Capelin investigations in the Barents Sea during autumn 1978

From 14 September to 11 October investigations on the Barents Sea capelin stock were carried out, with aim on the geographical distribution of the stock, its structure and assessment of the abundance. Compared to the situation in 1977 the hydrographic situation in the western part of the Barents Sea was much the same. In the eastern part, the temperature was lower than in 1977, especially at the surface. This difference increased with increasing longitudes, and in large areas it was about 2°C. The geographical distribution of capelin was much the same as in 1977, except for the northwestern area where little or none capelin was recorded. The main concentrations were located around the two positions: 77°20'N-34°00'E and 77°40'N-41°00'E. The 1977 yearclass was found to be extremely poor. The size of the spawning stock was assessed to be 1.7 mill. tonnes. The 1975- and 1974-yearclasses will dominate the spawning stock in 1979