The distribution and catch rates of deep water fish along the Mid-Atlantic Ridge from 43 to 61°N

The data presented were collected from one trawl and three longline exploratory surveys to the Mid-Atlantic Ridge and covered the depths between 400 and 2000 m, but mainly between 500 and 1200 m. Information on 56 species from 7-7 families is presented with regard to temperature, geographical distribution and depth. For some species, new information on geographical distribution is presented. In the northern part of the Ridge (north of 52 degreesN) sub-Arctic species such as Sebastes spp., tusk (Brosme brosme) and Greenland halibut (Reinhardtius hippoglassoides) are dominant. In the southern part (south of 48 degreesN). sub-tropical species such as golden eye perch (Beryx splendens) and cardinal fish (Epigonus telescopus) are the dominant species. The area between 48 and 52 degreesN is a region of faunal change where some species seem to be at tither the northern or southern limit of their distribution. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.