Is the lesser spotted dogfish (Schyliorhinus canicula) population from the Cantabrian Sea, a unique stock?

Abstract

A summary of the information recorded from tagging surveys since 1993 for S. canicula in the VIIIc ICES area is presented. A total of 6619 specimens have been tagged, the recapture rate being around 2.3 %. The maximum distance recorded has been 158.9 miles while the 70 % of the specimens recaptured were in less than 15 miles and 56 % less than 10 miles. From this data, a priori, we can affirm that this specie remains in certain areas, making short movements. At the moment no differences are found between males and females and no seasonal pattern is detected. Apparently, there is no a relation between time at liberty and distanced covered. Spatial and bathymetrical distribution of both juveniles and adults of this specie is presented and combined with the previous one to describe the habitat of this specie.