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Atlantic Cod
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Scientific names:
Gadus morhua
Market Names:
Scrod, Whitefish
Summary:
Atlantic Cod stocks found in the
Northern Atlantic have been over fished for the better part
of 50 years. Atlantic Cod has been a very important fish throughout
history, and the seas off of North America, specifically that
part which is known as George’s Bank was known for it
rich stocks. However, stocks today are in extremely poor condition
in both American and Canadian waters with some estimates saying
that almost 95% of the stocks have been fished. Stocks in the
Baltic and North Sea are also highly depleted while the northeast
Arctic cod stocks from the Barents Sea tend to be a bit strong
because of the stricter controls that have been put in place.
Atlantic Cod are commonly caught using bottom-trawling methods,
which can damage the ocean floor habitat, as well as produce
a large amount of by-catch, that includes juvenile cod.
Biology:
Atlantic cod are a cold-water, bottom dwelling
fish. They spawn in winter and spring from February-April. They
mature at an age of 2-7 years and can live more than 24 years.
They are omnivorous carnivores which means they feed on any
animal they can.
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