Occurrence, Size, and Sexual Maturity of Long-Finned Squid (Loligo pealei) at Nova Scotia and Newfoundland, Canada

A major extension of the geographic range of Loligo pealei, in quantitative as well as spatial aspects, is described. The species' range is extended northward and eastward to approximately 47°30′N: 53°06′W, based on its occurrence in Newfoundland inshore trap samples in the autumn of 1986. Biological data from these samples, as well as from collections from Nova Scotian inshore traps from 1974 to 1986, indicate that L. pealei becomes sexually mature and spawns in Nova Scotian waters but not at Newfoundland. Loligo pealei appears to be prevalent in Canadian waters at times when its sympatric competitor, the short-finned squid Illex illecehrosus, is not abundant. The reported catch of L. pealei in Atlantic Canada for 1986 was 67 t, which suggests that this species could possibly support a small Canadian fishery in some years.