Publication Abstract

Comparison of Spawning Characteristicsof Cod (Gadus morhua) Stocks in the North Atlantic

K. Brander

A fundamental problem in studying fish populations is to identify the processes which govern their dynamics and the appropriate scales (in time and space) at which to investigate these processes. One possible way to identify the processes is by describing the life history characteristics and comparing those characteristics for different areas in which the species occurs. Some preliminary results of a comparative study of cod (Gadus morhua) and haddock (Melanogrammus aeglefinus (L.)) life histories and population dynamics, undertaken by scientists within ICES, are presented to stimulate further development of the initiative.

This paper concentrates principally on the timing and location of cod spawning, and briefly summarizes the information available for most of the geographic range of the species in the North Atlantic. It looks in greater detail at the area around the British Isles and at the Scotian Shelf, in order to investigate variability in timing of spawning on a smaller scale. Some conclusions are drawn about the processes and scales which may be appropriate for further investigation.

Reference:

K. Brander, 1993. Comparison of Spawning Characteristicsof Cod (Gadus morhua) Stocks in the North Atlantic.