Stock structure of whiting (Merlangius merlangus) in the North East Atlantic is unclear. This study uses mixed effects models to analyse growth variability as a way to investigate stock identification. Growth trajectories for 634 individuals and length-at-age data for 78,686 individuals were analysed for spatial coherence and temporal synchrony in the parameters of the von Bertalanffy growth model. Growth was found to differ among most ICES divisions, and temporal fluctuations were poorly synchronized between areas. This study illustrates how growth analyses can contribute to stock identification, in addition to other data. Highlights ► Variability in whiting (Merlangius merlangus) growth in the North East Atlantic was investigated by mixed effects models. ► Individual growth trajectories 1997-2009 and population length-at-age 2006-2011 differed between areas. ► Time series of growth parameters 1986-2011 differed between two areas of the North Sea. ► Growth patterns contribute to understand whiting stock structure in this area.
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