Peer reviewed

Variability in the annual egg production of hatchery-reared Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) was determined under stable experimental conditions. Egg size increased with fish age as an approximate step function. Comparing first- and second-time spawners, the variance in egg dry weight was 32% within individuals (i.e., the seasonal effect, the cod being a multiple-batch spawner), 55% between years, and 12% between individuals. In several repeat spawners, the curvature of the seasonal egg size curves showed little difference between years. The seasonal decrease in egg size was typically smaller in recruit spawners than in repeat spawners. There was no empirical evidence to suggest that environmental temperature regulates seasonal variations in egg size. The extent of egg swelling (i.e., the egg dry weight/diameter ratio) indicated a strong genetic component. Investment in ovarian growth was influenced by previous allocations as exemplified by annual, sinusoidal fecundity oscillations. Larger fish showed significantly longer spawning periods. The combined influence of maternal factors and the annual temperature variations noticed in the field during early stages suggests that larger larvae at the onset of feeding are more likely to survive