Variability in size at maturity of the European anchovy (Engraulis encrasicolus) in the Mediterranean Sea

Size at first sexual maturity (L50) represents an important life history trait in the development of management measures providing fundamental information to avoid exploitation younger individuals. L50 is known display variability due fishing pressure, geographical gradient and environmental features. In this study, order investigate among areas Mediterranean Black Sea, ogives anchovy (Engraulis encrasicolus) were estimated by considering samples collected during spawning period framework MEDiterranean International Acoustic Survey (MEDIAS) program. Anchovy size data from several Geographical Sub-Areas (GSA) – i.e. Northern Spain, Gulf Lion, Tyrrhenian Strait Sicily, Adriatic Sea gathered according a standard methodological protocol. Maturity means logistic regression taking into account total length, condition factor, sex GSA. Obtained results evidenced significant effect fish better reaching earlier, as well differences values between sexes, with males lower length than females. Even though obtained estimates are relative only, observed basin scale highlights importance explicitly consider habitat peculiarities provide advices based on ecosystem approach fishery.