Kxcludlng the first 6 weeks, catches were largest from early to mid-July 

 (31-46/100 m^) followed by a decline and densities that fluctuated 

 around 10/100 m^ until sampling terminated in early October. Catches at 

 CO were more variable and showed several peaks until leveling off at 

 about 8/100 m^ in late August (Fig. 18). Sampling at CO was hampered on 



Figure 18. Weekly mean CPUE (+ 2 standard errors) for 

 juvenile winter flounder taken at station 

 CO in the Niantic River during 1983. 



several occasions by dense mats of algae ( Enteromorpha clathrata ) which 

 built up on the tickler chain and trawl frame and partially clogged the 

 net. Densities at CH were even more erratic and after fluctuating 

 between 5 and 10/100 m^ from early July through mid-August, they 

 declined to about 3-4/100 m^ until completion of sampling (Fig. 19). 

 Catches at SP were not plotted as only a few winter flounder were caught 

 there before August and densities remained low thereafter (maximum of 

 4/100 m^ on August 21). These densities were considerably less than 

 those reported for the Mystic River (Pearcy 1962), but perhaps 

 differences were due to variable carrying capacities of the two 

 estuaries as well as in the year-class strength of winter flounder for 

 the years examined. 



45 



