Den Atlantiske torsk i de grønlandske farvande 2005. Technical Report No. 63

Estimates from the 2005 offshore combined fish and shrimp survey at West Greenland 
indicate an increase cod stock biomass and abundance to 21 500 t and 40 million 
individuals, respectively, which is the highest level recorded in the survey period (1992-
2005). Especially the relatively large abundance of the age group 2 is of interest as larval 
drift from Icelandic towards Greenland waters could have caused this increase. However, 
the biomass increase is still very moderate compare to the historical maximum in the 
1960s when the landings reached close to 500 000 t. Offshore catches in 2004 were, 
according to logbook information, 396 t all taken almost exclusively in East Greenland 
waters. The commercial CPUE at East Greenland has increased the last couple of years, 
although still being only 1/3 of the level in 1990. Observer information indicates that the by-catch of age 1 and age 2 cod in the East Greenland shrimp fishery could have been 
substantial in 2004. Recruitment in West Greenland inshore areas as indicated by a gillnet 
survey for juvenile cod showed a small increase, but is still considered below average. 
Catches in the inshore area has been increasing since the historic low in 1998 at 319 t and 
was last year reaching close to 5000 t, 13 % of the 1989 level.