Depth distribution of the hake species (Merluccius capensis and Merluccius paradoxus) off the coast of Namibian waters

Abstract

Abstract by author:

The biomass of M. capensis and M. paradoxus off the Namibian coastal waters is compared. The data was obtained from the estimated hake biomass survey conducted in January/February 2002. The occurrence and distribution of hake in relation to water depth and latitude was investigated, M, capensis occurs in shallower water mostly up to 450 m, whereas M. paradoxus is a deep-water species. The distribution of the two species overlaps maximally in waters of depths 100- 450 m. The greatest abundance of M. capensis was recorded at 150- 250 m, and that of M. paradoxus at 350 m and at 450 m. Fish size was also found to be related to depth; in both species small individuals occurred in shallower and large individuals in deep water. Consequently large M. capensis individuals co-exist with small M paradoxus individuals in the overlap area, whereas other size groups of the two species are separated by depth. While M. capensis occurred at lower latitude (23-24°S), M paradoxus was mostly abundant at higher latitude (27-29°S)