Spatial implications of a temperature-based growth model for Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) off the eastern coast of Canada

Abstract

Lengths at age of Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) off the eastern coast of Canada vary up to three-fold among geographic regions, with Georges Bank and the southern Gulf of St. Lawrence being the regions of fastest and slowest growth, respectively. Colour-coded contour maps of length at ages 2–8 (n = 59 518) based on research vessel surveys between 1971 and 1992 clearly showed the spatial variations in size at age. Corresponding maps of July–September bottom water temperature appeared to reflect relative growth rate, whereas those for depth did not. A polynomial expansion of a temperature-based von Bertalanffy growth model appeared to fit the data well, with no residual patterns across most ages, lengths, temperatures, or years. Model predictions were also consistent with reported lengths at age for cod in other regions and countries. Declines in bottom water temperature over the past 5–10 years appear to be at least partly responsible for observed declines in size at age of the cod stock on the eastern Scotian Shelf.