Features of distribution and size-age composition of mackerel in the Norwegian Sea in the summer 2008–2018

Abstract

The article analyzes the data on the size and age composition of mackerel during the sea expeditions on domestic fishing vessels in July-September 2008–2018. The features of the distribution of mackerel in the feeding period of its life cycle are Briefly studied. The information on areas of work of fishing fleet of Russia and features of its dislocation in the specified years is presented. It is noted that the main factors determining the nature of annual migrations, distribution of mackerel and its areas of thought in the Norwegian Sea are the features of the oceanographic situation and conditions of feeding in different years. It is shown that the change in the average length of fish in commercial aggregations is significantly influenced not only by the change of generations, but also by feeding conditions in the years under study, primarily the level of biomass of feed zooplankton in the Norwegian Sea. Distribution of mackerel in the Norwegian Sea in the summer period 2008–2018 confirmed the pattern, which was that large specimens of mackerel were feeding in the North and West of the sea, while small fish — much South and East. Feeding migrations of larger fish were earlier and longer.