Review of tagging studies on Atlantic herring (Clupea harengus) in relation to transboundary movement in the Bay of Fundy/Gulf of Maine/Scotian Shelf region of the Northwest Atlantic

The management of Atlantic herring in the Bay Fundy/Gulf Maine/Scotian Shelf region Northwest (NAFO areas 4WX5YZ) assumes separate stocks Canadian and US waters; however, landed weir fishery southwest New Brunswick (SWNB) are assumed to be origin for purposes. present study is a review tagging studies that have been conducted on since 1950s NAFO 4WX5YZ. data show consistent patterns over time. Juvenile coastal Gulf Maine SWNB nursery generally only movements between these two areas. These believed include hatched from spawning grounds, contrary current assumption SWNB. As mature, they understood primarily return their natal area. mixing adults different grounds (including transboundary mixing) during summer feeding overwintering seasons. spawners observed overwinter England Nova Scotia. Herring tagged recaptured fishery, refuting all this origin. suggest comprises mix Canada US. biases associated with recapture programs precludes estimation any proportions stock mixing. Alternative methods evaluating structure 4WX5YZ recommended.