Summary: | The variations in the distribution and abundance of the different age groups of capelin in the Barents Sea were studied in relation to temperature variations in the period 1974-1982. The data were collected on yearly cruises in September- October . During the period 1976-1980 a pronounced south- and westward displacement of all age groups was observed. The displacement coincides with decreasing water temperatures in the region, and it is shown that the older age groups, 2, 3 and 4 years old fish, inhabited significantly warmer water masses in the years 1980-1982 than previously. The mean weight of the fish, especially for the 2 years old, changed correspondingly, as it was higher in 1980-1982 than previously in the period.
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