Results Of A Deep-Water Experimental Fishing In The North Atlantic: An Example Of Cooperative Research With The Fishing Industry

No abstracts are to be cited without prior reference to the author.

This Experimental fishing was conducted by the freezer trawler M/V Puente Sabaris, in international waters of the North Atlantic in February-April 1999. One scientific was on board to collect data and biological material. Seamounts and banks near Azores was explored (Antialtair, Altair, Faraday, Olimpus and Minle) and also Reikjanes Ridge and Hatton Bank. Fishing effort was more intense at Reikjanes and Hatton with deepwater trawling. Most of the catch was obtained at Reikjanes and Hatton. Blue ling (Molva dypterygia) was the most caught species, with high catches at Reikjanes (3652 kg/hr.). Roundnose grenadier (Coryphaenoides rupestris) was the second species in importance, catch mainly at Hatton and Faraday. Other caught species were Boreal shark (Somniosus microcephalus), Atlantic halibut (Hippoglossus hippoglossus), Smoothhead (Alepocephalus bairdiii), Black scabbardfish (Aphanopus carbo) and Orange roughy (Hoplostethus atlanticus). All catches were taken at depths of below 600 m. The length range of Blue ling was 59-137 cm, with predominance of males. This was also evident in orange roughy, with individuals between 48-69 cm. The length range of Roundnose grenadier was 4.5-23 cm. The length-weight ratio was estimated for the main species. Observations of maturity at length was made, most of the individuals of Blue ling were mature.