Condition and Feeding of Greenland Halibut (Reinhardtius hippoglossoides) in Flemish Cap and Other Areas: 1992-2003.

Abstract

The seasonal, annual and geographical changes in the Relative Condition Factor of a total of 65,113 individual biological data of Greenland halibut (Reinhardtius hippoglossoides) were analysed. These data were collected in three areas of the North Atlantic (NAFO Div. 3LNO and 3M, and ICES Div. IIb) in commercial fishing and scientific surveys from 1992 to 2003. The condition stage varied significantly among areas considering the season and sex, with a slightly increasing general trend in 3M and IIb, and descending in 3LNO in the studied period, but any clear pattern over time in any area. This index showed high differences among the three areas in the individuals ≥80 cm. This group showed a similar condition in Div. 3LNO and 3M but smaller in IIb, however the values were similar in inferior sizes for the three areas. There was a decrease of the condition in the intermediate sizes (30-60 cm) in the three areas in all the seasons. In general, the condition of males was slightly higher than in females, but both sexes presented annual oscillations. Relationship between the condition stage and the estimated biomass was not appreciated. A total of 8 931 Greenland halibut stomachs were collected in summer 1993-2003 in Flemish Cap. Feeding intensity was higher on Flemish Cap (62.4%) than in other areas. The most important preys were Pandalus borealis(19.0%), Sebastes spp. (11.5%) and Hyperiidea (8.9%). Feeding habits by size range and the comparison among different Divisions were also analysed.