Seasonal abundance, growth, feeding and age composition of flounder (platichthys flesus (l.)) populations of the severn estuary and bristol channel

Between 1972‐1977 flounders (Platichthys flesus L.) have been collected in weekly samples from the trash bins of the Oldbury‐on‐Severn nuclear power station on the inner estuary. Other occasional samples have also been taken from the nearby Berkeley power station as well as from Hinkley Point power station and Barnstaple Bay on the outer estuary and Bristol Channel. These collections have enabled studies to be made of seasonal and annual changes in relative abundance age composition, growth rates, diet and feeding habits.

Key words:

• Flounder
• Severn Estuary
• Bristol Channel