Larval Fish Survey of Humboldt Bay

Graduation Date

1970

Document Type

Thesis

Program

Other

Program

Thesis (M.S.)--Humboldt State University, Natural Resources: Fisheries

Committee Chair Name

Charles F. Bryan

Committee Chair Affiliation

HSU Faculty or Staff

Keywords

Humboldt State University -- Theses -- Fisheries, Ecology, California--Humboldt Bay Region, Fishes--Larvae, Pacific herring, Fisheries, Pacific Ocean--Humboldt Bay

Abstract

Oblique tows and special sled tows were made from January to December 1969, to sample the larval fishes of Humboldt Bay, California. Of the 9759 zarvae collected, 16 were identified to family, two to genus, and 22 to species. An unidentified goby and Clupea harengus pallasi were the most abundant species. Illustrations and descriptions of 14 larvae are presented. The majority of the 40 species collected originated from demersal eggs and were resident inshore species characteristic of Pacific coast estuaries. The most productive sampling station was located in North Bay in contrast to the low producing stations near the bay entrance. The lowest number of species was found at a site which experienced strong freshwater flows. The majority of the numbers and species was collected from January to May; June to November were low in productivity. December brought about an increase in species number due to the inflow of offshore pelagically spawned larvae. Strong vertical mixing, sampling error and species behavior are discussed with regards to apparent homogeneous vertical distribution. Increasing pollution and habitat modification necessitates full understanding of the ecology of the bay. This study evidences the utilization of Humboldt Bay as a breeding and nursery ground for at least 40 species of fish.

https://scholarworks.calstate.edu/concern/theses/44558m04t

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