Habitat suitability modelling for a key small pelagic fish species ( Sardinella aurita ) in the central Mediterranean sea

摘要: The study presents the biomass and spatial distribution of Sardinella aurita in Libyan, Maltese southern Sicily waters, estimated during four acoustic surveys summer 2008 2010. Strong differences terms both total between years areas were found, with higher 2010 than northern central Mediterranean. Habitat suitability changes dynamics round sardinella among are then explored relation to variation environmental factors. area presence S. increased Sicilian waters respect 2008, while most observed two occupied same proportion continental shelf Libyan waters. link conditions aggregation was investigated by means generalized additive models (GAM). application GAM singled out key role depth temperature driving aggregations, as they able explain about 48% deviance case strictly positive values. Favourable habitat for found shallower 60 m depths, a clear peak around 40 depth. values above 22°C presence/absence 24°C when applied on Overall discussed light classical proposed describe fish an increase biomass.