Variation in spatial distribution and migration of Icelandic summer-spawning herring

The distribution of the fishable stock of Icelandic summer-spawning herring (Clupea harengus L.) and the overwintering grounds have changed with fishing seasons from 1978/1979 through 2006/2007. The possible causes investigated include variation in sea temperatures, stock size, and annual recruitment. The stock collapsed as a result of overfishing and environmental changes during the late 1960s, since when the spawning stock has gradually increased, from 11 kt in 1972 to 800 kt in 2006. These changes coincided with geographic variation in its distribution. We identify five phases, based on a graphic analysis and the centre of gravity of the fishery. Investigations on a large geographic scale gave no clear indication that sea temperature has affected the distribution. Changes were also not clearly related to stock size or year-class strength. The distribution change in the late 1990s may be partly explained by year classes adopting a new migration pattern when entering the fishable stock.