The spawning and spawning areas of pelagic fishes (Sardina pilchardus, Engraulis encrasicolus, Scomber scombrus, Sardinella aurita and Sprattus sprattus sprattus) in the Adriatic Sea

Abstract

       The seasonal variations in the spawning intensity and in the areas of distribution of sardine, anchovy, mackerel, round sardine and sprat eggs are reported on the basis of vertical plankton hauls collected during the four cruises throughout the Adriatic Sea.

       The most important pelagic fishes, sardine and anc­hovy, spawn intensively in the coastal and offshore waters of almost the entire North and Middle Adriatic Sea to the depth of about 200 m. The spawning of other pelagic fishes is weaker and limited to specific, smaller areas.

       The investigations indicate significant concentrations of zooplankton in almost all of the sardine and anchovy spaw­ning areas.