Life history traits and spatial patterns of five mid-size pelagic fish species of the Gulf of Cadiz

Abstract

In the last decades, there has been an increasing interest on mid-size pelagic fish species (MSPFS) based on their economic and ecological importance in the marine ecosystems. The main goal of the present is to report novel information on the life history traits (size composition, reproductive aspects, condition status, age structure and growth) and spatial distribution (latitude, longitude and depth) of five MSPFS, belonging to the genus Scomber and Trachurus, in the Gulf of Cadiz shelf waters analyzing summer survey data (2007-2015). The main findings showed that their respective populations make a different use of the surveyed area, showing different population structures and reproductive and condition states. Scomber scombrus and Trachurus mediterraneus had the more restricted spatial distribution. It is hope that these new insights will contribute to the implementation of ecosystem-based approaches aimed to reach sustainable fisheries in the study area.