Recent variations in recruitment of Northeast Atlantic greenland halibut (Reinhardtius hippoglossoides) in relation to physical factors

Abstract

Based on annual bottom trawl surveys in the Barents Sea and Svalbard area in 1983-96, the paper describes variations in abundance and composition of 1-group Greenland halibut (Reinhardtius hippoglossoides). The main pattern of variation in abundance during the period was a change from high abundance in the first half of the period, to low abundance in the second half. The reduced abundance was associated with a northerly shift in distribution. In the last two years the recruits reappeared, first in northern parts of the study area and then also further south. These periodical changes in juvenile distribution, may be driven by physical oceanographical processes. Distribution changes probably extend beyond the area covered by the annual surveys. Thus, the results add uncertainty to the resent assessment of the state of the stock.