The Barents Sea capelin – a review of trophic interrelations and fisheries

Abstract

Barents Sea capelin, Mallotus villosus (Muller), are preyed upon by many fish, marine mammals, and birds, and are also targeted by a fishery. The Barents Sea is inhabited by other abundant plankton-eaters, such as polar cod (Boreogadus saida), and herring (Clupea harengus), as well as by juvenile demersal fish. The status of the capelin population therefore depends on the abundance and age structure of its spawning stock, the abundance of predators and competitors for food, the strength of year- classes, and the intensity of fishing. Capelin biomass dropped sharply as a result of increased predation and food competition in the mid-1980s and mid-1990s, and the heavy fishing mortality then forced the spawning stock below its minimum allowable level and contributed to the rapid decline. Management of the capelin fishery should take into account the complex of interactions between species to keep a natural balance in the Barents Sea ecosystem. Exploitation of the capelin stock should be effected with due regard to the necessity to keep the spawning-stock biomass sufficiently large as well as to maintain an adequate food supply for other species. 2002 International Council for the Exploration of the Sea. Published by Elsevier Science Ltd.