Spatial variation in size and age at maturation and growth of the channeled whelk (Busycotypus canaliculatus) in Southern Massachusetts

The channeled whelk (Busycotypus canaliculatus) fishery in Massachusetts reached record levels in landings in the early 2010?s. At the same time, fishery independent surveys indicated a depleted resource. This study was conducted to determine size and age at maturity and compare these traits between specific locations within Massachusetts waters. A total of 1,787 channeled whelk (n = 940 males, n = 847 females) were collected from four different areas in Massachusetts waters. Results indicated that females matured at a significantly larger size and older age than the males in all areas sampled. There were also differences in size and age at maturity between areas for both sexes. Spatial variation in female size at maturity was inversely correlated with water temperatures, such that female channeled whelk matured at larger sizes in cooler waters. Male size at maturity exhibited a nonsignificant inverse relationship with temperature. These relationships were true for this study and across a broader spatial scale. No females were mature at the minimum legal size in Massachusetts study areas. This suggests that action is needed to manage the fishery in a sustainable manner. Record high levels of landings without any protection of the spawning stock could lead to stock collapse.

Automated summary

The study found that female channeled whelk matured to larger sizes in cooler waters, while male size at maturity showed a non-significant relationship with temperature. There were variations in size and age at maturity for channeled whelk between different areas in Massachusetts, indicating the need for tailored fishery management strategies.