Ecology of redfish on the East Greenland shelf

Lead Institute SF Institute of Sea Fisheries

Species interactions and trophic ecology of commercially important redfish species at the slope of the Greenland shelf

This project focusses on the distribution and ecology of the two commercially exploited redfish species on the East Greenland Shelf: Golden redfish (Sebastes norvegicus) and Beaked redfish (S. mentella).

Background and Objective

The beaked redfish population has been in a poor state for a number of years because it has been fished intensively and has not produced larger cohorts for a long time. Golden redfish is still more abundant, but may suffer the same fate as beaked redfish in the coming years.

The aim of this project is to understand the distribution and ecology of both species in order to improve our knowledge and improve scientific fishing quota recommendations. The aim is to protect the remaining beaked redfish population and allow golden redfish population to recover.

Target Group

Science, politics

Approach

The data will be based on catch data from our and Greenland's annual research surveys since the early 1980s. To understand the ecology, the project will focus on the stomach contents of both species. These will be analysed both traditionally, i.e. microscopically, and using genetic methods.

Data and Methods

The data will be based on our and Greenland's annual research expeditions since the early 1980s. To shed light on the ecology, the project will focus on the stomach contents of both species. These will be analysed both traditionally, i.e. microscopically, and using newer DNA-based molecular methods.

Our Research Questions

Where are the distribution areas of redfish stocks off the Greenland coast?
Can spatial fishing quota recommendations be optimized to protect the endangered deep-sea redfish?
What is the impact of historical fishing on both stocks?
What is the position of both species in the food web and is there competition between them?