Hake Species Research Articles

Koncentracija teških metala u tkivu oslića Merluccius merluccius (Linnaeus, 1758) iz Oranskog zaljeva (Sredozemno more)

To evaluate the potential human health risk to hake consumers, the bioaccumulation of heavy metals (Cd, Pb, and Zn) was measured in the edible tissues of hake Merluccius merluccius (Linnaeus, 1758) caught from Oran Bay on the western Algerian Mediterranean coast. Results revealed that the average metal concentrations varied significantly among sex and in target organs. The concentrations of metal accumulation take place preferentially in the liver compared to the muscle of hake species, with the highest levels found for Zn, followed by Pb and Cd. The Estimated daily intake (EDI) of each trace metal did not exceed the tolerable daily intake (TDI). Human health risk assessment from heavy metal exposure through fish consumption from Oran Bay for adults showed no significant non-carcinogenic adverse health risk since all calculated values for Target Hazard Quotient (THQ) and Total Target Hazard Quotient (TTHQ) were <1.

Management and conservation implications of cryptic population substructure for two commercially exploited fishes (Merluccius spp.) in southern Africa.

Genomic information can aid in the establishment of sustainable management plans for commercially exploited marine fishes, aiding in the long-term conservation of these resources. The southern African hakes (Merluccius capensis and M. paradoxus) are commercially valuable demersal fishes with similar distribution ranges but exhibiting contrasting life histories. Using a comparative framework based on Pool-Seq genome-wide SNP data, we investigated whether the evolutionary processes that shaped extant patterns of diversity and divergence are shared among these two congeneric fishes, or unique to each one. Our findings revealed that M. capensis and M. paradoxus show similar levels of genome-wide diversity, despite different census sizes and life-history features. In addition, M. capensis shows three highly structured geographic populations across the Benguela Current region (one in the northern Benguela and two in the southern Benguela), with no consistent genome-environment associations detected. In contrast, although population structure and outlier analyses suggested panmixia for M. paradoxus, reconstruction of its demographic history suggested the presence of an Atlantic-Indian Ocean subtle substructuring pattern. Therefore, it appears that M. paradoxus might be composed by two highly connected populations, one in the Atlantic and one in the southwest Indian Ocean. The reported similar low levels of genomic diversity, as well as newly discovered genetically distinct populations in both hake species can thus assist in informing and improving conservation and management plans for the commercially important southern African Merluccius.

A new Merluccius polli reference genome to investigate the effects of global change in West African waters

Genome resources have become crucial to assess genome-wide level of variation as well as to detect adaptive variation. This is particularly important for studying diversity in marine species inhabiting regions highly affected by accelerated climate warming and pollution, also known as global change. A greater awareness of the impacts of global change is urgently needed to ensure sustainable marine fisheries. Despite recent efforts, there are still many gaps in fish reference genomes, both geographical and taxonomic. Here, we sequence, assemble and annotate the genome of Merluccius polli. The total length of this new assembly (~582 Kb, N50 = 168Kb) is approximately 40% longer and much less fragmented than a previous version. Even though it might not be intrinsic of this species, low level of heterozygosity (1.16 SNPs/Kb) and low proportion of repeat content (9.21%) was found in this genome. This hake species has a wide latitudinal distribution; therefore, it is exposed to a changing temperature gradient and to a variety of contaminants in part of its distribution along West African coast. Special emphasis was laid on the identification and characterization of candidate genes known to respond to different stressors (depth, temperature, hypoxia, and heavy metals) happening along its geographical distribution. A total of 68 of the selected candidate genes known to be associated with responses to these stressors were found in the current assembly of the genome, and their predicted sequence can be considered as full-length. Therefore, it is expected that this genome would serve as a tool to further investigations of global change in one of the most stressed marine regions in the planet.

Effects of misreporting landings, discards, and Catch Per Unit of Effort index in state-space production models: the case of black hake in northwest Africa

Abstract Recently, various state-space implementations of surplus production models (SPMs) have been developed for data-limited stocks. Often, catches and fishing effort are underestimated and discards are ignored. This results in biased estimates of stock status and reference points. Therefore, we conduct a sensitivity analysis for different under-reporting scenarios (due to non-declared landings, by-catch, and discards) on model estimates and thus advice for the black hake species in northwest Africa. Two modelling frameworks were used, namely a stochastic SPM in continuous time (SPiCT) and Just Another Bayesian Biomass Assessment (JABBA). A common set of diagnostics was developed to allow comparison across modelling frameworks. Scenarios correspond to hypotheses about misreporting and assumptions and priors that were kept consistent. The ratio of current fishing mortality over the fishing pressure that gives the maximum sustainable yield, F/FMSY, is most affected by under-reporting. Results are sensitive to the prior assumed for the initial depletion level, B0/K, and research is needed. If the misreporting is changing over time, relative quantities (e.g. F/FMSY) and trends are biased, while if misreporting (or at least a part of misreporting) is constant, relative quantities are unbiased. Therefore, the nature of any trend in misreporting should be investigated.

Phylogenetic prospecting for cryptic species of the genus Merluccius (Actinopterygii: Merlucciidae)

Hakes of the genus Merluccius include 11 valid species as well a number of rare morphotypes suspected to be “cryptic species”. Concatenated nucDNA ITS1-rDNA and mtDNA cyt b sequences plus nested ITS1Nes sequences allowed to ascribe 14 specimens of nine rare morphotypes from the South Pacific and the South Atlantic to the phylogenetic backbone of this genus. Bayesian analyses pointed to M. bilinearis and M. albidus as the oldest species of the genus and the New World cluster, respectively. The phylogenetic status of M. angustimanus from the upper Gulf of California suggests its hybrid origin between M. gayi and M. productus from about 0.25 MYA, although an ever since confinement of a subset of those species cannot be ruled out. The molecular phylodiagnostic test suggests a common origin of all rare morphotypes and the absence of cryptic hake species in the Southern Cone. The molecular background of the morphotypes distributed between the Western Pacific South of New Zealand and the western Atlantic South of Argentina is compatible with their hybrid origin between M. gayi and both, M. australis or M. hubbsi, respectively.

Updated Morphological Descriptions of the Larval Stage of Urophycis (Family: Phycidae) from the Northeast United States Continental Shelf

Including early life history data in assessments can improve fisheries management by increasing our knowledge of stock structure, spawning habitat, and population trends. The identification of fish larvae to species is a necessary step in using early life history data toward this goal. Three species of hakes from the genus Urophycis are common on the northeast United States continental shelf: U. chuss or Red Hake, U. regia or Spotted Hake, and U. tenuis or White Hake. Unfortunately, identification of larval Urophycis has long been only possible at the genus level. Larvae of Urophycis (n = 277) collected in a subset of ethanol-preserved samples were identified genetically through sequencing of the cytochrome oxidase I gene and were used to update morphological descriptions with characters that separate these three species at the larval stage. Sequencing occurred in two stages: the first (n = 88) to develop a set of known-identity larvae to define species-specific traits, the second (n = 189) to test morphological identification based on the traits described in this study. We describe a combination of the location of dorsal and ventral pigment, head pigment, lower jaw pigment, and the timing of development of the pectoral fins to distinguish the larvae of these three species at sizes <6 mm. Using molecular techniques to improve morphological identifications is a powerful and efficient way to obtain the species-level data needed for assessments and management.

Hepatobiliary Analyses Suggest Chronic PAH Exposure in Hakes (Urophycis spp.) Following the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill

Prior to the Deepwater Horizon oil spill, we lacked a comprehensive baseline of oil contamination in the Gulf of Mexico's sediments, water column, and biota. Gaps in prespill knowledge limit our ability to determine the aftereffects of the Deepwater Horizon blowout or prepare to mitigate similar impacts during future oil spill disasters. We examined spatiotemporal differences in exposure to and metabolism of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in 2 hake species (Urophycis spp.) to establish a current baseline for these ecologically important, abundant, and at‐risk demersal fishes. Gulf hake (Urophycis cirrata) and southern hake (Urophycis floridana) were collected throughout the Gulf of Mexico during extensive longline surveys from 2012 to 2015. Analyses of biliary PAH metabolites and liver PAH concentrations provided evidence of exposures to di‐ and tricyclic compounds, with the highest concentrations measured in the northern Gulf of Mexico. Species‐specific differences were not detected, but temporal trends observed in biliary PAHs suggest a decrease in acute exposures, whereas increasing liver PAHs suggest chronic exposures marked by greater assimilation than metabolism rates. To our knowledge, the present study provides the first multitissue contaminant analyses, as well as the most exhaustive biometric analyses, for both gulf and southern hakes. Though sources of exposure are complex because of multiple natural and anthropogenic PAH inputs, these results will facilitate the development of much needed health metrics for Gulf of Mexico benthos. Environ Toxicol Chem 2019;38:2740–2749. © 2019 The Authors. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of SETAC.

Comparison of real-time PCR methods for quantification of European hake (Merluccius merluccius) in processed food samples

The quantification of species in commercial products is limited by analytical shortcomings, as most of them provide semiquantitative results. An exception is real-time PCR, which can provide quantitative results using hybridization probes. In the present work, this technique has been applied to the absolute, absolute-relative and relative quantification of the most valued hake species in European markets, Merluccius merluccius (European Hake). The best quantification results for this species in binary mixtures with non-target species (Merluccius capensis) and using a species-specific real-time PCR MMER_VIC system was achieved using a relative quantification approach (MLL as reference system). Absolute quantification using the MLL nuclear system has been demonstrated as appropriate for the quantification of the Merluccius genus in food model samples. This study reveals the impact of different reference systems (MLL and HAKE) in the absolute-relative and relative quantification approaches, showing that the nuclear MLL system performed better than the mitochondrial HAKE system.

Fine-scale environmental effects on Cape hake survey catch rates in the northern Benguela, using data from a trawl-mounted instrument package

MEPS Marine Ecology Progress Series Contact the journal Facebook Twitter RSS Mailing List Subscribe to our mailing list via Mailchimp HomeLatest VolumeAbout the JournalEditorsTheme Sections MEPS 584:185-198 (2017) - DOI: https://doi.org/10.3354/meps12350 Fine-scale environmental effects on Cape hake survey catch rates in the northern Benguela, using data from a trawl-mounted instrument package Paulus Kainge1,2,*, Kai Wieland2 1National Marine Information and Research Centre (NatMIRC), Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources, Swakopmund, Namibia 2DTU Aqua - National Institute of Aquatic Resources, Technical University of Denmark, 9850 Hirtshals, Denmark *Corresponding author: paulus.kainge@mfmr.gov.na ABSTRACT: We investigated fine-scale effects of environmental variables associated with habitat distribution for 4 size groups of Cape hakes, Merluccius capensis and M. paradoxus, using generalized additive models (GAMs) with a negative binominal error distribution. This study took place during the Namibian hake trawl survey of 2016, and was made possible for the first time in Namibia by collecting oceanographic information with a trawl-mounted instrument package concurrently with the catch data. Depth, geographical position, bottom oxygen and bottom temperature had the most pronounced effect on the catch rates of both hake species, whereas solar zenith angle representing diel effects and surface layer chlorophyll appeared to be less important. The explained deviance for the best models ranged from 71.4% for M. capensis to 92.7% for M. paradoxus between 43 and 57 cm in length. Differences in catch rates between species and size groups were most pronounced for bottom depth and bottom oxygen. The results show the potential value of trawl-mounted instrumental packages for the collection of reliable environmental data important in the study of environmental influence on abundance, catch rates and distribution, and in turn in the assessment and management of a resource. KEY WORDS: Survey catchability · Bottom trawl catch rates · Benguela current system · Green water effect · Negative binomial GAM · Full text in pdf format Supplementary material PreviousNextCite this article as: Kainge P, Wieland K (2017) Fine-scale environmental effects on Cape hake survey catch rates in the northern Benguela, using data from a trawl-mounted instrument package. Mar Ecol Prog Ser 584:185-198. https://doi.org/10.3354/meps12350 Export citation RSS - Facebook - Tweet - linkedIn Cited by Published in MEPS Vol. 584. Online publication date: December 07, 2017 Print ISSN: 0171-8630; Online ISSN: 1616-1599 Copyright © 2017 Inter-Research.

COI barcode-HRM as a novel approach for the discrimination of hake species

Abstract Hake species of Merluccius genus represent an important group of fish commonly sold all over the world. Therefore, they are highly prone to be adulterated, particularly the substitution of M. merluccius by other species with lower market value. The present work intended the development of a highly sensitive methodology for the rapid detection and differentiation of hake species based on mini-barcoding of cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) gene combined with high resolution melting (HRM) analysis. The method allowed the full discrimination of M. merluccius, M. productus, M. hubbsi, M. capensis and M. paradoxus with high levels of confidence. Real-time PCR assay targeting COI mini-barcode provided a high sensitive tool to detect hake species down to 0.2–20 pg of DNA with adequate performance parameters. The application of the COI-HRM approach to 45 fish-containing foods showed that two samples did not comply with the declared species, suggesting mislabelling or species substitution. These findings highlight the need of controlling processed fish-containing foods and the feasibility of the proposed tool for their authentication at trace levels.

Determination of the Geographical Origin of All Commercial Hake Species by Stable Isotope Ratio (SIR) Analysis.

The determination of the geographical origin of food products is relevant to comply with the legal regulations of traceability, to avoid food fraud, and to guarantee food quality and safety to the consumers. For these reasons, stable isotope ratio (SIR) analysis using an isotope ratio mass spectrometry (IRMS) instrument is one of the most useful techniques for evaluating food traceability and authenticity. The present study was aimed to determine, for the first time, the geographical origin for all commercial fish species belonging to the Merlucciidae family using SIR analysis of carbon (δ13C) and nitrogen (δ15N). The specific results enabled their clear classification according to the FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations) fishing areas, latitude, and geographical origin in the following six different clusters: European, North African, South African, North American, South American, and Australian hake species.

Otolith microstructure analysis reveals differentiated growth histories in sympatric black hakes (Merluccius polli and Merluccius senegalensis)

This is the first study to provide age estimations of the two black hake species living in Mauritanian waters. Here we propose a new interpretation of microstructural growth increments that are assumed to be deposited daily. Our approach to age-reading combining the counts in both sagittal and transverse planes proved successful with black hake otoliths, including adults’. A newly developed image analysis software tool (OTOLab) was used to help in identifying and marking daily growth increments throughout the otoliths. Larval growth was analyzed from otolith sagittal sections and showed wider mean daily increments in Merluccius polli (3.32μ) than in Merluccius senegalensis (2.85μ). Conversely, once recruited to demersal life after metamorphosis, juvenile and adult growth was analyzed from otolith transverse sections, where the widest mean daily increments were found in M. senegalensis (4.19μ) (M. polli, 3.19μ). Although the growth models of both species were not statistically different, the two black hakes probably have alternate growth strategies and, like the European hake, belong to the group of fast-growing hakes. When both species were considered together, the mean length of one-year-old black hakes was 36.7 cm, while the averaged individual growth rate was 1.12mmday−1. These growth values are the highest found for any hake species and are probably explained by the influence of one of the world’s most important upwelling systems, off northwest Africa. Although environmental factors may influence individual growth, ontogeny is the main factor determining growth rates at any life stage. Our results support otolith microstructural analysis as a realistic choice to regularly age hakes.

Characterisation of the dietary relationships of two sympatric hake species, Merluccius capensis and M. paradoxus, in the northern Benguela region using fatty acid profiles

The two sympatric species of Cape hake, Merluccius capensis and M. paradoxus, have been the main targets of bottom-trawl fisheries off Namibia for several decades. The feeding ecology of these hakes has been studied mainly using stomach content analyses and thus there remain some gaps in our knowledge about food assimilated over the longer term. In this study, we used fatty acid (FA) profiles to characterise the dietary relationships of M. capensis and M. paradoxus. Muscle samples from hake (n=110) and their known prey (n=68) were collected during trawl surveys off Namibia during 2011. Significant differences between the neutral FA profiles of the hake populations were detected in December 2011 but not in January 2011, an indication of temporal variations in diet and resource partitioning. Comparisons of the neutral FAs in hake and the total FAs of potential prey showed no clear trophic connections, with the exception of flying squid Todarodes sagittatus, which had FA profiles very similar to those of M. paradoxus in December 2011. Our results highlight the complex and temporally shifting relationships that exist between hake and the large pool of prey available to them, and between the two hake species that overlap in their feeding habits and distribution within the highly productive Benguela Current region.

Effect of temperature on the development and mortality of European hake (Merluccius merluccius L.) eggs from southern stock under laboratory conditions

The effects of five temperatures (10, 13, 16, 19 and 22°C) on the survival, development and hatching time of fertilized hake eggs from a spontaneous spawning were studied. Significant differences (p<0.05) were found between egg development at each temperature. The power law model provided good fits for the relationship between temperature and development time, with r2 values higher than 0.96. Total egg mortality rates were high for all temperatures, with the lowest values observed at 12.7°C (59%). In contrast, eggs did not tolerate temperature above 22°C. The time to complete stages I, II, III and IV showed significant differences (p>0.05) between this study and previous result reported for hake eggs from northern stock. These differences could be related to the different thermal history of the eggs, experimental conditions or differences in the grouping of developmental stages. An extensive review of some hake species from the Merluccius genera showed a low variability in time to hatch at each temperature.

Trophic relationships of hake (Merluccius capensis and M. paradoxus) and sharks (Centrophorus squamosus, Deania calcea and D. profundorum) in the Northern (Namibia) Benguela Current region

The trophic relationships of two hake species (Merluccius capensis and M. paradoxus) and three shark species (Centrophorus squamosus, Deania calcea and D. profundorum) were investigated using nitrogen and carbon stable isotope signatures (δ15N and δ13C) of their muscle tissues. The sharks were more enriched in 15N than the hake, an indication of the apex predator status of sharks. Among the sharks considered, C. squamosus occupied the highest trophic level and fed primarily on benthic prey. The two species of shark from the genus Deania were not different based on δ15N or δ13C, so they had similar diets. The δ13C signatures indicated that M. capensis and sharks fed on prey derived from similar basal resources. However, there was a significant difference in δ13C between M. paradoxus and all other species examined, suggesting that they occupied different feeding niches. Isotope-based population metrics showed narrower trophic ranges in sharks than M. capensis. Carbon and nitrogen ranges indicated that hake fed on a more diverse pool of carbon sources and had generally more enhanced trophic diversity in their feeding patterns than sharks. Among the species considered, C. squamosus occupied a unique isotopic space. Our results supported the hypothesis there are trophic overlaps among these species, but some interesting differentiation was revealed.

Contrasting energy allocation strategies of two sympatric Merluccius species in an upwelling system.

This study investigated the somatic growth and energy allocation strategy of two sympatric hake species (Merluccius polli and Merluccius senegalensis), coexisting under the strong influence of the Mauritanian upwelling. The results revealed that ontogeny, bathymetry, geography and reproduction shaped the differences found between the condition dynamics of the two species. Aside from species-specific differences, individuals were observed in better condition in the northernmost area (more influenced by the permanent upwelling) and in the deepest waters, probably the most favourable habitat for Merluccius spp. Both species also displayed contrasting trade-offs in energy allocation probably due to the dissimilarity of their habitats, which favours the existence of divergent adaptive strategies in response to different ontogenic requirements. It was hypothesized that M. polli invests in mass and energy reserves while sacrificing growth, as larger sizes may not provide an ecological advantage in a deeper and more stable environment. Moreover, M. senegalensis capitalizes on a steady growth without major disruptions, enabling earlier spawning at the expense of a lower somatic mass, which is fitting to a less stable shallower environment. This study sheds new light on differences in the biological traits and life strategies of Merluccius spp., which permit their overlap in a complex upwelling system and may contribute to the long-lasting scientific-based management of these species.

Comparing early life traits of hakes from Chilean Patagonian fjords inferred by otolith microstructure analysis

Comparison of larval growth and back-calculated hatch dates on the basis of microstructure analysis of sagitta otoliths were carried out in wild-caught larvae of three commercially important gadiform fishes from Northern Patagonia, South Pacific, Chilean hake Merluccius gayi, southern hake Merluccius australis, and Patagonian grenadier Macruronus magellanicus. Because of the morphological similarities in their larval stages, we hypothesize that early life traits (ELT) will be different among the hake species in order to avoid/reduce interspecific competition. During October–November 2011, there was differences in the spatial distribution of the surviving larvae from the three species along the inner sea; while larval Chilean hake were concentrated in the warmer and fresher seawaters of the Reloncaví fjord, larval Patagonian grenadier were aggregated southward, in the Ancud Gulf, while larval southern hake were found throughout the area, but in low density. Temporal differences were evident in the back-calculated hatch days among species; larval hakes of genus Merluccius hatched during late October, while larval grenadier hatched between August and September. Estimated larval growth rates differed among hake species; larval M. magellanicus experienced the fastest growth rates (0.334±0.01mmd−1), while larval M. australis experienced growth rates of 0.220±0.01mmd−1, and larval M. gayi showed the slowest growth rates (0.180±0.01mmd−1). Therefore, resource partitioning both in time and space are occurring among early life stages of M. gayi, M. australis and M. magellanicus during austral spring season in Northern Patagonian fjords of Chile.

Lipid profile analysis of two species of hake "merluccius capensis and merluccius paradoxus" and its contribution to cardiovascular disease prevention

In recent years it has been shown that omega-3 PUFAs have multiple cardiovascular protective effects. Currently, fish is the main and most important source of Omega-3 fatty acids. To analyze the fatty acid composition in two species of hake, its content of omega-3 fatty acids and study their contribution to the prevention of cardiovascular diseases. We analyzed samples of two species of hake (Merluccius capensis and Merluccius paradoxus) in its natural state and frozen, cooked by microwave and boiled samples. We have studied the moisture content, lipid content and analysis, identification and composition of fatty acids. It was observed that the content of w-3 PUFA was higher than the w-6 PUFA. The omega-3 fatty acids DHA and EPA were the most representative of the omega-3 family, highlighting the DHA content in all samples analyzed. It has also demonstrated the safety of the cooking methods :microwave" and "boiling" as methods that ensure the integrity of the w-3 PUFA. Hake samples analyzed present an optimal lipid profile. Its content of w-3 PUFA and their properties, make hake fish is distinguished as hearthealthy diets reference.

Spawning strategies and transport of early stages of the two Cape hake species, Merluccius paradoxus and M. capensis, in the southern Benguela upwelling system

Seasonal and short-term variability of environmental parameters influence the spawning strategies of fish species. In this study, the spawning strategies and the transport of early stages of the two Cape hake species off South Africa were investigated. Distribution of eggs and larvae of Merluccius paradoxus and M. capensis was analysed in order to derive more detailed and species-specific information on spawning season, spawning location, and transport of early stages. Samples were collected during three pilot surveys between January and October 2007 and during an extensive survey in September/October 2008 in the southern Benguela upwelling system off South Africa. Eggs and larvae of M. paradoxus were found in greater numbers than those of M. capensis during all surveys. Highest abundances were found from September to October, indicating one spawning peak for M. paradoxus during late austral winter to spring. The western Agulhas Bank was identified as the primary spawning ground, and smaller spawning events occurred on the West Coast. Larvae of both species were mainly distributed in subsurface waters between 25 and 100 m. More than 50% of all larvae caught had a total length between 3 and 4 mm and size increased significantly with decreasing latitude. Merluccius capensis were found closer inshore than M. paradoxus, indicating that early stages of the two species followed separate drift routes. We assume that this distribution pattern most likely evolved from differences in spawning location and phenology. The spawning strategies of M. paradoxus and M. capensis are well adapted to a time-frame of optimal transport conditions favourable for larval survival in the highly variable environment of the southern Benguela upwelling system, but the peak spawning of the two species is separated in time and space.

Modeling the dispersal of Cape hake ichthyoplankton

The two Cape hake species of the southern Benguela ecosystem, the shallow-waterand deep-water hakes Merluccius capensis and M. paradoxus, are economically themost important marine resources in South Africa. Recruitment is a key process inthe dynamics of marine organisms, yet very little is known about the early lifehistory of Cape hakes, especially the location of spawning grounds and transportof eggs and larvae. For each species, ichthyoplankton dispersal off South Africa issimulated by coupling oceanographic simulations to an individual-based model inorder to track virtual individuals. Results indicate that the most favorable spawningareas for transport to nursery areas are located off the south-western coast and theeastern Agulhas Bank, and highlight partly different drift routes followed by thetwo ichthyoplankton species off Cape Columbine. Transport from spawning tonursery areas is the highest in austral winter for a spawning depth rangingbetween 0 and 100 m. These modeling results are in broad agreement with avail-able knowledge on the ecology of Cape hakes. The present work on Cape hakescomplements previous modeling studies on anchovy and sardine in the same area.Taken together, these studies underline the correspondence between cross-shore(for hakes) or alongshore (for anchovy and sardine) transport mechanisms and thespawning strategies used by these key species of the southern Benguela ecosystem.KEYWORDS: Merluccius spp.; Southern Benguela; larval dispersal; modeling