Characterizing and Comparing the Spawning Habitats of Sardine (Sardinops sagax) and Anchovy (Engraulis encrasicolus) in the Northern Benguela Region

Abstract

Spawning habitats of sardine and anchovy in eastern boundary current systems are characterized in an attempt to understand the fluctuations observed in their abundance. The northern Benguela, as an eastern boundary current system, is characterized by turbulent conditions that seem to govern the variability observed in the abundance of these species. Sardine and anchovy have developed mechanisms that enable them to maximize productivity. In the northern Benguela, spawning intensity is historically known to be high in periods and vicinities where turbulence is reduced. However, it is believed that selection of conditions for spawning by these species may change withfluctuations in abundance of fish.