Distribution and migration of the 1983 year class of Norwegian spring spawning herring in the period July 1987 - August 1988

Abstract

From ao wide distribution on the Norwegian coastal banks between 65°N and 69°N in June-July 1987 the herring of this year class accumulated in an area west of the Lofoten Island in August 1987, and migrated into the Vestfjord in September 1987. The main part of this herring wintered in the inner and eastern part of the Vestfjord area, were the herring occured in very large schools. The spawning migration to the traditional spawning areas off Møre occured in February 1988. This year class now completely dominates the spawning stock of the Norwegian spring spawning herring. The migration pattern of the herring in the period July 1987 to July 1988 seems to be comparable to the period July 1986 to July 1987. This particular migration pattern is seen in relation to earlier migration patterns for the Norwegian spring spawning herring.