Evidence for population complexity of the European anchovy (Engraulis encrasicolus) along its distributional range

摘要: Abstract The European anchovy, Engraulis encrasicolus , is one of the most commercially relevant fisheries resources in many countries bordering northeast Atlantic coasts and Mediterranean Sea. However its fishery stocks are currently fully exploited or overexploited understanding population structure necessary for designing appropriate management regulations fisheries. Investigation otolith shape analysis from 15 localities across anchovy range distribution revealed a complex structure. Four distinct groups were identified with an overall correct classification 83%. Group A: North Sea English Channel; group B: Mauritania southeast Morocco; C: Morocco-Gulf Cadiz-south Alboran-Algero-Provencal coasts; D: northern However, at smaller spatial scales, more was hypothesized Sea, mainly relation to oceanographic features. results support usefulness both larger scales where genetic studies generally fail discriminate between local fish. From perspective, these isolated fish may have unique demographic properties should be managed separately since they react independently exploitation.