Abstract
Northern (Labrador-eastern Newfoundland shelf) Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) spawn in March-June at depths in excess of 250 m and at bottom temperatures near 3 C. The eggs develop as they drift in the Labrador Current to shallow nursery grounds 600–1,000 km to the south. Spent adults also move southward and westward toward the coast of Labrador and Newfoundland, perhaps homing to the same areas where they grew up. The shoreward migration, through a layer of colder (-1.5 to 0 C) water, may be guided by migrating capelin (Mallotus villosus) on which the cod feed. Adults are joined by fish maturing for the first time in a fall migration back to the spawning grounds.
Published Version
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