
Cod (Torsk) is one of the most common and economically important marine fishes in Norway. Cod
is found extensively in the northern reaches of the Atlantic Ocean, and
there are two main types: the migratory, oceanic cod and the
non-migratory coastal cod. The coastal cod is a typical bottom-dwelling fi sh, whereas the migratory cod is more pelagic.
Of the various stocks of cod
in Norwegian waters, the Norwegian Arctic cod (spawning cod) is the
most important. It spends most of its life in the Barents Sea, but
migrates both as a juvenile and as a mature spawning cod. The cod�s
spawning grounds extend from the coast of Finnmark County all the way down to the Stad peninsula in western Norway, but the most important spawning grounds are out beyond the Lofoten Islands.
The migrations of spawning cod still form the basis for the most important seasonal fishing activity in Norway, the Lofoten fishing season.
Young cod in the Barents Sea migrate toward the Finnmark coast in the
spring in pursuit of mature spawning capelin. It is called juvenile cod
and forms the basis for the traditional spring cod fishery. Coastal cod are basically equivalent to the cod in the Barents Sea, but they are more non-migratory in shallow water.
They
live in the intertidal zone and down to depths of approx. 600 metres.
The large stock of cod in the Barents Sea is growing at a healthy rate,
and each year about 450-500,000 tonnes are harvested from this stock.
In some other places, the cod stock is not doing well. Farming of cod
is on the rise.
Use
Sold fresh or frozen in slices, fillets or as whole fish. It is also
sold lightly salted and smoked and as clipfish and stockfish. Cod has a
mild taste that goes well with many different types of garnishes and
flavourings. Cod flakes easily, so it should not be divided into very
small portions for cooking.
Nutritional content
Cod is a good source of protein and is also rich in vitamin B12 and selenium.
Seafood from Norway.
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GADUS MORHUA
SEASON
Norwegian Arctic cod (spawning cod) January to April
Spring cod April to June
Coastal cod All year round
SIZE
Up to 150 cm
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