Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Identification of Winter Flounder (Pseudopleuronectes americanus) Estuarine Spawning Habitat and Factors Influencing Egg and Larval Distributions

  • Published:
Estuaries and Coasts Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

A long-term (2002–2011), spatially robust, ichthyoplankton sampling program conducted in the New York/New Jersey Harbor produced 3,033 epibenthic samples from which the relationships between winter flounder egg and larval distributions and environmental parameters were examined. Variations in water temperature, sediment characteristics, and tidal phase were all significantly associated with egg distributions. Inferences about spawning habitats were based on the presence of early-stage eggs (ES1 and ES2). In the Lower Bay (LB), these habitats were primarily non-channel and characterized by more sandy substrates, averaging 96.5 % sand, 2.3 % silt/clay, 0.2 % total organic carbon (TOC), and shallower water (average depths of 5.3 m) compared to LB non-channel stations without ES1 and ES2 eggs (50.2 % sand, 42.0 % silt/clay, 2.1 % TOC, and 7.9 m depths). Occurrences of all stages of eggs in channels were associated with strong tides and severe cold winter water temperatures. These conditions increase the probability of egg transport from shallow spawning sites through increased vertical mixing (strong tides) and delayed development that prolongs the risk of displacement (cold temperatures). Yolk-sac (YS) and Stage-2 larvae were smaller in 2010 when spring water temperatures were highest. Overall, YS larval size decreased with warmer winters (cumulative degree-days for the month preceding peak YS larval collections, r 2 = 0.82, p < 0.05). In all years, YS larvae collected in LB were smaller and Stage-3 larvae collected in channels were larger and possibly older than those from non-channel habitat. Because estuarine winter flounder populations are highly localized, adverse effects experienced during egg and larval stages are likely to propagate resulting in detrimental consequences for the year class in the natal estuary.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Fig. 1
Fig. 2
Fig. 3
Fig. 4
Fig. 5
Fig. 6
Fig. 7
Fig. 8
Fig. 9
Fig. 10
Fig. 11

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Able, K.W. 1999. Measures of fish habitat quality: Examples from a National Estuarine Research Reserve. American Fisheries Society Symposium 22: 134–147.

    Google Scholar 

  • Able, K.W., and M.P. Fahay. 1998. The first year in the life of estuarine fishes in the Middle Atlantic bight. New Brunswick: Rutgers University Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Able, K.W., and T.M. Grothues. 2007. An approach to understanding habitat dynamics of flatfishes: Advantages of biotelemetry. Journal of Sea Research 58: 1–7.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Able, K.W., D.H. Wilber, A. Muzeni-Corino, and D.G. Clarke. 2010. Spring and summer larval fish assemblages in the surf zone and nearshore off northern New Jersey, USA. Estuaries and Coasts 33: 211–222.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • ASMFC (Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission). 2006. Species profile: Winter flounder current plan seeks to rebuild southern New England/Mid-Atlantic stock and sustain Gulf of Maine stock. Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Service Fisheries Focus 15: 4–6.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bertram, D.F., T.J. Miller, and W.C. Leggett. 1997. Individual variation in growth and development during the early life stages of winter flounder, Pleuronectes americanus. Fishery Bulletin 95: 1–10.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bigelow, H.B., and W.C. Schroeder. 1953. Fishes of the Gulf of Maine. United States Fish and Wildlife Service, Fishery Bulletin 53: 577.

    Google Scholar 

  • Black, D.E., D.K. Phelps, and R.L. Lapan. 1988. The effect of inherited contamination on egg and larval winter flounder, Pseudopleuronectes americanus. Marine Environmental Research 25: 45–62.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Brodziak, J.K.T., W.J. Overholtz, and P.J. Rago. 2001. Does spawning stock affect recruitment of New England groundfish? Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Science 58: 306–318.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Buckley, L.J., A.S. Smigielski, T.A. Halavik, and G.C. Laurence. 1990. Effects of water temperature on size and biochemical composition of winter flounder Pseudopleuronectes americanus at hatching and feeding initiation. Fishery Bulletin 88: 419–428.

    Google Scholar 

  • Buckley, L.J., A.S. Smigielski, T.A. Halavik, E.M. Caldarone, B.R. Burns, and G.C. Laurence. 1991a. Winter flounder Pseudopleuronectes americanus reproductive success: I. Among-location variability in size and survival of larvae reared in the laboratory. Marine Ecology Progress Series 74: 117–124.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Buckley, L.J., A.S. Smigielski, T.A. Halavik, E.M. Caldarone, B.R. Burns, and G.C. Laurence. 1991b. Winter flounder Pseudopleuronectes americanus reproductive success: II. Effects of spawning time and female size on size, composition and viability of eggs and larvae. Marine Ecology Progress Series 74: 125–135.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Buckley, L.J., J. Collie, L.A.E. Kaplan, and J. Crivello. 2008. Winter flounder larval genetic population structure in Narragansett Bay, RI: Recruitment to juvenile young-of-the-year. Estuaries and Coasts 31: 745–754.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Chambers, R.C. 1997. Environmental influences on egg and propagule sizes in marine fishes. In Early life history and recruitment in fish populations, ed. R.C. Chambers and E.A. Trippel, 63–102. New York: Chapman & Hall.

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  • Chambers, R.C., and W.C. Leggett. 1987. Size and age at metamorphosis in marine fishes: An analysis of laboratory-reared winter flounder Pseudopleuronectes americanus with a review of variation in other species. Marine Ecology Progress Series 47: 1–15.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Chambers, R.C., and W.C. Leggett. 1996. Maternal influences on variation in egg sizes in temperate marine fishes. American Zoologist 36: 180–196.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Chambers, R.C., W.C. Leggett, and J.A. Brown. 1988. Variation in and among early life history traits of laboratory-reared winter flounder Pseudopleuronectes americanus. Marine Ecology Progress Series 47: 1–15.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Chant, R.J., M.C. Curran, K.W. Able, and S.M. Glenn. 2000. Delivery of winter flounder (Pseudopleuronectes americanus) larvae to settlement habitats in coves near tidal inlets. Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science 51: 529–541.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Clarke, K.R., and R.M. Warwick. 2001. Change in marine communities: An approach to statistical analysis and interpretation, 2nd ed. Plymouth: PRIMER-E.

    Google Scholar 

  • Coch, N.K. 1986. Sediment characteristics and facies distributions in the Hudson system. Northeastern Geology 8: 109–129.

    Google Scholar 

  • Crawford, R.E. 1990. Winter flounder in Rhode Island coastal ponds. Rhode Island Sea Grant RIU-G-90-001.

  • Crawford, R.E., and C.G. Carey. 1985. Retention of winter flounder larvae within a Rhode Island salt pond. Estuaries 8: 217–227.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Curran, M.C., and K.W. Able. 2002. Annual stability in the use of coves near inlets as settlement areas for winter flounder (Pseudopleuronectes americanus). Estuaries 25: 227–234.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Danila, D.J. 2000. Estimating the abundance and egg production of spawning winter flounder (Pseudopleuronectes americanus) in the Niantic River, CT for use in the assessment of impact at Millstone Nuclear Power Station. Environmental Science & Policy 3: S459–S469.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • DeCelles, G.R., and S.X. Cadrin. 2010. Movement patterns of winter flounder (Pseudopleuronectes americanus) in the southern Gulf of Maine: Observations with the use of passive acoustic telemetry. Fishery Bulletin 108: 408–419.

    Google Scholar 

  • DNC (Dominion Nuclear Connecticut, Inc.). 2011. Winter flounder studies. In Annual Report 2010. Monitoring the marine environment of Long Island Sound at Millstone Power Station Waterford, Connecticut, 13–100.

  • Fairchild, E.A., L. Siceloff, W.H. Howell, B. Hoffman, and M.P. Armstrong. 2012. Coastal spawning by winter flounder and a reassessment of essential fish habitat in the Gulf of Maine. Fisheries Research. doi:10.1016/j.fishres.2012.05.007.

    Google Scholar 

  • Folk, R.L. 1974. Petrology of sedimentary rocks. Austin, TX: Hemphills, University of Texas.

  • Fraboulet, E., Y. Lambert, M. Litvak, and C. Audet. 2009. The effects of latitudinal origin and paternal contribution on larval growth of winter flounder in a northern environment. Transactions of the American Fisheries Society 138: 407–415.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Geyer, W.R., and R. Chant. 2006. The physical oceanography processes in the Hudson River estuary. In The Hudson River estuary, eds. J.S. Levinton and J.R. Waldman, 24–38. Cambridge, United Kingdom: Cambridge University Press.

  • Howell, P.T., D.R. Molnar, and R.B. Harris. 1999. Juvenile winter flounder distribution by habitat type. Estuaries 22: 1090–1095.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hughes, J.B. 1999. Cytological–cytogenetic analyses of winter flounder embryos from benthos at the barge North Cape oil spill. Marine Pollution Bulletin 38: 30–35.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Iocco, L.E., P. Wilber, R.J. Diaz, D.G. Clarke, and R.J. Will. 2000. Benthic habitats of New York/New Jersey Harbor: 1995 survey of Jamaica, Upper, Newark, Bowery, and Flushing Bays. Final Report – October 2000. NOAA Coastal Services Center, NOAA/CSC/2123-CD.

  • Jefferies, H.P., and W.C. Johnson. 1974. Seasonal distributions of bottom fishes in the Narragansett Bay area: Seven-year variations in the abundance of winter flounder (Pseudopleuronectes americanus). Journal of the Fishery Research Board of Canada 31: 1057–1066.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Keller, A.A., and G. Klein-MacPhee. 2000. Impact of elevated temperature on the growth, survival, and trophic dynamics of winter flounder larvae: A mesocosm study. Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences 57: 2382–2392.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kennedy, V.S., and D.H. Steele. 1971. The winter flounder (Pseudopleuronectes americanus) in Long Pond, Conception Bay, Newfoundland. Journal of the Fisheries Research Board of Canada 28: 1153–1165.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Laroche, W.A. 1981. Development of larval smooth flounder, Liopsetta putnami, with a redescription of development of winter flounder Pseudopleuronectes americanus (Family Pleuronectidae). Fishery Bulletin 78: 897–909.

    Google Scholar 

  • Laurence, G.C. 1975. Laboratory growth and metabolism of the winter flounder Pseudopleuronectes americanus from hatching through metamorphosis at three temperatures. Marine Biology 32: 223–229.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Manderson, J.P. 2008. The spatial scale of phase synchrony in winter flounder (Pseudopleuronectes americanus) production increased among southern New England nurseries in the 1990s. Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Science 65: 340–351.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Manderson, J.P., J. Pessutti, C. Meise, D. Johnson, and P. Shaheen. 2003. Winter flounder settlement dynamics and the modification of settlement patterns by post-settlement processes in a NW Atlantic estuary. Marine Ecology Progress Series 253: 253–267.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Martin, F.D., and G.E. Drewry. 1978. Development of fishes of the Mid-Atlantic bight: An atlas of egg, larval and juvenile stages, Vol. 6. Stromateidae through Ogocephalidae. U.S. Fish Wildlife Service, Biological Services Program. FWS/OBS-78/12. pp. 196–200.

  • McCracken, F. 1963. Seasonal movements of the winter flounder, Pseudopleuronectes americanus (Walbaum), on the Atlantic coast. Journal of the Fishery Research Board of Canada 20: 551–586.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Pearcy, W.G. 1962. Ecology of an estuarine population of winter flounder, Pseudopleuronectes americanus (Walbaum): Parts I–IV. Bulletin of the Bingham Oceanographic Collection 18: 5–78.

    Google Scholar 

  • Pereira, J.J., R. Goldberg, P.E. Clark, and D.M. Perry. 1994. Utilization of the Quinnipiac River and New Haven Harbor by winter flounder, Pleuronectes americanus, as a spawning area. Final report to the New Haven Foundation. New Haven, CT.

  • Pereira, J.J., R. Goldberg, J.J. Ziskowski, P.L. Berrien, W.W. Morse, and D.L. Johnson. 1999. Essential fish habitat source document: Winter flounder, Pseudopleuronectes americanus, life history and habitat characteristics. NOAA Technical Memorandum NMFS-NE-138.

  • Phelan, B.A. 1992. Winter flounder movements in the Inner New York Bight. Transactions of the American Fisheries Society 121: 777–784.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Rogers, C. 1976. Effects of temperature and salinity on the survival of winter flounder embryos. Fishery Bulletin 74: 52–58.

    Google Scholar 

  • Sagarese, S.R., and M.G. Frisk. 2011. Movement patterns and residence of adult winter flounder within a Long Island estuary. Marine and Coastal Fisheries: Dynamics, Management, and Ecosystem Science 3: 295–306.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Scarlett, P.G., and R.L. Allen. 1992. Temporal and spatial distribution of winter flounder (Pleuronectes americanus) spawning in Manasquan River, New Jersey. Bulletin of the New Jersey Academy of Science 37: 13–17.

    Google Scholar 

  • Schultz, E.T., and M. Ludwig. 2005. The essentials on estuarine fish habitat, its evaluation and protection by federal fisheries law. In America’s changing coast: Private rights and public trust. eds. D.M. Whitelaw and G.R. Visgilio, 148–167. Northampton, MA, USA: Edward Elgar Publishing.

  • Schultz, E., J.J. Pereira, and P.J. Auster. 2007. Determining winter flounder spawning sites in two Connecticut estuaries. EEB Articles. Paper 19. http://digitalcommons.uconn.edu/eeb_articles/19

  • Shaheen, P.A., J.P. Manderson, and M.P. Fahay. 2004. Stage-specific spatial and temporal variability in the diets of larval winter flounder (Pseudopleuronectes americanus) in a Northeastern U.S. estuarine nursery. Estuaries 27: 958–965.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Signell, R.P., J.H. List, and A.S. Farris. 2000. Physical processes affecting the sea-floor environments of Long Island Sound. Journal of Coastal Research 16: 551–566.

    Google Scholar 

  • Smigielski, A.S., and C.R. Arnold. 1972. Separating and incubating winter flounder eggs. Progressive Fish Culturist 34: 113.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sogard, S.M., K.W. Able, and S.M. Hagan. 2001. Long-term assessment of settlement and growth of juvenile winter flounder (Pseudopleuronectes americanus) in New Jersey estuaries. Journal of Sea Research 45: 189–204.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Stoner, A.W., A.J. Bejda, J.P. Manderson, B.A. Phelan, L.L. Stehlik, and J.P. Pessutti. 1999. Behavior of winter flounder, Pseudopleuronectes americanus, during the reproductive season: Laboratory and field observations on spawning, feeding and locomotion. Fishery Bulletin 97: 999–1016.

    Google Scholar 

  • Taylor, D.L., and J.S. Collie. 2003. Effect of temperature on the functional response and foraging behavior of the sand shrimp Crangon septemspinosa preying on juvenile winter flounder Pseudopleuronectes americanus. Marine Ecology Progress Series 263: 217–234.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Taylor, D.L., and D.J. Danila. 2005. Predation on winter flounder (Pseudopleuronectes americanus) eggs by the sand shrimp (Crangon septemspinosa). Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Science 62: 1611–1625.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • USACE (United States Army Corps of Engineers). 2002. New York and New Jersey Harbor navigation project; gear comparison study. Final Report. Planning Division 26 Federal Plaza, New York, NY.

  • USACE (United States Army Corps of Engineers). 2008. Dredged material management plan for the Port of New York and New Jersey, Volume I. Planning Division 26 Federal Plaza, New York, NY.

  • Williams, G.C. 1975. Viable embryogenesis of the winter flounder Pseudopleuronectes americanus from −1.8° to 15°C. Marine Biology 33: 71–74.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Williams, P.J., and J.A. Brown. 1992. Development changes in the escape response of larval winter flounder Pleuronectes americanus from hatch through metamorphosis. Marine Ecology Progress Series 88: 185–193.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Witting, D.A., K.W. Able, and M.P. Fahay. 1999. Larval fishes of a Middle Atlantic Bight estuary: Assemblage structure and temporal stability. Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Science 56: 222–230.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wuenschel, M.J., K.W. Able, and D. Byrne. 2009. Seasonal patterns of winter flounder Pseudopleuronectes americanus abundance and reproductive condition on the New York Bight continental shelf. Journal of Fish Biology 74: 1508–1524.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgments

We thank two anonymous reviewers, Chris Chambers and Ken Able for their insightful comments and the many people who contributed substantial effort to the collection and processing of samples during the course of this study. Notably, HDR staff members David Davis, Ehren Deppert, Jack Hecht, Steve Niero, Paul Moccio, Nick Wood, Kathy Drury, Matt Tozer, and Darren Sinnott. The study could not have been completed without vessel support provided by Captain Michael Marcello, Raymond Ryan and Michael Maguire of the Corps of Engineers R/V Hudson. Funding for this project was provided by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Bowhead Science and Technology, 664 Old Plantation Road, Charleston, SC, 29412, USA

    Dara H. Wilber

  2. HDR Engineering Inc., One Blue Hill Plaza, Floor 12, PO Box 1509, Pearl River, NY, 10965, USA

    Douglas G. Clarke & Sarah E. Zappala

  3. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers New York District, 26 Federal Plaza, Room 2146, New York, NY, 10278-0090, USA

    Jenine Gallo, Catherine J. Alcoba & Ann M. Dilorenzo

Authors
  1. Dara H. Wilber
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Douglas G. Clarke
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Jenine Gallo
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Catherine J. Alcoba
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  5. Ann M. Dilorenzo
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  6. Sarah E. Zappala
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Dara H. Wilber.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Wilber, D.H., Clarke, D.G., Gallo, J. et al. Identification of Winter Flounder (Pseudopleuronectes americanus) Estuarine Spawning Habitat and Factors Influencing Egg and Larval Distributions. Estuaries and Coasts 36, 1304–1318 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12237-013-9642-z

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Revised:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12237-013-9642-z

Keywords

Search

Navigation