Future changes in the seasonal habitat suitability for anchovy (Engraulis japonicus) in Korean waters projected by a maximum entropy model

Anchovy ( Engraulis japonicus ), a commercially and biologically important fish species in Korean waters, is small pelagic sensitive to environmental change. Future changes its distribution waters with significant change remain poorly understood. In this study, we examined the projected seasonal anchovy habitat 2050s under three representative concentration pathways (RCPs; RCP 2.6, 4.5, 8.5) by using maximum entropy model (MaxEnt). The MaxEnt was constructed presence points five variables (sea surface temperature, sea salinity, current speed, mixed layer depth, chlorophyll-a concentration) from 2000–2015. showed variation seasonality: 2050s, during winter spring, area increase 19.4–38.4%, while summer fall, decrease up 19.4% compared historical period (2000–2015) different RCPs. A substantial decline (16.5–60.8%) expected East China Sea Yellow Sea—main spawning habitat. This considerable may contribute biomass, relocation of area, reproduction timing waters. Our findings suggest that should be considered ensure effective future management strategies for effect climate on fisheries resources, particularly environmentally species, such as anchovy.