Observation on the spawning of Sardina and Sardinella off the south Moroccan Atlantic coast (21-26°N)

This paper provides information on the early life stages of the Moroccan Atlantic sardine, Sardina pilchardus, and two species of Sardinella: Sardinella aurita and S. maderensis, between Cape Blanc (21degreesN) and Cape Boujdor (26degreesN), dealing with the spawning grounds, the nursery areas and the optimal spawning temperature and salinity range. The spawning areas for Sardina are located North of Dakhla (24degrees30'-25degrees30'N) and near Cintra Bay (23degreesN). The larval development area is described together with seasonal and annual characteristics. The nurseries of Sardina are near Dakhla and to the south between 21 and 22degreesN but precise locations vary with season. The maximum occurrence of eggs was during winter, and was at temperatures from 16 to 18 degreesC in winter and between 18 and 18.5degreesC in summer. The main spawning area of Sardinella species is between Cape Blanc and Cintra Bay (21-23degreesN) with a maximum occurrence of eggs and larvae in July. For Sardinella off the southern region of Morocco, the optimal temperature interval for spawning is between 18 and 21.14degreesC. No conclusions can be drawn on the relationship between spawning and water salinity. The area north of Cintra Bay has a broad, but shallow continental shelf. This topography leads to decreasing dispersion effects and the zone constitutes a favorable area for larval retention and development. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.