Comparison of long-term trends in growth of sole and plaice populations

Abstract

Trends in growth of sole and plaice stocks were examined from ICES areas IV, VII and VIII for periods of 10-20 years. Within each area, there were significant differences between place and sole in the trends in catch weight- at-age. Plaice showed a general decline in weigh in most stocks compared with more variable trends insole. The changes in growth were thought to be related to both environmental factors and fishing pressure.