Loddeundersøkelser Barentshavet i mai - juni 1973

Abstract

The main aim of the investigation was to find the status of the capelin stock in the Barents Sea before the start of the summer fishery. The abundance was measured by acoustic means. The total distribution of the stock was found and also the relationship between the different year-classes. The main part of the stock was located along the polar front between Bear Island and Hope Island. The 1971 year-class dominated and was found to be rather rich, making together with the 1972 year-class more than 80 % of the stock. Adult capeling was mostly found in mixture with young capelin and only exceptionally recorded as catchable shoals.