Research Document - 2004/136

Capelin (Mallotus villosus) fishery, biology and distribution in NAFO Divisions 4RST in 2003

By Grégoire, F., C. Savenkoff, H. Benoît, D. Chabot, C. Lévesque, J. Hudon, J. Lavers

Abstract

In 2003, capelin landings fished in the Estuary and the Gulf of St. Lawrence added up to 4,640 t. These landings represent a rise of 1,248 t compared with the 2002 level. However, despite this increase, the 2003 landings are still lower than the annual average landings of 5,522 t calculated for the 1990-2002 period. According to the industry, the recent drop in capelin landings would be caused by the loss of some significant markets and not a decrease in the abundance. The majority of landings realized in 2003 were made by purse seiners operating on the west coast of Newfoundland, and in unit area 4Rc in particular. Between the end of the 1980s and the beginning of the 1990s, fishing seasons in this area were generally characterized by late fishery opening dates (and spawning activities). The average length of capelin caught in Division 4R showed a downward trend between 1986 and 1999, but a rise occurred thereafter. Nevertheless, the lengths measured in 2003 still remain lower to those recorded in the 1980s. Indices measuring the dispersion and probabilities of finding capelin are now calculated from the groundfish and shrimp (Pandalus borealis) abundance research surveys. Between 1990 and 2003, these indices have been characterized by rises in their long-term tendencies. From 1997 to 2002, areas with high probabilities to find capelin in the northern Gulf of St. Lawrence expanded gradually towards the east. However in 2003, the west coast of Newfoundland was rather characterized by a reduction of such areas. For the southern Gulf, a very significant expansion of the species distribution characterized this area since the middle of the 1990s. This expansion seems to be linked with a reduction of the Magdalen Shallows surface area covered by water colder than 1°C. Stomach contents sampled in the Gulf of St. Lawrence (Divisions 4R and 4S) since 1993 revealed that the capelin is a significant food resource for cod (Gadus morhua). A strong link would exist between the length of cod and the importance of capelin in its diet. Indeed, cods from 20 to 70 cm would be the most important predator for capelin.

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