POPULATION DYNAMICS OF FLOUNDER (Platichthysflesus) IN ESTONIAN WATERS

Abstract

The abundance of flounder in Estonian waters is affected mainly by the inflow of saline water from the North Sea to the Baltic Sea and by fishing. The spawning stock number, biomass, and fishing mortality in the Estonian waters of the Gulf of Finland were estimated by Separable VPA. The spawning stock number and biomass have increased after the last major inflow of saline water from the North Sea to the Baltic Sea. The share of young flounder (1-2 years old) increased rapidly in 1998 (year-classes 1996 and 1997) as a result of the improved spawning conditions and an increase in the number of spawning stock.