IMIS

As a conclusion, it can be stated that the individual fish characteristics are related to each other, with Age correlated to the vertebrae number and the condition index BMI. BMI, Age and Vertebrae number showed differences over the years, the Vertebrae number also showed seasonal differences. The changes in AMO and T anomalies were correlated with changes in BMI and Landings in the 1940s, while only the T anomalies were correlated with changes in the Vertebrae number. The long term trends in herring landing data showed increases in Landings during the period 1920-1960. The information gathered during this pilot study will be used to give directions to future research conducted at the VLIZ. The entire project will provide essential understandings in the herring fish characteristics, population dynamics and factors influencing them in the Southern Bight of the North Sea. This is of vital importance to the sustainable management (e.g. Marine Strategy) of this important food source, as well as optimizing herring catches to ensure harmony between maintaining healthy fish stocks and sufficient income for the fisherman.