Iceland Spring Cod Survey Shows Biomass Recovering to 1985 Levels
SEAFOODNEWS.COM by John Sackton - April 22, 2016
The Iceland Marine Institute has released data from its spring survey, and they show the highest cod biomass since the mid-1980's. Cod population size is more than twice the level from 2002 to 2008.
Our first chart shows the distribution of cod around Iceland. Distribution from the latest survey is the most widespread since 1985. On the chart, 1985 is in the upper left, and 2016 is in the lower right.
Furthermore, capelin is quite abundant as well.
The second chart shows the survey index, which is higher than it was in 1985.
The large biomass is being driven by older cod, says the Marine Research Institute. The prevalence of cod from 50 to 100 centimeters in length is much higher than the 30-year average, and the 40 to 60 cm length is much higher than in 2015.
The 2014 year class is a bit weaker, but the preliminary results on the 2015 year class show very strong recruitment..
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