Kolmuleundersøkelser nordvest av De britiske øyer i mai 1975 og mars - april 1976

Abstract

The distribution and abundance of blue whiting were observed by direct hydroacoustic methods on the R.V. "G.O. Sars". In 1975 the area between St. Kilda and the Faroes was investigated. The best concentrations were recorded south of the Faroes shelfedge. Only postspawners were caught. In 1976 the area from the Faroes to 56°N was investigated. The best concentrations of blue whiting were recorded west of St. Kilda. The spawning commenced in the first week of April. The abundance recorded inside the investigated areas was estimated to 1.8 million tonnes and 3.1 million tonnes in 1975 and 1976 respectively. Relative to the total spawning area this is comparable to the spawning stock size estimated in 1972, 1973 and 1974.