First estimates of age and production of lumpsucker (Cyclopterus lumpus) in Greenland

Lumpsucker (Cyclopterus lumpus) spawn throughout the North Atlantic, and are fished prior to spawning for its valuable roe. This is also the case along most of the Greenland coast, and lumpsucker is of great economic importance throughout the country. However, no scientific fishery advice is given due to the lack of necessary knowledge on the life history of the species in general and in Greenlandic waters in particular. This study presents the first otolith based age estimates for lumpsucker in Greenland. Generally, the age of the spawning component was estimated as 3-4 year old fish. Maximum length was attained at age three, with females on average being c. 10 cm larger than males (c. 28 and 38 cm, respectively). Sex specific Von Bertalanffy growth curves were fitted, incorporating a shape parameter to account for the sigmoid growth pattern at younger ages. In mature females gonads make up between 15 and 36% of total body weight. The maximum total production rate (somatic and gonad) was 0.47 and 0.92 kg WW yr−1 for males and females respectively, which was reached at 20 cm and 32 cm. For both sexes somatic production declined steeply after the onset of maturation. This information is central in terms of being able to give scientific fishery advice for Lumpsucker in Greenland.