the observations of Icelandic scientists . Table 20 gives the age composition of the herring along 

 the southern coast, based on our data and Einarsson's observations (2). 



The age composition of the summer - spawning herring of the northern regions of Iceland 

 does not remain constant. In June, to the north of the island, herring of 6 to 12 years are predom- 

 inant (Table 21). 



At this time, there are no fish of the older ages and younger ages. In July and August, the 

 number of fish of the older groups increases, and fish of 7-15 years predominate in the catches. 

 Along with them, younger age groups, 3-5 years were found in the catches, the majority of them 

 not yet having spawned. In September, the number of fish of the younger groups increases still 

 more. 



In the first half of the fishing season--in June--summer herring were found as far north as 

 67° N. The majority of them were found to the north-east of Iceland, in the region of Langanes 

 peninsula. After reproduction, the summer herring were found much further north, as far as 

 68° N. Thus, the fattening area of the summer herring coincides with the distribution of the spring 

 race; it is found everywhere within the limits of the Irmlnger current, up to the fringes of the 

 polar waters. Summer-spawning herring were found at the following times in the following regions: 



In June 1949, to the north-east of Langaaes peninsula, they comprised about 18% of the 

 total catch in this region. 



TABLE 20. AGE COMPOSITION OF SUMMER HERRING IN CATCHES MADE OFF 



THE SOUTH COAST OF ICELAND IN 1950 AND 1951 (PERCENTAGES). 



In 1950, summer herring in this same region in June comprised about 7%. In 1951, at the 

 end of June, the summer race in the north-eastern Iceland region did not exceed 9%. 



In the first half of July 1949, the summer herring to the north of the island made up about 

 13.5% and in the second half of July the number caugjit had fallen to 2%. In July 1950, they com- 

 prised 7.2% in the first half of the month and about 60% in the second half. In July 1951, they made 

 up 6% to 11%. A considerably hi^er percentage of summer herring was found in the second half 

 of the season. In August 1949, post-spawning herring of the summer race comprised 44% of all 

 catches, in 1950 --about 50% and in 1951, to the north-west (Isa Fjord), up to 70%, and to the 

 south of Iceland at this time up to 75%. 



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