Recruiting at the edge: kinetic energy inhibits anchovy populations in the western Mediterranean.

ABSTRACT: The Strait of Gibraltar replenishes the Mediterranean with Atlantic waters through an intense eastward current known as the Atlantic Jet (AJ). The AJ fertilizes the southwestern Mediterranean and is considered to be the ultimate factor responsible for the comparatively high fish production of this region. Here, we perform an analysis of the available historical catches and catch per unit effort (CPUE), together with a long series of surface currents, kinetic energy and chlorophyll concentration. We show that the high kinetic energy of the AJ increases primary production but also negatively impacts the recruitment of anchovy. We contend that anchovy recruitment in the region is inhibited by the advection and dispersion of larvae and post-larvae during periods of strong advection by the AJ.

SUBMITTER: Ruiz J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3581504 | biostudies-literature | 2013

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature