The distribution of sardine and anchovy eggs and larvae in relation to environmental parameters in the northern Benguela system

Abstract

Abstract by author:

The vertical distribution of both species eggs and larvae were analyzed jointly with environmental parameters data with the aim of determining patterns of ichthyoplankton distribution. Eggs and larval distribution showed evidence of stratification with highest concentrations in the uppermost 50m. Species composition and relative egg and larval abundance levels also demonstrated longitudinal differences during periods of upwelling with the intrusion of warm Angolan water into the system. During periods of intense upwelling vertical distribution of eggs and larvae were much more extensive as a result of greater mixing of the water column. More larval distribution were thus recorded in the northern part of the study area, where, due to the intrusion of the warmer Angolan water, the water column was more stratified than in the southern part where less spawning occurred. The northern part appears to be the nursery ground for most important pelagic species for the region sardine and anchovy