Publication Abstract

Residency and depth movements of a coastal group of Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua L.) from the Northern North Sea

F.C. Neat, P.J. Wright, A. F. Zuur, I.M. Gibb, F.M. Gibb, D.A. Righton and R. J. Turner

Atlantic cod stocks are subdivided into geographically and biologically discrete populations: some being locally resident, others migratory. The reasons for the variation in migratory behaviour and the consequences this has for population structuring is poorly understood. We studied a group of cod from one locality in the coastal waters of the Shetland Isles in the northern North Sea. During the spawning season cod were captured using a specialised trawl. Electronic tags that record depth and temperature over time were implanted into 133 individuals and the fish released within a few kilometres of where they were captured. A reward for recapture was offered and fishermen were asked to return any tagged cod they encountered.

Reference:

F.C. Neat, P.J. Wright, A. F. Zuur, I.M. Gibb, F.M. Gibb, D.A. Righton and R. J. Turner (2005) Residency and depth movements of a coastal group of Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua L.) from the Northern North Sea. Marine Biology, 148(3): 643-654