Spatial distribution of ichthyoplankton species in the Northern Benguela current ecosystem

Abstract

A study to compare the spatial distribution of ichthyoplankton species in the northern Benguela current was conducted. Systematic sampling was used to collect samples whereby a total of thirty sampling stations were sampled with one haul per station. Fish larvae Samples were collected aboard the Maria S Merian and they were analysed for species diversity using primer 5.0 and SPSS statistical package together with egg samples collected onboard the RV Welwitchia a Continuous Underway Fish Egg Sampler (CUFES). Species abundance and distribution depicted non significant differences with regard to depth and latitudes. Trends depicted that ichthyoplankton diversity was high in the north than the south. This is because of the intrusion of the warmer Angolan water. In addition ichthyoplankton species tend to be closer to the shore than off due to distribution of zooplankton. Eggs distribution (anchovy, horse mackerel and sardines) tends to have increased from 2005 and reached a peak in 2010 and declined in 2011.