-96 - 



"extra large" contribute but very few specimens to the total number, together only 7 % 

 but nevertheless over a fourth of the total weight. The class "unmarketable" constitutes 

 7.7 — Vsth of the total number, but only about Vss^h of the total weight. . 



These are the most important results which the study of the measurements and 

 weights by themselves can yield. We can penetrate further, however, if we likewise 

 make use of the material contrasting the length and age of the specimens. Fig. 28 

 shows a series of haddock scales from the drawings by Dam.\s. The scales are all drawn 

 in proportion to the size of the fish. It will be noticed that the growth is regular, at 

 least until the seventh year. 



From Damas' determination of the age in a sample taken by the "Michael Sars" on 

 the Great Fisher Bank in August 1906, it appears that the so-called 



I group (second year) was 20—22, on an average 21 cm. long 



II — (third — ) — 23-31, - - — 27 — 



III — (fourth — ) — 32—36, - - — 34 - 



IV - (fifth - ) - 35-44, - - _ 38 - 



V - (sixth — ) — 37—45, - - — 40 - 



VI — (seventh — ) — 38—48, - - — 



Similar investigations have also been made in other areas of the North Sea and 

 Helland-Hansen has utilized the large material of measurements in order to compare the 

 groups found in it with the age determinations. All the observations made in the area 

 of the Great Fisher Bank agreed so well together, that a general curve of growth could 

 be drawn (see Curve D, fig. 29) to display the growth of the haddock during the different 

 seasons and years of life. 



This curve shows that the growth is rhythmical; in the 8 months from October to 

 the beginning of June it amounts to only 1 — 272 cm., in the 4 months from June to 

 October on the other hand it is no less than 272—5 cm. It is important to have been 

 able to determine as a fact holding good generally, that the average length of the haddock 

 (on the Great Fisher Bank) during the different seasons gave the following picture ac- 

 cording to the age: 



Group March June October 



I 16.5 19 22.5 



II 23.5 24.5 29,5 



ni 31 32 34.5 



IV 35 35-5 38 



Comparing these average sizes with the above discussed market classes, we may say 



in general, that 



., , corresponds to 



ttie class ., '^ 



the age-groups 



"extra small" I— II 



"small" II-III 



"medium" ...... , . ..... ni-IV- 



,, , _ "large" and "extra Igcg?" ■'. • over IV . ' . ,,. 



