Demersal fish investigations in the waters off Bear Island, Spitsbergen, and in the Barents Sea with R.V. "G.O. Sars" 3 - 20 November 1970

The primary aim of the cruise was to obtain data of the abundance and distribution of the prerecruits (0—3 years of age) of cod and haddock. It was also intended that the cruise should yield information about the suitability of late autumn as a basis for future investigations of this type. It is concluded that November is not favourable, chiefly because of vertical migrations of the young fish. Echo surveying was continuously carried out on the cruise, Sampling of fish was made by otter trawl and occasionally by pelagic trawl. The two types of redfish, S. marinus and S. mentella, were examined, and their distribution and some of their systematic characteristics are discussed. The stomach contents of predatory fish were examined. It appeared that 0-group fish were exposed to heavy predation by cod and blue whiting. Deep water hauls with otter trawl were made west of Spitsbergen in order to obtain biological material of cod and Greenland halibut. These species are caught during late autumn by trawlers in that area. In addition saithe, Polar cod, blue whiting, catfishes, capelin, and long rough dab are briefly discussed