The distribution and catch rates of deep water fish along the Mid-Atlantic Ridge from 43 to 61°N

Abstract

The data presented were collected from one trawl and three longline exploratory surveys to the Mid-Atlantic Ridge and covered the depths between 400 and 2000 m, but mainly between 500 and 1200 m. Information on 56 species from 27 families is presented with regard to temperature, geographical distribution and depth. For some species, new information on geographical distribution is presented. In the northern part of the Ridge (north of 52°N) sub-Arctic species such as Sebastes spp., tusk ( Brosme brosme) and Greenland halibut ( Reinhardtius hippoglossoides) are dominant. In the southern part (south of 48°N), sub-tropical species such as golden eye perch ( Beryx splendens) and cardinal fish ( Epigonus telescopus) are the dominant species. The area between 48 and 52°N is a region of faunal change where some species seem to be at either the northern or southern limit of their distribution.