Long term oscillations of Mediterranean sardine and anchovy explained by the combined effect of multiple regional and global climatic indices

It is widely known that the abundance and distribution dynamics of populations small pelagic clupeid fish, such as sardines anchovies, are affected by large-scale climate variability, which may lead to changeovers new regimes pelagics. However, long-distance climatic oscillations, El Niño/La Niña Pacific Decadal Oscillation, have been little explored in Western Mediterranean Sea. We investigated possible effects South Oscillation Index (i.e. atmospheric oscillation coupled with Niña) on fluctuations catches European anchovy (Engraulis encrasicolus) sardine (Sardina pilchardus) Sea, their association regional oscillations Atlantic Multidecadal North index, Arctic Oscillation). The study covered two periods: (a) landings between 1950 2016; (b) abundance, biomass, physical condition (i.e., relative index) 2004 2016. main region were studied using General Additive Models investigate relationship a time series species measures from Geographical Subarea 06. Results show long-term favours landings, whereas combined effect anchovy. discuss potential links present findings changes plankton community caused prevailing winds driven impact reduction fish area.