Skip to main content

    Inter-annual variation in condition index of the mackerel icefish Champsocephalus gunnari

    Request Meeting Document
    Document Number:
    WG-EMM-96/43
    Author(s):
    Parkes, G., Everson, I., Kock, K.-H.
    Agenda Item(s)
    Abstract

    Mackerel icefish (Champsocephalus gunnari) are widespread on the South Georgia (54 degS, 36 deg W) shelf. Analysis of results on condition index indicated a strong inter-annual variation. High condition indices, indicative of good feeding conditions, were present when krill were abundant in the region. Years when krill were scarce and condition index was consequently low, were consistent with years when indices from land-based krill predators also indicated krill were scarce.