Movement patterns of Greenland halibut, Reinhardtius hippoglossoides, at West Greenland, as inferred from trawl survey distribution and size data. J.Northw.Atl.Sci

During 1988–93, several bottom trawl surveys were conducted in West Greenland covering depths from 38 to 1 497 m. The movement of Greenland halibut (Reinhardtius hippoglossoides) (Walbaum) from important nursery grounds west and southwest of Disko Island towards greater depths and towards the spawning area further south in the Davis Strait were inferred by statistically significant changes in mean lengths by area and depth. Surveys were conducted at different times of the year during April–December. The spatial distribution of Greenland halibut apparently changes considerably throughout the year based on contour maps of estimated stock density. Migration between areas is likely related to significant changes in stages of maturity during the year. Bottom temperature does not appear to have a significant influence on stock movements and distribution