The management of cod stocks with special reference to growth and recruitment overfishing and the question whether artificial propagation can help solve management problems. In: The propagation of cod Gadus morhua L.: an international symposium, Arendal, 14 - 17 June 1983

Abstract

The terms qrowth overfishinq and recruitment overfishinq are defined. The exploitation and management of two of the major cod stocks in the North-East Atlantic, North-East Arctic cod and North Sea cod, are briefly reviewed with special reference to the two forms of overfishinq. Possible density-dependent factors limitinq stock size and yield are discussed, and it is suqqested that density-dependent qrowth and especially cannibalism of younq by adults miqht be important requlatory mechanisms in cod stocks. Potential effects on yield of artificial propaqation are then considered, makinq different assumptions about the form of the yield curve of the natural population. It is concluded that veral factors should be further studied before starting large scale releases of artificially produced recruits on a regular basis.