LE3 .A278 2015

2015

Avery, Trevor

Acadia University

Bachelor of Science

Honours

Biology

Biology

Longfin squid, Loligo pealeii, is a commercially important species that is found along the east coast of North and Central America, and in the Western Atlantic Ocean. There has been little to no research done on longfin squid in the Minas Basin and surrounding area. Typically, squid abundance increases inshore during the early summer due to spawning activity (squid egg masses known as “mops” are present) and is highest toward the continental shelf during winter months. Longfin squid were collected from a commercial intertidal weir in the Minas Basin between June and August 2014. Fin length, mantle length, arm length, tentacle length and weight were recorded for up to 50 squid per tide, and any remaining squid were simply counted. These data were used to describe weight-length relationships, body morphometrics, and patterns of abundance and size in relation to residency timing. Morphometric analysis shows that longfin squid grow allometrically, becoming thinner as they grow, and also suggests that a small proportion of squid in this area are shortfin squid (Illex illecebrosus). A better understanding of the basic characteristics of long-finned squid in the Minas Basin will benefit future research projects and provide information for those involved in the management of the commercial and recreational fisheries.

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https://scholar.acadiau.ca/islandora/object/theses:1226