Assessment of the spawning habitat, spatial distribution, and Lagrangian dispersion of the European anchovy (Engraulis encrasicolus) early stages in the Gulf of Cadiz during an apparent anomalous episode in 2016

Modelling the environmental factors influencing spatial variation of fish early life stages density and their drift history can identify key biological physical processes for recruitment variability. Distance-based linear multivariate techniques were used to characterize spawning areas European anchovy Engraulis encrasicolus in Gulf Cadiz (GoC). Chlorophyll is variable that best characterized its with a time-lag three days. The use Lagrangian models simulate dispersal small pelagic species more dependent on advection such as (early larvae eggs) GoC could provide degree connectivity between nursery drivers larval final destination critical survival marine which coastal-dependent during stages. Simulations transport model Southwest Iberian Peninsula performed most intense peak 2016, when strong persistent countercurrent event developed. Most simulated transported western Portuguese coast and, lesser extent, Atlantic oligotrophic waters, suggesting an increase subdivision 9a South West components. Although different occurring ontogenetic stages, well overfishing, among others, explain part variability observed recruitment, events development coastal countercurrents season partly account decrease one year later.