Cephalopods in the Canary Current Large Marine Ecosystem

Abstract

This work presents a brief review of cephalopod fauna found in the Canary Current Large Marine Ecosystem waters in terms of biodiversity, ecology and fisheries. This large marine ecosystem presents 139 cephalopod species, including high commercial value groups (Ommastrephids, Loliginids, Octopods and Sepiids), corresponding to a transitional zone between different Atlantic zoogeographic provinces where tropical, temperate and cold water cephalopod species mix. Several assemblages can be identified in the coastal, shelf, slope and deep waters. Coastal assemblages are dominated by sepiids, loliginids and shallow-water octopus, while more oceanic assemblages are largely dominated by ommastrephid and deep-water octopus species. Cephalopod populations in the area can maintain local and international fisheries for these resources. Loliginid and sepiid species constitute substantial resources exploited by coastal fisheries. Ommastrephid squids probably represent the main potential resource for cephalopod pelagic and trawl fisheries in the area. Three species (Todarodes sagittatus, Illex coindetii and Todaropsis eblanae) present great potential for fisheries in the zone.