GROWTH OF POLAR COD, BOREOGADUS-SAIDA (LEPECHIN), IN THE BARENTS SEA

Observed length-at-age, and back-calculated lengths based on otolith measurements, were analysed from samples of polar cod collected in the Barents Sea in autumn of 1987 to 1989. An increase in individual length of 1-year-olds was observed from 1987 to 1989. Indications of a slower growth among the fish collected in the eastern areas, compared to those sampled further west, were evident in all three years. The growth histories of the year-classes 1984 and 1985 showed similar patterns, while the fishes of the year-class 1986 had a faster growth in their second year of life. The growth seemed to be quite linear up to age three for the first two year-classes, while the 1986 year-class showed a decreasing trend in growth with age. For all three year-classes there is a gradual decrease in growth as age increases. © 1994 International council for the Exploration of the Sea.