Abstract
Habitat characterization provides predictive information about the distribution of species and is useful for assessing habitat quality and population stability. Larval abundance of six frequent and abundant demersal species and the relationship of each with the environment were analysed through generalized additive models to determine their preferential distribution and predictive response to the environmental variables in the southern part of the California Current (25-31°N) between two periods of data collection: 1997-2000 and 2006-2010. Essentially, the main associated variables governing the distribution patterns were related to common and oceanographic characteristics of the water column (temperature and salinity at 50 m depth, dynamic height and degree of water column stratification); however, the set of variables and their ranges are usually species-specific. Species of northern distribution, Sebastes sp. and Citharichtys stigmaeus, were recorded mainly in newly emerged, relatively unstratified waters characterized by a shallow mixed layer and low temperatures. Low dynamic height values were the most significant predictor of larval distribution for Merluccius productus. Citharichthys xanthostigma and Symphurus atricaudus were widespread, distributed across the study area mainly in autumn in unstratified or stratified waters and at a shallow mixed layer. Particularly C. Xanthostigma and S. Lucioceps were related to high dynamic height values, likely influenced by a coastal flow towards the pole, as evidenced by counter-currents.
Highlights
In ocean ecosystems, habitat characterization provides predictive information on the spawning habitat and distribution of species, which is important for understanding the factors that regulate spawning and could be used for assessing ongoing changes in the pelagic ecosystem (Ibaibarriaga et al 2007, Bernal et al 2007, Bautista-Romero et al 2018)
C. xanthostigma and S. lucioceps were related to high dynamic height values, likely influenced by a coastal flow towards the pole, as evidenced by counter-currents
Habitat characterization provides predictive information on the spawning habitat and distribution of species, which is important for understanding the factors that regulate spawning and could be used for assessing ongoing changes in the pelagic ecosystem (Ibaibarriaga et al 2007, Bernal et al 2007, Bautista-Romero et al 2018)
Summary
Habitat characterization provides predictive information on the spawning habitat and distribution of species, which is important for understanding the factors that regulate spawning and could be used for assessing ongoing changes in the pelagic ecosystem (Ibaibarriaga et al 2007, Bernal et al 2007, Bautista-Romero et al 2018). The preferred distribution reflects positive habitat selection either by breeders or through higher survival of eggs and larvae (Asch and Checkley, 2013) In this regard, knowledge of the three-dimensional characteristics of the water column (physical process and productive waters) is important for predicting spawning and distribution of some species (Weber and McClatchie 2010, Lynn 2003). Other oceanic processes that promote changes in thermohaline structure and hydrostatic stability occur across spatial scales These include coastal upwelling, eddies, jets, filaments, fronts, and El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO), all of which reflect the transitional nature of water masses (Roden 1991, Lynn and Simpson 1987, Durazo 2015)
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