Distribution of Larvae of the Common Squid Todarodes pacificus in the Northern East China Sea

The common squid Todarodes pacificus is an ecologically and commercially important species in Korea and Japan. However, the distribution pattern of its eggs and larvae in Korean waters has not yet been clarified. To determine the horizontal and temporal distribution of common squid larvae in the northern East China Sea, samples collected using paired, 60 cm diameter Bongo nets from the three surveys conducted in August 2003, May 2004 and November 2005 were examined. In addition, the vertical distribution was examined from the samples collected using a $1\;m^2$ MOCNESS in April 1999 (20 m interval down to 100 m). A total of 218 larvae ranging in mantle length (ML) from 1.2 to 17.0 mm were counted at 27 stations. Larval abundance was highest in May 2004. The larvae mainly occurred in the southeastern area of Jeju Island, where the water temperature and salinity at 50 m deep ranged from $15-23^{\circ}C$ and 34-34.6 psu, respectively. Most larvae were collected in the frontal zone, where the Tsushima Warm Current and inshore waters meet. The results from the MOCNESS samples showed that the larvae occurred mostly in 20-80 m depth ranges (about 90%), although collections were only conducted above 100 m. No significant differences in larval mantle lengths (ANOVA, P>0.05) were found among each depth interval. Given the occurrence sites of the larvae <2.0 mm ML, the spawning ground of this species appears to be within the northern East China Sea, mainly to the southeast and northeast of Jeju Island, in early spring.