Growth of Atlantic herring larvae (Clupea harengus L.) in response to climatic long term trends (NAO) and to hydrographical features in the northern North Sea in the period 1990- 1997

Abstract

Herring larvae were sampled during the IHLS in the ICES area IVa from 1990 to 1997. Larval growth was determined based on otolith microstructure analysis from larvae of 7-25mm standard length. The data were correlated to the North Atlantic Osciliation (NAO) and the inflow of Atlantic water (AW) at the same period. The study showed a strong correlation between positive NAO years with a higher inflow of AW and subsequently higher larval growth rates, which could be an indication of favorable growth conditions.