Depth Distribution of the Effort, CPUE, Proportion of Mature and Oversized in the Catches of the Spanish Fisheries in NAFO Area

Abstract

This paper reports an analysis of the depth distribution of effort and CPUE of the Spanish fleet, as well as undersized fish proportions and mature rates in the Spanish catches of five different species (Greenland halibut, American plaice, cod, yellowtail flounder, skate). Data were collected by the Spanish scientific observer program in the areas NAFO Div. 3LMNO during the period 1996-2000. More than 80% of the annual effort is carried out in the strata of 600-800, 800-1000 and >1000 meters. The species with highest yields in these strata is the Greenland halibut. 10% of the effort is carried out in the stratum of <200 meters and within this the highest yields correspond to skate and American plaice. The proportion of mature fish in the catches depends on depth for Greenland halibut and skate, whilst for the rest of the species the proportions of mature fish are bigger and more stable. The percentage of oversized fish is quite high, bigger than 95% in all species and ranges of depth.