Cod

Cod

(Gadus morhua L.)

Size: Maximum size: 150 cm

Biology: In Norway the cod is one of the most common and most important fishes. The Norwegian waters have different kinds/stocks of cod. Along the coast and in the fjords there are local stocks of cod. This cod mixes with cod coming in from the North Sea. Cod from the North Sea are bright in color (brownish). Some of the cod from the coastal areas are spending most of their life on shallow waters hiding and feeding in areas with sea weed. This cod (localy called: See weed-cod) is dark brownish, almost red or orange in color. It eats a lot of crabs and crustaceas, and that gives this cod a good and special flavor. Anglers catch cod fishing from shore and fishing from boat (from 1 - 600 meters depth).

The bigggest stock of cod is the Norwegian artic cod. This cod spend its first years in the Barents Sea. Feeding, growing and getting old enough to spawn it moves south along the Norwegian coast (see map in the middle below). The most famous spawning grounds are found around Lofoten. For hundreds of years this cod has been caught while staying at the spawning grounds in spring. The cod are exported in different conditions as fresh, frosen dried and salted.

To determine the age of the cod, the scientists "read" the cods otoliths (ear stones). Maximum age is believed to be approximately 20 years.


Map above: Cod from the North Sea area. Red indicate spawning grounds. Blue shows feeding area.	Map abowe: Cod from the Barents Sea and Norwegian Sea. Red indicate spawning grounds. Blue shows feeding area.	You may catch big cod in the south though most of the big cod is found further north in Norway. Photo: RP-team.
		To the left: A common sight in Lofoten in March/April: Thousands of cod hung up to dry in cold and clear weather.

The coastal "see weed-cod" spend their whole life in the same area.

Fishing in Norway

fishing in Norway tackle angler sea fishing