The biology and fishery of the Greenland halibut (Reinhardtius hippoglossoides (Walbaum)) in the Newfoundland area

• Main Author: Lear, W. H. (William Henry)
• Format: Thesis
• Language: English
• Published: Memorial University of Newfoundland 1970
• Subjects: Newfoundland; Greenland
• Online Access: https://research.library.mun.ca/7244/; https://research.library.mun.ca/7244/1/Lear_WilliamHenry.pdf; https://research.library.mun.ca/7244/3/Lear_WilliamHenry.pdf

Various aspects of the biology of the Greenland halibut stock in the Newfoundland-Labrador area were investigated. The distribution of Greenland halibut in relation to depth and temperature is described for several areas. The largest concentrations were found to be in depths of 150 and 325 fathoms and temperatures from 1° to 3°C. -- The food of Greenland halibut is discussed in relation to half-monthly periods, depth and fish length. Capelin is the major food of Greenland halibut larger than 20 cm with euphausiids being the major food below 20 cm. -- The age and growth patterns, and length-weight relationships for several areas are described as well as evidence supporting the validity of the otolith ageing technique. The growth rate of Greenland halibut decreases from south to north possibly because of the cold Labrador Current in the northern areas. The growth rate of Greenland halibut in Trinity Bay has increased since 1953 possibly because of an increase in temperature in this area and also because of a decrease in numbers resulting from the high fishing intensity in Trinity Bay during 1964-68. -- Estimates of total and annual mortality rates are calculated for each area under consideration. Sufficient time had not elapsed since the increase in effort in Trinity Bay for the expected increase in total mortality to be reflected in the catch curves at the time of sampling.