Population Structure, Age and Growth of Sardine (Sardina pilchardus, Walbaum, 1792) in an Upwelling Environment

Information on the biological parameters of exploited fish stocks facilitates objective assessment and management these living resources. The sardine (Sardina pilchardus) is considered as overexploited in northwest Africa. It a key species Canaries current large marine ecosystem (CCLME) Atlantic Ocean due to its socioeconomic importance, well being intermediary food web. A massive decline caught for Senegal over half century also reported (61,648 t 1994 7486 2017). Here, we analyzed age growth sardines Exclusive Economic Zone northern Senegal. Maximum body size was 31 cm total length (TL). performance index (??) rate coefficient (K) 2.65 0.85, respectively, were determined, with this first record country. Sardines had higher asymptotic (L?, 30.5 TL) (6 years) compared Morocco (Atlantic Ocean) Mediterranean Sea. found Northern than other part CCLME This difference might be attributed differences pelagic habitat, environmental factors, and/or fishing pressure. study provides new insights towards establishing measures, especially data-poor fisheries should act an advocacy increase sub-regional collaborations.