Monkfish
Egg Veil Sighting Network NOAA Fisheries
Cooperative Monkfish Research
Northeast Fisheries Science Center
166 Water Street
Woods Hole, MA 02543
(508) 495-2000
Help
us learn more about monkfish!
(run
pointer over photo to view closeup)
What
we need
More
detailed information about when and where monkfish spawn,
and where the egg veils travel after spawning.
What we'll do
Use
information on egg veil sightings along with satellite data
and ocean circulation patterns to predict
where eggs will hatch. We will be posting data on a map
to this website showing the locations of egg veil sightings
(background).
You
can help by entering your information below or emailing it
to: Anne.Richards@noaa.gov
Background
• Monkfish
egg veils are thought to remain near the surface for 1-3
weeks (depending on temperature) until the egg veil disintegrates
and the larvae hatch. The size and shape of egg veils suggest
they are 'designed' for being transported in the surface
currents.
• This
animation shows the movements of a surface drifter over
a few months. How far and where an egg veil might move
will depend on when and where spawning occurs. Prevailing
surface currents and water temperatures will then determine
the duration of incubation and fate of the fertilized
eggs.
