Interannual fluctuations in acoustic biomass estimates and in landings of small pelagic fish populations in relation to hydrology in the Strait of Sicily

The main results of research work carried out since 1998 with regard to the application of hydro-acoustic technologies for the evaluation of biomass and distribution of small pelagic fish species off the southern coast of Sicily are presented, taking into account information from hydrology and from...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Published in:Chemistry and ecology 2004-10, Vol.20 (5), p.365-375
Main Authors: Patti, B., Bonanno, A., Basilone, G., Goncharov, S., Mazzola, S., Buscaino, G., Cuttitta, A., Lafuente, J. García, García, A., Palumbo, V., Cosimi, G.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Biomass estimates trends
Echointegration surveys
Engraulis encrasicolus
Marine
Sardina pilchardus
Sardinops
Sea surface temperature
Small pelagic fish
Spatial patterns
Strait of Sicily
Citations: Items that this one cites
Items that cite this one
Online Access:Get full text
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
Description
Summary:The main results of research work carried out since 1998 with regard to the application of hydro-acoustic technologies for the evaluation of biomass and distribution of small pelagic fish species off the southern coast of Sicily are presented, taking into account information from hydrology and from ecology of the fish populations targeted. The biomass estimates and the population-density charts presented concern the two main species, i.e. sardine Sardina pilchardus (Walbaum, 1792) and anchovy Engraulis encrasicolus (Linnaeus, 1758). Both the sardine and anchovy populations experienced large inter-annual fluctuations, with biomass estimates ranging from 6000 to over 36,000 tonnes (t) (sardine) and from about 7000 to 23,000 t (anchovy). Acoustic estimates are largely consistent with landings recorded in Sciacca (the main fishing port for small pelagic species in the study area) during the year following the evaluation surveys. In addition, trends in sardine and anchovy biomass estimates appears to be negatively correlated with the mean sea surface temperature calculated over the time intervals January-September (sardine) and June-November (anchovy) of the preceding year, which correspond to larval and juvenile growth periods of target species. Observed patterns would suggest the importance of enrichment processes relevant to the survival of early stages, so determining recruitment success and finally higher population sizes.
ISSN:0275-7540
1029-0370
DOI:10.1080/02757540410001727972