Observation on the spawning of Sardina and Sardinella off the south Moroccan Atlantic coast (21–26°N)

This paper provides information on the early life stages of the Moroccan Atlantic sardine, Sardina pilchardus, and two species of Sardinella: Sardinella aurita and S. maderensis, between Cape Blanc (21°N) and Cape Boujdor (26°N), dealing with the spawning grounds, the nursery areas and the optimal spawning temperature and salinity range.

The spawning areas for Sardina are located North of Dakhla (24°30′–25°30′N) and near Cintra Bay (23°N). The larval development area is described together with seasonal and annual characteristics. The nurseries of Sardina are near Dakhla and to the south between 21 and 22°N but precise locations vary with season. The maximum occurrence of eggs was during winter, and was at temperatures from 16 to 18 °C in winter and between 18 and 18.5 °C in summer.

The main spawning area of Sardinella species is between Cape Blanc and Cintra Bay (21–23°N) with a maximum occurrence of eggs and larvae in July. For Sardinella off the southern region of Morocco, the optimal temperature interval for spawning is between 18 and 21.14 °C. No conclusions can be drawn on the relationship between spawning and water salinity.

The area north of Cintra Bay has a broad, but shallow continental shelf. This topography leads to decreasing dispersion effects and the zone constitutes a favorable area for larval retention and development.