Report from the joint Norwegian/Russian acoustic survey of pelagic fish in the Barents Sea September-October 2002

Abstract

The main aim of the survey was to estimate the sizes of two pelagic fish stocks in the Barents Sea, the capelin and the polar cod, in addition to studying their biology and geographical distribution. The survey on pelagic species formed a part of a multipurpose survey, with aim to study fish, environmental features, and plankton. On "Johan Hjort" acoustic experiments on capelin TS variation with depth were done. This report mainly concerns the results on the pelagic fish species, but includes a general description of the hydrographical situation in the area. A list of the scientific members on all vessels is given in Appendix I. The coverage of the stock of capelin was considered satisfactory. The capelin stock was estimated at 2.2 million tonnes, 0.6 times the estimate obtained last year. About 1.3 million tonnes were assumed to be maturing. The polar cod stock was estimated at 1.4 million tonnes, a reduction of about 25% from the record high estimate obtained last year. Practically no Norwegian Spring Spawning Herring were found in the surveyed area. Young blue whiting were observed in the southwestern parts of the Barents Sea. A quantitative estimation was not attempted.