Time And Duration Of Spawning Of Cod In Icelandic Waters

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Time and duration of spawning among cod on the main spawning grounds southwest of Iceland, varies from one year to another, as well as within spawning seasons between different size/age groups of spawning females. In 1994 - 1997, onset and duration of spawning was found to be related to size and age of females where larger and older females started spawning earlier and over a longer time period than the smaller and younger females. A similar, however, less distinct trend is seen in 1998 and 1999, where larger females started spawning later than during the years1994-1997. The influence of stock and environmental factors, including the effects of changing stock structure, female condition, temperature, feeding conditions and the distribution of capelin on the time and duration of spawning is discussed.