Abstract

In studies evaluating the condition and general health status of fish stocks, the method used for catching the fish is seldom considered as a factor of importance. In this study, condition indices were compared between cod caught in pots, gillnets, and on hooks in the same geographical area. The results showed that cod (Gadus morhua) caught on baited gear types (pots and hooks) generally displayed a lower condition and an older age (i.e. suggesting a lower growth rate) compared to cod caught in gillnets. It is unclear whether these results merely illustrate divergent behavioural responses in fish originating from one single population, or if these divergent behavioural components represent distinct subpopulations displaying different mean conditions and growth rates. Regardless of the underlying causes, the results not only show that parts of the Baltic cod stock are in extremely poor condition, they also indicate that different gear types used in the same area could target similar-sized conspecifics exhibiting large differences in condition and size-at-age. The potential impact of the difference in condition between the pots and other gear types could hamper the implementation of the cod pot as a potentially seal-safe and sustainable fishing method.

Keywords

capturing method; cod pot; Fultons condition factor; Gadus morhua; size-at-age

Published in

ICES Journal of Marine Science
2012, Volume: 69, number: 10, pages: 1781-1788
Publisher: OXFORD UNIV PRESS

SLU Authors

• Ovegård, Mikael

  • Department of Aquatic Resources (SLU Aqua), Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    

• Lunneryd, Sven-Gunnar

  • Department of Aquatic Resources (SLU Aqua), Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    

Sustainable Development Goals

Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development
End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture


UKÄ Subject classification

Behavioral Sciences Biology
Fish and Wildlife Management


Publication identifier

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1093/icesjms/fss145

Permanent link to this page (URI)

https://res.slu.se/id/publ/41734