Environmental Effects on the Spatiotemporal Variability of Sardine Distribution Along the Portuguese Continental Coast

• DOI: 10.1007/s13253-023-00577-8
• Publication Date: 2023-10-27T17:01:33Z
• Authors: Daniela Silva; Raquel Menezes; Ana Moreno; Ana Teles-Machado; Susana Garrido
• Keywords: Species distribution; Occupancy

Abstract Scientific tools capable of identifying distribution patterns species are important as they contribute to improve knowledge about biodiversity and dynamics. The present study aims estimate the spatiotemporal sardine ( Sardina pilchardus , Walbaum 1792) in Portuguese continental waters, relating variability biomass index with environmental conditions. Acoustic data was collected during spring acoustic surveys (PELAGO) over a total 16,370 hauls from 2000 2020 (gap 2012). We propose model that relies on two-part for presence under presence, such process is defined product these two processes. Environmental information incorporated time lags, allowing set lags associated weights be suggested each explanatory variable. This approach makes more complete realistic, reducing prediction bias mitigating outliers covariates caused by extreme events. In addition, based posterior predictive distributions obtained, we method classifying occupancy areas target within region. classification provides quite helpful tool decision makers aiming at marine sustainability conservation. Supplementary materials accompanying this paper appear on-line.