Distribution and abundance of polar cod (Boreogadus saida) off southern Labrador and eastern Newfoundland

Polar cod (Boreogadus saida) were caught frequently during bottom-trawl surveys in the autumns of 1978-1993 on the continental shelf off southern Labrador and eastern Newfoundland. An analysis of length compositions revealed that the majority of these polar cod were of ages 1 and 2. The minimum trawlable biomass was low in 1978-1984 , but higher on average and more variable in 1985-1993. During 1978-1990 most of the polar cod were caught on Hamilton Bank and the coastal shelf off southern Labrador and northeastern Newfoundland, with smaller numbers on western Funk Island Bank and southward to the Avalon Channel. An eastward shift in 1991-1993 is discussed in relation to the possible influence of changes in abundance and distribution of a potential competitor (capelin) and two predators (Atlantic cod and harp seals), and a decline in water temperature.