The distribution of chondrichthyans along the northern coast of Norway

Abstract

The relationship between temperature, latitude, and depth and the distribution and relative abundance of chondrichthyans along the northern coast of Norway was examined based on catches made in scientific trawls north of 628N from 1992 to 2005. It appears that Chimaera monstrosa, Etmopterus spinax, Squalus acanthias, and Galeus melastomus were more abundant in the south, and Amblyraja radiata more common in the north. Between 1992 and 2005, the distribution and relative abundance did not appear to change significantly, although average water temperatures rose during the period. Current fishing levels do not appear to be impacting the populations of the more common species, but the status of species rarely found in the survey catches is unclear.