Pelagic, Demersal, Blue whiting, Portuguese coast

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Blue whiting Micromesistius poutassou (Risso, 1827), is a benthopelagic gadoid with a wide spatial distribution throughout the Northeast Atlantic, and depth ranging from the mid-shelf (50-100 m) to 1000 m and deeper. The highest densities are usually found on the upper part of the slope (200-500 m). Additionally, this species also undertakes diel vertical migrations. Given the extensive spatial and depth distribution, fishery-independent information for management purposes may be obtained from either demersal or pelagic surveys. In Portuguese continental waters, demersal surveys are performed annually, since the 1990s. Also, two acoustic surveys aiming specifically at blue whiting were carried out in 1998 and 1999. The distinct information obtained from pelagic versus demersal surveys is presented and the advantage of their joint analysis for an improved stock management is highlighted.