Dynamics and growth of the eelpout Zoarces viviparus in the western Dutch Wadden Sea

In the past the eelpout Zoarces viviparus was considered a resident fish species in the westernDutch Wadden Sea but nowadays it has become rare. In this study, we analysed populationdynamics and growth of Z. viviparus in this area and tried to relate it to changes inenvironmental factors, such as temperature and salinity. In addition, otolith growth patternswere analysed in order to accurately estimate age, an essential requirement to study growth.Long-term trends in abundance showed a drastic population decline since the early 1970s,probably as a consequence of the increment of mean seawater... Mehr ...