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!
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.