Modelling dispersal of eggs and quantifying connectivity among Norwegian coastal cod subpopulations

The Norwegian coast is populated by two cod populations: Northeast Arctic cod and Norwegian Coastal cod. In this paper, we use a further division based on life history: oceanic cod, coastal cod, and fjord cod. A numerical ocean model was implemented for the northern Norwegian coast where all these populations have spawning areas. The model results were used to simulate connectivity and retention of cod eggs from the different subpopulations. The model reproduced the observed variability and mesoscale activity in the Norwegian Coastal Current. Eggs released at an oceanic spawning area were transported northwards along the coastline. Coastal cod eggs had intermediate connectivity with each other and fjord cod eggs had high local retention. Although the high retention of eggs in fjord areas is mainly caused by a subsurface distribution of eggs, the intermediate retention of eggs from coastal spawning areas is caused by small-scale eddies in-between many small islands. The high-resolution ocean model made it possible to reveal these specific dispersal patterns. The high retention of early life stages in fjords combined with strong homing to spawning areas indicates that fjord subpopulations may be described as a metapopulation.