Vertical distribution and migration of fish larvae in the NW Iberian upwelling system during the winter mixing period: implications for cross‐shelf distribution

• DOI: 10.1111/fog.12107
• Publication Date: 2015-05-28T13:19:15Z
• Authors: J.M. Rodriguez; A. Cabrero; J. Gago; C. Guevara‐Fletcher; M. Herrero; A. Hernandez de R...; A. Garcia; R. Laiz‐Carrion; A.R. Vergara; P. Alvarez; C. Piñeiro; F. Saborido‐Rey
• Keywords: Downwelling; Diel vertical migration; Ichthyoplankton

Abstract The vertical distribution and migrations of fish larvae implications for their cross‐shelf were investigated in the northern limit NE Atlantic upwelling region during late winter mixing period 2012. average positive values index February March this year far from normal, although hydrographic conditions study downwelling water column was completely mixed. Fish larvae, most preflexion stage, concentrated upper layers depth stratified, both day night. However, larval community not structured plane did show significant diel migration ( DVM ), five species showed ontogenetic migration. In regions coastal absence , location is crucial distribution. Thus, six abundant collected can be explained by surface onshore flow associated with downwelling, retaining spawning a relatively shallow shelf transporting slope onto shelf. wide shown offshore could an adaptation these to ensure that some reach inshore nursery areas.