Movement patterns of Greenland halibut, Reinhardtius hippoglossoides (Walbaum), at West Greenland, as inferred from trawl survey distribution and size data

Abstract

During 1988-93, several bottom trawl surveys were conducted in West Greenland covering depths from 38 to 1 497 m. The movement of R. hippoglossoides from important nursery grounds west and southwest of Disko Island towards greater depths and towards the spawning area further south in the Davis Strait were inferred by statistically significant changes in mean lengths by area and depth. The spatial distribution of Greenland halibut apparently changes considerably throughout the year. Migration between areas is likely related to significant changes in stages of maturity during the year.