Distribution and abundance of bullet tuna larvae (Auxis rochei) off the balearic sea during the 2003-2005 spawning seasons
Year: 2006
Type: article
Abstract: The waters surrounding the Balearic archipelago are characterized by the confluence of Atlantic and Mediterranean water masses. Consequently, the water masses ’ convergence imparts on the area an intense geostrophic circulation of water masses and hydrographic processes, particularly suitable for the spawning of a number of tuna species, among which frigate tuna (Auxis rochei) is most abundant. The TUNIBAL project whose main aim was focused on bluefin (Thunnus thynnus) larval ecology allowed acquiring information on its related species during the 2003-2005 spawning seasons. This document presents information on the interannual variability of bullet tuna larval abundance and on their distribution pattern observed throughout these years. Overall, the 2003 Mediterranean heat wave appears to have affected the strong interannual differences observed of bullet tuna larval abundance. Although, their larvae are widely spread over the area, major concentrations tend to be closer to the coast than the other tuna species spawning in the area, particularly bluefin and albacore (T. alalunga). Main larval concentrations of bullet larvae were located between the islands of Mallorca and Menorca shelf and slope regions. RÉSUMÉ
Language: English
Subfield: Aquatic Science
Domain: Life Sciences
SDG: Life below water
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W2259076400