: Distribution of small Greenland halibut in Baffin Bay. Technical Report No. 89

The main off shore nursery area for Greenland halibut is located west of Disko 
between St. Hellefiske Bank and Disko Bank where one year old fish are found in 
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large numbers (> 10000 specimens per km2). Young Greenland halibut are, 
however, abundant (> 1000 specimens km2
) at depths between 300 and 500 m up 
to at least 72° 30’ N (very little research activities at relevant depths further north).
There is great annual variation in the number of one year old Greenland halibut 
and some annual variation in the distribution of the main settling area. From the 
nursery area Greenland halibut migrate towards greater depth as they grow, 
either towards the central Baffin Bay or the fjords at Northwest Greenland, where 
they eventually recruit to the fishery. Small Greenland halibut make vertical 
migrations into the water column during night time where they feed primarily on 
crustaceans close to the surface. They are therefore vulnerable to oil spill. 
The fishery for Greenland halibut contributes substantially to the local economy in 
the inshore areas. A very large fraction of the male population participates in the 
fishery, mainly as part time fishers, and the fishery serves to provide income 
needed in the cash economy.