Abstract
To reveal the spatial and temporal variability in the distribution, growth, and maturation of skipjack tuna Katsuwonus pelamis in the western tropical Pacific, we compared two El <TEX>$Ni{\tilde{n}}o$</TEX>-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) signals and the sea surface temperature (SST) in the main fishing area with fishery and biological data. An index of skipjack tuna distribution was calculated using Korean purse seine fishery data from 1985 to 2003. Biological data for skipjack tuna were collected monthly from Korean catches during the 1994-2003 period. The catch was more closely related to the SST in the main fishing area than to the ENSO signals. However, cross-correlated function analysis showed delayed interactions between abiotic and biotic factors. The El <TEX>$Ni{\tilde{n}}o$</TEX> events preceded the eastward movement of the fishing center by 2-3 months. El <TEX>$Ni{\tilde{n}}o$</TEX> had a positive effect on the skipjack tuna catch, and the change in the Southern Oscillation Index (SOI) preceded the catch fluctuation by ca. 5-7 months. In addition, negative El <TEX>$Ni{\tilde{n}}o$</TEX> effects on gonad maturation and the mean length of skipjack tuna were detected with time lags of 12 and 7 months, respectively. The length frequency indicated that the regime-specific growth pattern at each discrete period seemed to be related to the ENSO.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
