Fecundity of Greenland halibut (Reinhardtius hippoglossoides walbaum) in East Greenland waters

Fecundity is described for Greenland halibut, based on ovaries collected in July 1997 in ICES Division XIVb in East Greenland waters. The mean potenti al fecundity was estimated to be 113 700 (range 32 500-277 100). Fecundity was significantly determined by total length. Fecundity-length and fecundit y-weight (round and gutted) relationships were estimated. Vitellogenic oocy tes appearing dark in the microscope with a diameter ranging from 900 to 16 50 mum were counted and used in the fecundity estimates. This stage was eas ily distinguished from an early vitellogenic stage, with a diameter ranging from 490 to 1050 mum (mean 730 mum). The latter appeared transparent with a small brownish nucleus. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserve d.