The mean fecundity was calculated using the relationship described previously with annual length- 

 frequency data. Values have been relatively consistent with somewhat greater means found since 1982, 

 when the start of the surveys was advanced into February. During the past several years, most females 

 larger than 40 cm were usually found in the Niantic River early in the season and many evidently left the 

 estuary in March. Surveys during earlier years started after February and probably missed many of these 

 large winter flounder, resulting in a lower mean fecundity. The mean length of all females 20 cm and 

 larger in 1980 was only 29.7 cm, in comparison to 31.4 to 32.1 cm for 1979 and 1981-85. This was 

 additional evidence that larger females were missed during the 1980 survey. In contrast, the 1986 mean 

 of 33.4 cm was particularly large, indicating that along with decreasing abundance, the female population 

 was comprised of relatively larger and older specimens. 



Egg production indices were determined using Jolly abundance indices with the length, maturity, and 

 fecundity data. Since the indices reflect both the annual mean fecundity and abundance, the value for 

 1980 was probably underestimated. The egg production index peaked in 1982 and has declined about 

 80% since then. Tyler and Dunn (1976) reported that the relationship between length and egg production 

 of New Brunswick winter flounder varied from year to year, depending upon variable nutrition and females 

 were found to sacrifice egg production to maintain body weight. It is not known whether fecundity varies 

 annually among Niantic River winter flounder. 



Age and growth 



Length-weight relationship 



As with fecundity, the length-weight relationships for winter flounder taken in Niantic River and Bay 

 were recalculated using 1977 data with a functional regression. Once again, the relationship determined 

 for Niantic River fish appeared to be more consistent with other published regressions (Table 10). The 

 Niantic Bay relationship gave heavier weights per unit of length; the reason for the difference is unknown. 



42 



