An evaluation of recruitment indices for Arcto-Norwegian cod (Gadus morhuaL.)

Abundance indices for Arcto-Norwegian cod (Gadus morhua L.) at various life stages were analysed to determine the index that provides the earliest rel iable prediction of year-class strength. The indices considered are an egg abundance index; an early juvenile (approximately 3-months old) abundance i ndex; 0-group (age 4- to 5-months) abundance indices; bottom trawl and acou stic survey abundance indices for 1-, 2- and 3-year-old cod, and VPA estima tes of the abundance of 3-year-old cod and of spawning stock biomass. Based on a regression analysis, a cohort's relative abundance as early juveniles is the best early indication of its abundance as 2- and 3-year-olds. (C) 2 000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.