Georges Bank, possibly as a result of recent high population levels and a 

 resulting range expansion. 



The mean weight and number per tow summaries in Figures 12.4-12.7 reflect 

 the recent trends in increased abundance. It must be kept in mind that 

 bluefish were caught mostly inshore during the surveys, and coverage inside of 

 28 m did not begin until autumn 1972. Therefore, the low catches indicated by 

 Figures 12.4-12.7 prior to 1972 can be misleading. 



The seasonal length frequencies for six strata sets (Figures 12.8-12.17), 

 and the percentage young-of-the-year (YOY) plots (Figures 12.13 and 12.19) 

 show clearly the large numbers of young fish caught during surveys. This 

 predominance of young fish in survey catches (especially in the autumn) was a 

 result of the great numbers of young bluefish and their vulnerability to 

 capture by the trawl compared to the more pelagic and faster swimming 

 adults. No bluefish were caught in strata sets 1 and 4 during the spring time 

 series. 



278 



