Condition and Feeding of American Plaice (Hippoglossoides platessoides) in the North Atlantic with Emphasis in Flemish Cap

• Main Authors: González-Iglesias, M.C. (María de la Concepción), Román-Marcote, E. (Esther), Paz, X. (Xabier)
• Format: Report
• Language: English
• Published: Centro Oceanográfico de Vigo 2004
• Subjects: North Atlantic; Northwest Atlantic; Pandalus borealis
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/10508/688

The seasonal, annual and geographical changes in the Relative Condition Factor (Kr) of a total 24495 individual biological data of American plaice (Hippoglossoides platessoides, Fabricius) were analysed. These samples were collected in three areas of the North Atlantic (NAFO Division 3M and Divisions 3LNO, and ICES Div. IIb) in commercial fishing and scientific surveys from 1992 to 2003. The condition stage presented significant variations among the three areas considering season, sex, size range and year effects, with a little descending general trend in Div. IIb and Div. 3M, and quite constant in Div. 3LNO in the considered period, but no clear pattern over time in any area. The Div. 3LNO and IIb showed seasonal differences of Kr in relation to sex and season, but any clear trend. In Div. 3M, only sith spring and summer data, no remarkable change was found. The spawning period corresponded with the maximum of condition, followed by another period with increase of the feeding intensity. Biomass data estimated and the relative condition in Div. 3M and 3LNO showed similar pattern, but there were no significant correlations. Food and feeding of 2119 individuals of American plaice were examined in Flemish Cap in summer (1993-2003). Feeding intensity was higher in Flemish Cap (78.1%) than in other areas. The main preys in the composition of stomach contents were Ophiuroidea (56.3%), Hyperiidea (12.5%) and Pandalus borealis (7.5%). Feeding habits by size range and the comparison among different NAFO Divisions were also analysed.