ICHTHYOPLANKTON DISTRIBUTION AND ABUNDANCE OFF THE WEST-COAST OF IRELAND

The larval stages of 72 fish species were identified from plankton samples taken from off the west coast of Ireland to the Porcupine Bank during April to July 1980 and April to June 1983. Three species, pearl-side (Maurolicus muelleri), mackerel (Scomber scombrus) and blue whiting (Micromesistius poutassou), accounted for 75% of the total numbers of fish larvae. All of the major species were more abundant in 1983 than in 1980, some significantly so. Several species had their peak abundance earlier in 1953 than in 1980. Twelve species of chaetognath were also identified and their distribution and abundances indicated movements and origins of water masses.