The relation of the spatial distribution of early juvenile cod (Gadus morhua L.) in the Barents Sea to zooplankton density and water flux during the period 1978-1984

Abstract

Arcto-Norwegian cod spawn along the coast off mid and northern Norway in March and April. The eggs and larvae are carried north by the currents and a large proportion of the early juveniles drift into the Barents Sea. Surveys of the early juvenile cod and zooplankton populations were conducted in late June and July from 1978 through 1984 off the coast of northern Norway and in the Barents Sea. Based on this survey series, the spatial distribution of the early juvenile cod was compared with the distribution and abundance of the zooplankton. In all years, there was more zooplankton, on average, in subareas in which early juvenile cod were observed than in those without early juveniles. The average water temperature was higher and salinity was lower in the subareas with cod than in the subareas without cod. The spatial distribution of the early juvenile cod and zooplankton appears to be influenced by the wind-driven flux of water through the section between Fugloya and Bear Island and the correlation between the amount of zooplankton in the Barents Sea and the water flux was positive and significant.