Population Dynamics of Greenland Halibut in the Gulf of St. Lawrence

Abstract

Greenland halibut, Reinhardtius hippoglossoides, in the Gulf of 81. Lawrence are generally concentrated during the winter in deep water of the Laurentian Channel off Southwest Newfoundland. They are dispersed during the summer, but small concentrations are found in the mouth of the S1. Lawrence River west of Anticosti Island. The fishery for this species in the Gulf increased rapidly from 1,500 tons in 1975 to nearly 9,000 tons in 1979 and declined to 3,000 tons in 1981, the catches being comprised of age-groups corresponding to those of very successful year-classes off Labrador and eastern Newfoundland. The drastic reduction in abundance since 1978, the lack of observable recruitment, the recent decline in catches, and peculiarities in certain biological characteristics indicate that substantial recruitment to the fishery in the Gulf of 81. Lawrence may come from areas outside the Gulf, possibly through the Strait of Belle Isle.