9

Bluefish (Pomatomus saltatrix). Monthly log10 length frequencies (cm) based on 76,370 fish taken in 1,380 tows between 

1984 and 1994.
The Distribution and Size Composition of Finfish, American Lobster, and Long-Finned Squid in Long Island Sound 173

Figure LF-10

Butterfish (Peprilus triacanthus). Monthly log10 length frequencies (cm) based on 278,506 fish taken in 609 tows between 

1987 and 1994.
174 NOAA Technical Report NMFS 148

Figure LF-11

Fourspot flounder (Paralichthys oblongus). Monthly log10 length frequencies (cm) based on 2,420 fish taken in 88 tows 

between 1989 and 1990.
The Distribution and Size Composition of Finfish, American Lobster, and Long-Finned Squid in Long Island Sound 175

Figure LF-12

Hickory shad (Alosa mediocris). Monthly log10 length frequencies (cm) based on 54 fish taken in 23 tows between 1991 

and 1994.
176 NOAA Technical Report NMFS 148

Figure LF-13

Little skate (Raja erinacea). Monthly log10 length frequencies (cm) based on 4,473 fish taken in 148 tows between 1989 

and 1990.
The Distribution and Size Composition of Finfish, American Lobster, and Long-Finned Squid in Long Island Sound 177

Figure LF-14

Long-finned squid (Loligo pealei). Monthly log10 length frequencies (cm) based on 106,925 squid taken in 771 tows 

between 1987 and 1994.
178 NOAA Technical Report NMFS 148

Figure LF-15

Red hake (Urophycis chuss). Monthly log10 length frequencies (cm) based on 2,901 fish taken in 78 tows between 1989 

and 1990.
The Distribution and Size Composition of Finfish, American Lobster, and Long-Finned Squid in Long Island Sound 179

Figure LF-16

Scup (Stenotomus chrysops). Monthly log10 length frequencies (cm) based on 254,255 fish taken in 2,131 tows between 

1984 and 1994.
180 NOAA Technical Report NMFS 148

Figure LF-17

Silver hake (Merluccius bilinearis). Monthly log10 length frequencies (cm) based on 2,863 fish taken in 101 tows between 

1989 and 1990.
The Distribution and Size Composition of Finfish, American Lobster, and Long-Finned Squid in Long Island Sound 181

Figure LF-18

Smooth dogfish (Mustelus canis). Monthly log10 length frequencies (cm) based on 149 fish taken in 56 tows between 

1989 and 1990. The frequency is plotted on the log scale and length is in centimeters.
182 NOAA Technical Report NMFS 148

Figure LF-19

Spanish mackerel (Scomberomorus maculatus). Monthly log10 length frequencies (cm) based on 341 fish taken in 39 tows 

between 1991 and 1994.
The Distribution and Size Composition of Finfish, American Lobster, and Long-Finned Squid in Long Island Sound 183

Figure LF-20

Striped bass (Morone saxatilis). Monthly log10 length frequencies (cm) based on 414 fish taken in 161 tows between 1989 

and 1994.
184 NOAA Technical Report NMFS 148

Figure LF-21

Striped searobin (Prionotus evolans). Monthly log10 length frequencies (cm) based on 1,435 fish taken in 91 tows 

between 1989 and 1990.
The Distribution and Size Composition of Finfish, American Lobster, and Long-Finned Squid in Long Island Sound 185

Figure LF-22

Summer flounder (Paralichthys dentatus). Monthly log10 length frequencies (cm) based on 3,388 fish taken in 1,270 

tows between 1984 and 1994.
186 NOAA Technical Report NMFS 148

Figure LF-23

Tautog (Tautoga onitis). Monthly log10 length frequencies (cm) based on 6,221 fish taken in 862 tows between 1984 and 

1994.
The Distribution and Size Composition of Finfish, American Lobster, and Long-Finned Squid in Long Island Sound 187

Figure LF-24

Weakfish (Cynoscion regalis). Monthly log10 length frequencies (cm) based on 23,146 fish taken in 469 tows between 

1984 and 1994.
188 NOAA Technical Report NMFS 148

Figure LF-25

Windowpane flounder (Scophthalmus aquosus). Monthly log10 length frequencies (cm) based on 17,194 fish taken in 

317 tows between 1989 and 1994.
The Distribution and Size Composition of Finfish, American Lobster, and Long-Finned Squid in Long Island Sound 189

Figure LF-26

Winter flounder (Pseudopleuronectes americanus). Monthly log10 length frequencies (cm) based on 284,789 fish taken in 

2,590 tows between 1984 and 1994.

Appendices

191
192 NOAA Technical Report NMFS 148

Appendix I

Catch information for 25 rarely occurring species. In lieu of distribution maps, catch information is provided for species which 

totaled less than 10 individuals captured from 1984 to 1994, or were not counted during the entire time series (For scientific 

name, see Table 5). 

Depth Bottom

Species Date Site Interval Type Count

American eel 06/07/84 57-09 9–18 m sand 1

American eel 06/07/84 00-10 27+ m transitional 1

American eel 09/17/86 12-35 27+ m transitional 1

American eel 05/23/89 57-09 9-18 m sand 1

American eel 10/02/89 14-36 27+ m transitional 1

American eel 06/04/93 03-14 18–27 m mud 1

Amer. sand lance 04/14/93 55-13 9–18 m sand 1

Amer. sand lance 04/15/93 57-09 9–18 m sand 1

Amer. sand lance 04/15/93 59-13 18–27 m mud 1

Amer. sand lance 04/11/94 13-33 0–9 m sand 1

Amer. sand lance 04/18/94 58-24 0–9 m sand 1

Amer. sand lance 04/18/94 02-27 18–27 m transitional 1

Amer. sand lance 04/20/94 02-10 9–18 m transitional 7

Amer. sand lance 04/21/94 55-13 9–18 m sand 12

Amer. sand lance 06/06/94 06-11 0–9 m mud 1,000

Amer. sand lance 06/14/94 01-29 9–18 m sand 3

Atlantic cod 11/20/90 07-30 27+ m sand 1

Atlantic bonito 09/17/85 02-10 9–18 m transitional 2

Atlantic bonito 10/02/87 17-40 9–18 m transitional 1

Atlantic bonito 09/19/88 17-37 0–9 m transitional 1

Atlantic bonito 11/08/89 03-12 18–27 m mud 1

Atlantic bonito 10/25/93 59-12 18–27 m mud 2

Atl. silverside 09/10/92 56-13 9–18 m transitional 1

Atl. silverside 04/07/93 14-28 0–9 m transitional 1

Atl. silverside 04/14/93 55-13 9–18 m sand 28

Atl. silverside 04/14/93 56-13 9–18 m transitional 11

Atl. silverside 04/14/93 00-14 27+ m mud 3

Atl. silverside 04/15/93 02-11 9–18 m transitional 2

Atl. silverside 04/15/93 57-09 9–18 m sand 1

Atl. silverside 04/15/93 59-13 18–27 m mud 1

Atl. silverside 04/15/93 58-11 18–27 m mud 4

Atl. silverside 04/19/93 06-11 0–9 m mud 1

Atl. silverside 04/19/93 05-12 9–18 m mud 2

Atl. silverside 04/11/94 10-28 27+ m transitional 1

Atl. silverside 04/18/94 02-27 18–27 m transitional 1

Atl. silverside 04/19/94 11-23 9–18 m mud 1

Atl. salmon 04/06/93 15-34 0–9 m transitional 1

Banded rudderfish 09/05/89 18-37 0–9 m transitional 1

Bigeye 11/02/87 13-35 27+ m transitional 1

Bigeye 10/03/88 17-38 9–18 m transitional 1

Bigeye 10/03/88 14-37 27+ m transitional 1

Bigeye 10/02/89 14-36 27+ m transitional 2

Bigeye 09/11/90 12-35 27+ m transitional 1

Bigeye 09/14/94 03-27 18–27 m transitional 1

Conger eel 09/16/92 58-24 0–9 m sand 1

Conger eel 06/10/93 11-26 18–27 m transitional 2

Conger eel 10/19/93 05-26 18–27 m transitional 1

Dwarf goatfish 09/07/88 58-22 0–9 m sand 1

Gray triggerfish 10/17/85 05-24 27+ m transitional 1

Gray triggerfish 10/13/93 07-22 18–27 m mud 1

Inshore lizardfish 11/08/89 03-13 18–27 m mud 2

continued
The Distribution and Size Composition of Finfish, American Lobster, and Long-Finned Squid in Long Island Sound 193

Appendix I (continued)

Depth Bottom

Species Date Site Interval Type Count

Inshore lizardfish 10/25/94 56-13 9–18 m transitional 1

Lookdown 10/31/90 14-25 0–9 m mud 2

Lookdown 09/08/94 05-11 9–18 m mud 1

Lookdown 10/07/94 14-25 0–9 m mud 1

Lookdown 10/24/94 03-12 18–27 m mud 1

Lumpfish 04/06/93 18-40 0–9 m transitional 2

Northern sennet 10/24/84 56-14 9–18 m transitional 1

Northern sennet 09/11/89 01-29 9–18 m sand 1

Northern sennet 10/14/93 58-24 0–9 m sand 1

Northern sennet 10/18/93 18-37 0–9 m transitional 1

Orange filefish 10/08/85 12-28 18–27 m transitional 1

Orange filefish 11/03/89 10-26 27+ m transitional 1

Orange filefish 09/13/93 15-34 0–9 m transitional 1

Orange filefish 10/19/94 12-35 27+ m transitional 1

Red cornetfish 09/21/90 14-32 9–18 m sand 1

Red cornetfish 09/13/93 08-30 27+ m sand 1

Red goatfish 10/22/84 00-18 18–27 m mud 1

Red goatfish 10/23/90 04-27 18–27 m transitional 1

Red goatfish 10/23/90 06-25 27+ m transitional 1

Red goatfish 10/18/91 59-18 18–27 m mud 1

Red goatfish 09/14/93 03-27 18–27 m transitional 1

Red goatfish 10/13/93 05-22 27+ m mud 1

Sandbar shark 10/23/90 06-25 27+ m transitional 1

Sea lamprey 04/15/87 12-23 9–18 m mud 1

Sea lamprey 04/07/88 05-25 27+ m transitional 1

Sea lamprey 04/19/90 03-11 9–18 m transitional 1

Sea lamprey 04/22/91 06-23 27+ m mud 1

Sea lamprey 04/06/93 15-34 0–9 m transitional 1

Sea lamprey 05/11/93 05-13 9–18 m mud 1

Seasnail 04/05/88 15-34 0–9 m transitional 1

Seasnail 05/02/90 04-26 18–27 m transitional 6

Seasnail 05/02/90 06-29 27+ m sand 1

Seasnail 05/07/90 12-25 9–18 m transitional 1

Short bigeye 11/25/85 14-36 27+ m transitional 1

Short bigeye 09/09/88 09-24 18–27 m transitional 1

Short bigeye 09/07/89 12-35 27+ m transitional 1

Short bigeye 09/08/89 05-25 27+ m transitional 1

Short bigeye 10/18/93 13-36 27+ m transitional 1

Short bigeye 10/19/94 14-36 27+ m transitional 1

Short bigeye 11/15/84 13-35 27+ m transitional 1

Short bigeye 08/20/85 12-28 18-27 m transitional 1

Striped cusk-eel 05/05/88 10-29 18–27 m sand 1

White perch 04/19/89 12-18 0–9 m mud 1

White perch 04/20/89 13-19 0–9 m mud 1

White perch 04/06/93 15-34 0–9 m transitional 4

White perch 04/19/94 14-28 0–9 m transitional 1

Yellowtail flounder 04/07/88 05-25 27+ m transitional 1

Yellowtail flounder 05/02/88 12-35 27+ m transitional 2

Yellowtail flounder 05/05/88 10-29 18–27 m sand 1

Yellowtail flounder 05/05/88 09-28 18–27 m sand 1

Yellowtail flounder 05/11/88 08-20 18–27 m mud 1

Yellowtail flounder 08/03/88 59-18 18–27 m mud 1

Yellowtail flounder 05/02/90 10-23 27+ m sand 1

Note: Bay anchovy (Anchoa mitchelli) were frequently encountered but not counted. American sand lance (Ammodytes americanus) and Atlantic 

silversides (Menidia menidia) were occasionally encountered but not counted until 1992.
194 NOAA Technical Report NMFS 148

Appendix II

Total catch of 84 species by year from 1984–94.

Species 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 Total

Alewife 284 37 242 819 415 473 287 103 122 934 1,431 5,147

American eel 2 0 1 0 0 2 0 0 0 1 0 6

American lobster 5,819 3,529 4,920 6,865 6,033 7,645 9,690 8,464 8,161 12,639 9,127 82,892

American sand lance 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 1,025 1,028

American shad 1,839 423 641 1,036 3,208 4,007 550 361 380 1,142 1,723 15,310

Atlantic bonito 0 2 0 1 1 1 0 0 0 2 0 7

Atlantic cod 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 1

Atlantic croaker 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 41 3 44

Atlantic herring 114 510 2,536 2,549 2,721 2,560 25,029 4,005 4,565 6,271 3,850 54,710

Atlantic mackerel 68 17 20 29 45 376 46 2 4 17 11 635

Atlantic menhaden 132 304 718 600 335 623 407 348 1,115 298 411 5,291

Atlantic salmon 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1

Atlantic silverside 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 54 358

Atlantic sturgeon 11 3 6 6 7 13 9 3 30 60 60 208

Banded rudderfish 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1

Bigeye 0 0 0 1 2 2 1 0 0 0 1 7

Bigeye scad 0 0 0 0 15 63 1 1 0 0 3 83

Black sea bass 34 53 43 24 22 21 39 39 5 20 34 334

Blueback herring 1,676 116 267 104 247 367 124 38 175 106 1,199 4,419

Bluefish 9,719 8,809 5,685 3,531 3,858 12,568 8,194 5,846 5,269 6,469 16,244 86,192

Butterfish 37,010 67,945 44,616 42,519 60,745 94,928 80,778 40,537 95,961 67,087 54,378 686,504

Clearnose skate 0 0 3 2 1 1 3 2 8 8 1 29

Conger eel 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 3 0 4

Crevalle jack 0 1 0 1 4 0 0 0 0 6 8 20

Cunner 346 98 97 129 72 268 196 75 30 65 25 1,401

Dwarf goatfish 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1

Fourbeard rockling 368 88 184 312 563 686 393 163 150 242 93 3,242

Fourspot flounder 2,673 2,739 2,125 2,112 4,654 2,924 4,698 3,556 2,771 1,447 1,674 31,373

Goosefish 1 8 1 1 1 15 3 8 10 4 8 60

Gray triggerfish 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 2

Grubby 0 1 1 1 5 9 6 0 0 0 5 28

Hickory shad 71 4 7 6 4 40 2 1 12 10 31 188

Hogchoker 294 282 140 87 113 118 259 104 61 73 37 1,568

Inshore lizardfish 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 1 3

Little skate 2,751 4,603 4,300 3,847 9,470 9,349 11,902 6,481 3,494 6,051 6,714 68,962

Long-finned squid 0 0 11,017 15,135 33,400 21,304 23,789 12,322 32,780 58,312 25,400 233,459

Longhorn sculpin 14 82 51 32 107 107 263 139 31 11 7 844

Lookdown 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 3 5

Lumpfish 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 2

Mackerel scad 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 2 6 0 4 13

Moonfish 6 226 22 7 142 60 10 24 62 6 149 714

Northern kingfish 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 4 2 10 7 25

Northern pipefish 1 0 1 0 3 0 0 0 5 21 2 33

Northern puffer 1 2 6 0 3 2 2 5 1 28 4 54

Northern searobin 580 2,249 546 280 605 381 357 609 313 951 878 7,749

Northern sennet 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 2 0 4

Ocean pout 23 3 14 14 30 58 39 42 18 66 42 349

Orange filefish 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 1 4

Oyster toadfish 3 4 9 0 0 3 4 1 0 2 0 26

Planehead filefish 4 20 1 0 25 13 23 1 0 10 1 98

Pollock 5 0 3 8 6 2 0 0 0 0 0 24

Rainbow smelt 0 0 0 0 5 4 2 2 0 9 9 31

continued
The Distribution and Size Composition of Finfish, American Lobster, and Long-Finned Squid in Long Island Sound 195

Appendix II (continued)

Species 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 Total

Red cornetfish 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 2

Red goatfish 1 0 0 0 0 0 2 1 0 2 0 6

Red hake 3,703 1,153 3,061 2,258 3,809 7,365 3,300 2,085 1,604 4,183 546 33,067

Rock gunnel 0 6 0 6 5 10 9 0 0 0 1 37

Rough scad 33 32 19 89 180 81 41 1 0 100 13 589

Round herring 22 15 0 1 0 0 0 0 2 6 2 48

Sandbar shark 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 1

Scup (porgy) 8,754 18,041 16,337 9,750 12,562 37,619 21,194 45,790 13,646 32,209 38,469 254,371

Sea lamprey 0 0 0 1 1 0 1 1 0 2 0 6

Sea raven 53 59 70 88 52 34 44 19 4 1 1 425

Seasnail 0 0 0 0 1 0 8 0 0 0 0 9

Short bigeye 1 2 0 0 1 2 0 0 0 1 1 8

Silver hake 1,516 723 1,464 1,848 3,429 3,551 4,243 1,539 543 508 2,136 21,500

Smallmouth flounder 2 0 2 15 39 13 4 20 12 30 17 154

Smooth dogfish 840 919 850 526 564 374 284 193 304 420 361 5,635

Spanish mackerel 0 0 0 0 0 11 0 2 1 233 106 353

Spiny dogfish 84 252 173 76 434 99 417 14 6 14 58 1,627

Spot 0 34 38 10 29 0 8 2 0 124 53 298

Spotted hake 76 69 96 55 255 12 42 73 68 497 184 1,427

Striped bass 10 13 12 30 31 59 117 38 42 81 81 514

Striped cusk-eel 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1

Striped searobin 1,430 2,294 2,035 1,482 2,086 2,211 2,353 865 856 1,491 1,297 18,400

Summer flounder 208 240 704 531 411 47 242 263 186 293 282 3,407

Tautog 719 831 795 624 629 791 692 501 265 164 224 6,235

Tomcod 2 1 0 8 2 3 3 4 8 5 2 38

Weakfish 368 2,679 7,940 328 1,360 5,908 2,246 4,320 1,317 2,061 8,156 36,683

White perch 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 4 1 7

Windowpane flounder 26,185 18,888 22,513 15,588 26,920 31,082 14,738 8,487 2,978 8,526 6,678 182,583

Winter flounder 13,812 13,792 19,022 22,696 36,717 45,562 60,008 26,622 9,548 16,831 21,481 286,091

Winter skate 1 20 34 17 114 120 85 50 31 62 51 585

Yellow jack 0 0 0 0 0 41 8 11 2 2 6 70

Yellowtail flounder 0 0 0 0 7 0 1 0 0 0 0 8