Marine Researcher on the Decline in the Cod Population: “Not One Sole Cause”

Inadequate Recruitment of Cod Fry and the Impact on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

In recent years, there has been a concerning decline in the recruitment of cod fry, which has significant implications for the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The recruitment of haddock and herring has also been poor, but efforts have been made to increase their numbers.

Identifying the Causes

Researchers are currently investigating the various factors contributing to the inadequate recruitment of cod fry. It is believed that there is not a single sole cause, as this issue has historically exhibited significant variation.

One potential factor that may have had an impact is the changes in the inflow of water from the Norwegian Sea in May and June. These months typically bring a substantial amount of redfish and other zooplankton to the Barents Sea, where most of the cod fry grow up. However, there has been a significant registered reduction in this inflow, leading to a decrease in the availability of zooplankton. Sufficient food, such as zooplankton, is crucial for the survival and growth of cod larvae.

Additionally, there could be several other reasons contributing to this issue. Marine researchers suggest that factors like increased predator presence or cod spawning further north than before may also play a role.

The Impact of Climate

The influence of climate on the number of fish that grow up and become adults is still unclear. While it is known that fewer fry grow up in cold years, the current period is not characterized by cold conditions.

The location of cod spawning, whether it occurs far north or south, is another factor to consider. In recent years, there has been a shift towards more spawning occurring north of Lofoten. The implications of this shift on the survival of the spawned cod are uncertain. However, it is evident that the spawning location can play a role in the recruitment of cod fry.

Despite the temperature conditions in the Barents Sea remaining suitable for cod, it is worth noting that recent years have not been as warm as the early 2010s, according to ocean researchers.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

SDG 14: Life Below Water

The article discusses the poor recruitment of cod fry, which indicates a potential issue with the marine ecosystem in the Barents Sea. This aligns with SDG 14, which aims to sustainably manage and protect marine and coastal ecosystems.

SDG 15: Life on Land

The article mentions changes in the inflow of water from the Norwegian Sea, which affects the availability of zooplankton in the southern parts of the Barents Sea. This relates to SDG 15, which focuses on the conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems.

SDG 13: Climate Action

The article mentions the potential effects of climate on the number of fish that grow up and become adults. This connects to SDG 13, which aims to strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

Target 14.2: Sustainably manage and protect marine and coastal ecosystems

The article highlights the need to understand the factors affecting the survival of cod fry, such as changes in water inflow and availability of zooplankton. This aligns with the target of sustainably managing and protecting marine and coastal ecosystems.

Target 15.1: Ensure the conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems

The article mentions the reduction in inflow of water from the Norwegian Sea, which has led to a decrease in zooplankton availability. This relates to the target of ensuring the conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems.

Target 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters

The article discusses the potential effects of climate on the survival of cod fry. Understanding these effects and building resilience aligns with the target of strengthening resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

The article does not explicitly mention any indicators. However, based on the information provided, the following indicators can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets:

Indicator 14.2.1: Proportion of national exclusive economic zones managed using ecosystem-based approaches

This indicator can measure the extent to which ecosystem-based approaches are being used to manage and protect marine and coastal ecosystems in the Barents Sea.

Indicator 15.1.1: Forest area as a proportion of total land area

Although not directly mentioned in the article, this indicator can measure the conservation and restoration of terrestrial ecosystems, which indirectly affects the availability of zooplankton in the Barents Sea.

Indicator 13.1.1: Number of deaths, missing persons, and directly affected persons attributed to disasters per 100,000 population

This indicator can measure the resilience and adaptive capacity of communities in the face of climate-related hazards and natural disasters, which indirectly affects the survival of cod fry.

4. SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: highnorthnews.com