Do Sardinella aurita spawning seasons match local retention patterns in the Senegalese–Mauritanian upwelling region?

• DOI: 10.1111/fog.12094
• Publication Date: 2015-01-28T16:08:08Z
• Authors: Baye Cheikh Mbaye; Timothée Brochier; Vincent Echevin; Alban Lazar; Marina Lévy; Evan Mason; Amadou Thierno Gaye; Eric Machu
• Keywords: Sardinella; Diel vertical migration; Ichthyoplankton

Abstract Sardinella aurit a is the most abundant small pelagic fish in Senegalese–Mauritanian region. The success of its reproduction crucially depends on local circulation as this determines whether larvae reach coastal nursery areas favorable to their survival or are dispersed into open ocean. As first step towards evaluating sardinella vulnerability climate‐driven hydrodynamical changes, study aims at underpinning how transport pathways drive optimal spatial and seasonal patterns for reproduction. We have used two estimates simulated by model configurations that differ forcing topography. Nursery determined retention with Lagrangian individual‐based accounts processes such diel vertical migration mortality result lethal temperature exposure. Our results suggest shelf zones located Arguin Bank (19.5°N–21°N) south Senegal (12°N–14.75°N) highly retentive. find maximum rates July–August November–December over Bank; from February–July southern Senegalese shelf; lower central region (14.75°N–19.5°N) locally June–July when upwelling weakens. These seasonality agreement previously reported spawning patterns, suggesting aurita strategy may trade‐off between associated food availability. Exposure temperatures, although not well studied, could be further limiting factor spawning. analysis reveals important connectivity sub‐regions within system hence underlines importance joint management S ardinella stock.