Environmental variablity in three major Mediterranean tuna spawning grounds.

Abstract

We propose four different environmental indicators, three related to temperature variability in three major spawning grounds of tuna species in the Mediterranean, and one related to the sea surface salinity variability in the Balearic Sea. These oceanographic indicators show the annual variability of environmental parameters affecting growth and survival of tuna eggs and larval. The indicators are intended to provide quick access to assessment working groups and fisheries scientist to identify potentially anomalous years