2003 IRISH SCIENTIST YEAR BOOK

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Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology* & The Marine Institute**
Gavin Power* & Dr Pauline King*, Dr Ciaran Kelly**
Commercial Fisheries Research - the blue whiting fishery, biology and dynamics


Sampling Blue Whiting in Killybegs, Co. Donegal

The Blue Whiting, Micromesistius poutassou , is a member of the Cod family (Gadidae) and is a widely distributed and commercially important species in the NE Atlantic. Total Irish landings in 2002 amounted to 17000 tonnes with a value of �1.6 m. International landings in 2001 reached 1.78 million tonnes. Gaps exist in our understanding of the population biology and ecological role of this species. The spawning stock is dominated by young fish, and above average recruitment is believed to be maintaining the current spawning stock biomass.


Percentage length-frequency distribution for combined Irish landings

Demonstrating Ireland's responsible attitude to fisheries management, the NDP - Marine Research Technology Development and Innovation Measure 2000-20006, with the full support of the Marine Institute, has funded a PhD research project to carry out research on the biology, dynamics and fisheries of the blue whiting in the waters around Ireland. The aim of this project is to strengthen and compliment Ireland's fish stock assessment capacity and increase our understanding of this important species.

Samples have been obtained from the commercial catch landed at Killybegs, Co. Donegal, and from several scientific acoustic surveys. Over 4000 fish have been measured and over 2000 fish aged to date. Ageing results indicate that the 2003 Irish catch is composed mainly of two and three year old fish. Older fish are less abundant. Growth is observed to be rapid in early years but slows down as the fish age. The diet of blue whiting is found to be variable; however meso-pelagic crustaceans feature prominently. A parasitic nematode worm, Anisakis sp., has been observed in 87% of specimens analysed. Sampling is continuing on an ongoing basis. It is hoped that long-term results will feed into management measures ensuring the sustainable exploitation of this stock.

Contact: Gavin Power & Dr Pauline King, Commercial Fisheries Research Group, GMIT; Tel: 091742089;
E-mail: [email protected] or [email protected] ;
Dr Ciaran Kelly, Marine Fisheries Services Division, Marine Institute; Tel: 091730400;
E-mail: [email protected]