Argentine anchovy in south and southeastern Brazil

Abstract

The Argentine anchovy (Engraulis anchoita) is an essential species and fishery resource in the pelagic ecosystem off the southwest Atlantic Ocean. Recently a exploitation in south Brazil has started, therefore requiring a better understanding of the anchovy population structure and dynamics. The present work aims to upgrade the information concerning the stock identification of E. anchoita. Life history parameters such as age and size composition, length-at-age data and others parameters using sagittae otoliths were used to compare anchovy populating shelf regions between 20o S and 32o S. Results indicate the existence of different stocks in the southeast and south Brazil regions: the stock named bonaerense in south Brazil is shared with Uruguai and Argentina exhibiting a migratory behavior while in the southeastern region the stock is confined to the southeastern bight and shows different population characteristics. This has implications for the management of this recently exploited species and should be consider in the decisions grounds of institutions responsible for assessment and fisheries control in Brazil.