Migration and recruitment to the commercial stock of Greenland halibut, Reinhardtius hippoglossoides (Walbaum), in the Svalbard area
Abstract
Results of stratified bottom trawl surveys in the Svalbard area during the period 1983-1985 show
that depth distribution of Greenland halibut is size dependent. Higher proportions of large fish
are found in deeper strata. The species exhibits geographically heterogeneous length distributions
with a relatively high proportion of small fish north of 76°K. This inter-area heterogeneity could
be attributed to a southwards migration of larger fish from nursery grounds in the north.
Recaptures of fish tagged in the northern area supports this view in that fish not recaptured in the
release area had moved southward. During the period of investigation a general decrease in the
abundance of small Greenland halibut was observed in the Svalbard area. This is interpreted as
indicating reduced recruitment success. 4 possible connection between the decreasing recruitment
of Greenland halibut and an increase of young cod. Gadhus morhua (L.), abundance is
discussed.
Publisher
[Fiskeridirektoratets havforskningsinstitutt]Series
Fiskeridirektoratets skrifter, Serie Havundersøkelservol 18 no 7