engleski

The Adriatic anchovy stock prediction from the winter sea conditions - possible link between the basic science and national economic strategy

The two most commercial Adriatic species are anchovy, Engraulis encrasicolus (L.) and sardine, Sardina pilchardus (Walb.). Our previous work indicated that anchovy catch in the Adriatic is especially large after winters of specific circulation type in which Po River waters spread across large part of the northern Adriatic (NA) increasing the bioproduction. Excess feeding of anchovy in the pre-spawning period (February) can lead to increased amounts of the anchovy eggs two months later. As the anchovy reaches the commercial length of around 9 cm in about four and a half months, the April generation might significantly contribute to the total fish catch of the same year, which peaks in September. Despite the prevailing oligotrophication trend in the NA, the anchovy stock and catch increased after 2000, coinciding with an increased number of the ""A"" winter type occurrences, when Po River waters are favoured to spread across the NA. A validation of our hypothesis in a multidisciplinary study of a larger scope with field data and modelling expertise is needed. Such efforts should result with more efficient preservation of anchovy stock moderated by stimulation grants for anchovy fishing. An investigation relating the sardine to oceanographic conditions should be performed as well.

Anchovy; Northern Adriatic; Geostophic Currents; Phytoplankton

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