Population structure of the chub mackerel (Scomber colias) in the North-east Atlantic inferred from otolith shape and body morphometrics

The Atlantic chub mackerel (Scomber colias) is an important commercial fish species of the North-east Atlantic. Two-year-old individuals collected between January and April 2018 at six sampling locations (45 per site) (Azores, Madeira, Canaries mainland Portugal – Matosinhos, Sesimbra Portimão) were used for body morphometrics otolith-shape analyses. Data analysed by univariate multivariate statistics. Re-classification success using shape analyses showed overall rate 51 74% respectively. Regional differences regarding suggested a single stock, not necessarily homogenous, with discrete separation two main groups (oceanic islands Portugal). However, more detailed in (Canaries others, but slight differentiation from Azores-Madeira Moreover, joint gave re-classification 82% allowed comprehensive scenario, showing existence three (Canaries, are probably related different oceanographic conditions influencing feeding regime growth. hereby data suggest that S. colias caught population units, we recommend fishery management finer regional scale.