Fish Distribution and Partial Recruitment: The Case of Eastern Scotian Shelf Cod

Source - Journal of Northwest Atlantic Fishery Science, Volume 13: 15-24
ISSN-0250-6408

Sinclair, A. 1992. Fish Distribution and Partial Recruitment: The Case of Eastern Scotian Shelf Cod. J. Northw. Atl. Fish. Sci. 13: 15-24. https://doi.org/10.2960/J.v13.a2

The distribution-at-age of cod (Gadus morhua) in NAFO Subdiv. 4Vs and 4W was investigated as part of a study to determine possible mechanisms for differences in partial recruitment (PR) among fishing fleets. The results of research vessel surveys were used to describe fish distribution while the distribution of fishing vessels was described using logbook and observer data. Young fish (ages 1-4) were more abundant on shallow banks in the south and west of the study area and were found at higher temperatures. Older fish (age 5+) were found at progressively greater depths toward the north and east and at colder temperatures. Distributions of cod with depth and temperature differed from the average conditions in the survey area indicating that cod sought areas with specific conditions. Longline fishing effort was concentrated in areas where older fish were more abundant while otter trawl effort was concentrated in areas where middle aged fish were more abundant. The fleet specific effort distribution can explain the dome-shaped PR to otter trawls as well as the large difference in PR between the fleets. These results indicate age segregation in this cod stock, which would allow for year-class targeting by the commercial fishery. This could lead to interannual variation in PR and errors in stock assessments.

PDF

Language - English
Publisher - Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Organization (NAFO), Dartmouth, N.S., Canada
Publication Date - December 1992
Publication Type - Journal Article

Download Citation Data

 

Citation to clipboard

Reference management software (Endnote, Mendeley, RefWords, Zotero & most other reference management software)

LaTex, BibDesk & other specific software