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BIOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF THE HERRING (CLUPEA HARENGUS L.) AND
MACKEREL (SCOMBER SCOMBRUS L.) IN THE NORTH-EAST ATLANTIC (ICES -
BRITISH ISLANDS) IN THE HYDROCLIMATIC CONDITIONS BETWEEN JULY 1994
AND MAY 1995


I. Staicu, Cornelia Maxim
Institute Roumain de Recherches Marines Constanta

Abstract
This paper presents the main results on the knowledge of the evolution
of the hydroclimatic conditions in the North-East Atlantic area in the
period July 1994 - May 1995 as well as the biological characteristics
of the two pelagic species inhabiting this area, the herring (Clupea 
harengus L.) and the mackerel (Scomber scombrus L.). The values of the
air pressure, wind direction and force, visibility, air and water 
temperature are within the normal limits for the investigation period,
excepting the interval October 1994 - January 1995 characterized by
strong winds (7-10 degree Bf) almost twice the multiyearly average
force. References on the structure by length and weight classes, by
age, sex ratio, maturation degree, length-weight relations are made
for each species.

Key words: North-East Atlantic, hydroclimatic parameters, herring,
           mackerel