Abundance and distribution of postlarvae in the 0-group saithe survey in the north-east Arctic in 1985

Abstract

From 11 May to 31 May 1985 a pelagic trawl survey was carried out outside the Norwegian coast north of 62° N. The purpose of this pilot survey was to examine the possibility of getting useful information about the year class strength of the North-East Arctic saithe before too many of the postlarvae had drifted or migrated inshore. Attempts at this have so far not been successful for any saithe stock, and recruitment estimates are badly needed for the catch projections. The sampling was carried out with a mid-water trawl and the results are promising. There are also interesting biological aspects. Some systematic size differences of the saithe postlarvae seemed to appear within the investigated area. Distribution charts and tables of postlarvae of different species have been presented. An index of the year class strength of saithe has been calculated.