Life history parameters of blue jack mackerel Trachurus picturatus (Teleostei: Carangidae) from north-east Atlantic

Blue jack mackerel Trachurus picturatus monthly samples were collected between 1998 and 2011 to determine morphometric relationships, maturity, growth rates, reproduction and spawning seasonality in north-east Atlantic waters (ICES area Xa2). A total of 2895 specimens were sampled, ranging from 98 to 542 mm in fork-length (L-F). The morphometric relationships (length-length and length-weight) showed statistically significant differences between sexes. Ages were estimated by counting growth bands on otoliths and verified by marginal increment analysis, with specimens ranging from 0 to 18 years. The von Bertalanffy models used to estimate growth parameters for both observed and back-calculated length-at-age data gave good fits. The gonads were analysed macroscopically and the spawning season found to occur from December to May. The length at 50% maturity for females and males occurred at 277 mm L-F (4.3 years) and 288 mm L-F (5.1 years), respectively. The results provide important biological information for fisheries assessment of a species that plays an important key role in the surrounding ecosystem.