Settlement, growth and mortality of 0-group plaice (Pleuronectes platessa)in Icelandic waters

This paper describes the results of a study on settlement, growth and morta lity of 0-group plaice (Pleuronectes platessa) in Icelandic waters in 1999. Settlement of metamorphosing plaice in size between 9 and 14 mm TL was obs erved from the first sampling at the end of May. Over the survey period, de nsities increased to maximum numbers of about 10 individuals per 100 m(2) a t the end of June. Hereafter, numbers declined steadily until the end of Se ptember. The growth rate of juvenile plaice over the period June-August was estimated to be 0.6 mm d(-1), which appeared to be maximal and only determ ined by prevailing water temperatures. Instantaneous mortality was estimate d to be in the order of 0.03 d(-1). Due to the almost complete absence of p redatory crustaceans, this mortality is assumed to be caused by fish and bi rd predation. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.