Abundance estimates of the spawning stock of blue whiting (Micromesistius poutassou (Risso, 1810)) in the area west of the British Isles in 1972-1974

Abstract

An analysis is made on the blue whiting data from the echo surveys conducted during 1972-1974 for assessment of the spawning stock west of the British Isles. Acoustic data are evaluated using a length dependent density coefficient. Area and time coverage are discussed for each survey. Mean density and total abundance are calculated for the three years in the investigated area, and a stock size of approximately 6 million tons is suggested for the spawning stock.