Survey report from the joint Norwegian/Russian ecosystem survey in the Barents Sea August-October 2005, Volume 1

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 higher (+0.5-1 degree C) than the long term mean but somewhat lower than in the same period 2004. The 2005 haddock year-class is very rich. The 2005 year-class of cod, herring, capelin and is near the average level. 0-group of the western component of polar cod is below the average level. 0-group of Greenland halibut, redfish, saithe and the eastern component of polar cod were estimated to be poor. The total capelin stock was estimated to be 0.3 million tonnes, which is 50% lesser than last years estimate. About 0.17 million tonnes were assumed to be maturing. The polar cod stock was estimated to be 1.8 million tonnes, which is 0.7 million tonnes higher then last year. Juvenile Norwegian spring spawning herring was estimated in the southern part of the Barents Sea to be 2.8 million tonnes. Blue whiting of age groups 1 to 9 were observed in the western and southwestern parts of the surveyed area, and the biomass of this stock component was estimated to be 1.1 million tonnes