The rôle of fleshy macroalgae in the ecology of juvenile cod (Gadus morhua L.) in inshore waters off eastern Newfoundland

Abstract
Juvenile cod (Gadus morhua) were more abundant in inshore areas with abundant fleshy macroalgae (Desmarestia spp.) than they were in green sea urchin dominated areas with only crustose coralline algae. Small juvenile cod (<125 mm) fed mainly on small zooplankton, while larger juveniles fed mainly on benthic organisms. The contribution of epiphytic animals obtained from the macroalgae was low. We suggest that the juvenile cod were associated with the algae mainly for cover, and to a lesser degree for food obtained from the algae.