Changes in growth of Northeast Arctic cod in relation to food consumption in 1984-1988

Abstract

From 1984 to 1988 the average weight of cod (Gadus morhun) by age group in the Northeast Arctic stock was reduced by about 60% in most age groups. During the same period, the estimated individual food consumption by age group has decreased by 40-70%. It is concluded that these two features are closely correlated and that the decimation of the stock of one of the major prey species, the capelin (Mallotus villosus), is ultimately largely responsible.