Cannibalism as a factor regulating year class strength in the Norwegian spring-spawning herring stock
Original version
This report is not to be cited without prior reference to the authorAbstract
The feeding area of the Norwegian spring-spawning herring
stock is at present situated in the north-eastern parts of the
Norwegian Sea. The eastern parts of the feeding area overlaps
with the distribution of drifting larvae and 0-group of the
same stock. This study presents preliminary results of a
stomach sampling program on adult herring feeding off
Vesterålen, confirming that cannibalism are taking place in
the area. The size range of the cannibals was 24 to 36 cm, and
the mean size of the 0-group eaten was 6 cm (range 4-8). The
maximum number of 0-group found in one stomach was 7. These
findings support the hypothesis that cannibalism may be a
regulating factor for yearclass strength in Norwegian springspawning
herring under the present migratory regime.