Loddefiske på Grand Banks, Newfoundland i 1974 (Norglobalekspedisjonen)

Abstract

The factory ship "Nordglobal" arrived at Grand Banks 16 May, and the first catches (about 60 tons) were taken with trawl around the position N 47°00', W 51°21'. On 21 May the fishing fleet moved to position N 46°23', W 53°21', south of Cape Race. In this area purse seine proved to be the most suitable fishing gear. The 5 June «Nordglobal» moved to Southeast Shoal where the capelin was taken with trawl. The conditions for fishing gradually improved on Southeast Shoal, and between 24 and 30 June the catch was about 10 000 tons. The fishing stopped 14 July when the quota of 43 000 tons in this area was obtained. The spawning on Southeast Shoal started in the middle of June, and in the last week of June most of the capelin was spawning or spent. Nearly all the capelin were from 3 to 5 years old. Fishing was only carried out at daytime when the capelin appeared in dense concentrations near the bottom. At night the capelin came close to the surface and dispersed.