| Summary: | The main aim of the ecosystem survey was to map the distribution and abundance of the young and adult stages of several demersal and pelagic fish species, and in addition to gather information about hydrographical features, zooplankton, benthos, seabirds and sea mammals. The water temperature in all observed areas was still higher (+0.7-+1.2 0C) than the long term mean but somewhat lower than in the same period 2006. The 2007 year-class of capelin and redfish are rich. 0-group of haddock, herring, eastern component of polar cod and sandeel are below average. 0-group of cod, Greenland halibut, saithe, long rough dab, wolffish and western component of polar cod were estimated to be poor. The total capelin stock was estimated to be 1.9 million tonnes, which is 2.4 times higher than last year. About 0.84 million tonnes were assumed to be maturing. However, the stock is still at a low level compared to the long term mean. The polar cod stock was estimated to be 1.2 million tonnes, which is less than last year but still higher than the long term mean. The abundance of juvenile Norwegian spring spawning herring was estimated to 1.22 million tonnes. Large parts of the numberous 2004 year-class migrated to the southeastern part of the Barents Sea, usually dominated by younger year-classes. Blue whiting of age groups 1 to 9, but mostly age 3 and 4, were observed in the western and southwestern parts of the surveyed area, and the biomass of this stock component was estimated to be 0.66 million tones, which is the third following year of decline since 2004, where the stock reached 1.4 mill. tonnes.
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