Interannual variation in Neocalanus biomass in the Oyashio waters of the western North Pacific

We examined the interannual variation in Neocalanus copepod biomass in the Oyashio waters in spring and summer from 1972 to 1999. In the mid‐1970s, mesozooplankton biomass in spring was high; however, it decreased significantly in the late 1970s. The timing of the decrease in mesozooplankton biomass corresponded to the 1976/77 climatic regime shift. The biomass of N. flemingeri, which dominated the Neocalanus community, was roughly constant from 1980 to 1999. Although species‐level estimates of Neocalanus biomass were not available for the 1970s, a previous study reported that Neocalanus copepods were the predominant mesozooplankton in the Oyashio waters in spring during the 1970s. Neocalanus copepods dominated the mesozooplankton community throughout the 1970s, and their biomass decreased in the late 1970s. Springtime net community production, an index of new production, also decreased in the late 1970s. We suggest that the reduction in new production negatively affected Neocalanus food availability, resulting decreased copepod biomass. New production may have been limited by a combination of subsurface iron supplies, increased vertical density gradient, and reduced vertical water mixing in winter, which resulted in diminished iron entrainment in winter. In summer, mesozooplankton biomass significantly decreased and increased synchronously with the 1976/77 and 1988/89 climatic regime shifts. The biomass of N. plumchrus, which dominated the Neocalanus community, was low in the 1980s and increased in the early 1990s. The biomass of the second‐most dominant copepod, N. cristatus, also increased in the early 1990s. Neocalanus copepods were reported to be a dominant component of the mesozooplankton community in the 1970s; Neocalanus biomass was high in the mid‐1970s and decreased in the late 1970s. Japanese sardine (Sardinops melanostictus), an important predator of Neocalanus copepods, exhibited interannual variation in standing stock that was inversely related to mesozooplankton biomass. At their peak in 1984, sardines consumed 32–138% of the daily Neocalanus production during summer. Therefore, predation pressure on Neocalanus by Japanese sardine is likely to affect interannual variation in mesozooplankton biomass during the summer.     

Numerical simulations of the seasonal circulation patterns and thermohaline structures of Prince William Sound,Alaska

A three‐dimensional, primitive‐equation ocean circulation model was applied to Prince William Sound, Alaska (3D‐PWS circulation model), under forcing of an ocean tide, freshwater runoff, surface heat flux, Alaska Coastal Current (ACC) throughflow (inflow/outflow), and daily (synoptic), spatially varying winds. The 3D structures and seasonal cycles of the circulation patterns, temperature, salinity (density), and mixed layer are examined. Freshwater runoff significantly contributes to the basin‐scale cyclonic circulation, which was not addressed in the previous simulations. Two typical circulation regimes, cyclonic and anticyclonic, characterize the complex flow patterns that depend on the intensities of the ACC thoughflow, freshwater discharge, and the synoptic wind. The spring (April–May) circulation pattern is characterized by a weak (maximum current 0.1 ms^?1) anticyclonic flow in the central Sound, while the autumn (September–October) circulation is dominated by a basin‐scale, cyclonic gyre (maximum current 0.2 ms^?1) due to the increase of the ACC throughflow and the maximum freshwater influence. During the summer, the circulation includes the cyclonic and anticyclonic gyres. During the winter, the circulation pattern is controlled by the basin‐scale cyclonic gyre and surface drift driven by the strong north‐easterly (south‐westward) wind forcing. The seasonal cycles of temperature (T) and salinity (S) vs. depth compare well with the observations. The simulated spring and autumn surface circulation patterns compare qualitatively well with the towed ADCP (acoustic Doppler current profilers) flow patterns and dynamic height patterns in the central Sound. An application of this model to zooplankton overwintering is discussed.     

Foraging behaviour of juvenile pink salmon (Oncorhynchus gorbuscha) and size‐dependent predation risk

Two hypotheses related to effects of juvenile pink salmon (Oncorhynchus gorbuscha) foraging behaviour and size on their predation risk were evaluated using field data collected in Prince William Sound, Alaska 1 995–97. My results supported the hypothesis that low macrozooplankton density leads to dispersion of juvenile salmon from shallow nearshore habitats and greater predation risk, but zooplankton type was an important factor. When the biomass of large copepods (primarily Neocalanus spp.) declined, salmon dispersed from shallow nearshore habitats, and mean daily individual predator consumption of salmon increased by a factor of 5. A concomitant five‐fold increase in the probability of occurrence of salmon in predator stomachs supported the notion that increased predation on salmon was caused by a greater overlap between predator and prey when salmon dispersed offshore, not an increase in the number of salmon consumed per feeding bout. The results also generally supported the hypothesis that the timing of predation events modifies the nature of size‐dependent predation losses of salmon to different predator groups (small and large planktivores and piscivores). Size‐dependent vulnerabilities of salmon to predators were a function of both predator and prey sizes. When simulated predation was shifted from May to June, the vulnerability of salmon became more dependent on their growth than initial size. But, the size‐ and growth‐dependent vulnerabilities of salmon differed more among predator groups than between May and June, suggesting that changes in the composition of predator fields could more strongly affect the nature of size‐dependent predation than changes in the timing of predation losses.     

Physical variability in Prince William Sound during the SEA Study (1994–98)

From 1994 to 1998, a multidisciplinary ecosystem study (the Sound Ecosystem Assessment) examined the primary physical and biological factors that influence the production of pink salmon and Pacific herring in Prince William Sound (PWS), species that experienced population declines after the 1989 Exxon‐Valdez oil spill. Three physical processes are described that influence ecosystem processes: surface layer stratification; upper layer (<100 m) circulation; and exchange between PWS and the northern Gulf of Alaska (NGOA). Stratification formed first in the PWS nearshore regions in March, and subsequently in the northern central basin in April, primarily due to freshening. The northern stratified layer and the associated zonal density front persisted at least through June, but year‐to‐year differences occurred. In spring and summer, circulation in central PWS could be either cyclonic or anticyclonic. Drifter trajectories often linked central PWS to a nearshore bay or fjord, or one bay or fjord to another. September was characterized by a cyclonic circulation and isopycnal doming in central PWS, with little year‐to‐year variability. At Hinchinbrook Entrance, a main connection with the Gulf of Alaska, alternating inflows and outflows occurred in spring over all depths. In summer through early autumn (1995), in the absence of predominantly westward winds, the dominant exchange pattern was outflow above about 150 m and inflow below. In summer through early autumn (1996–98), there was also surface (<20 m) inflow at Montague Strait (the other main entrance). Northward transport at Hinchinbrook Entrance was maximum in late autumn through winter, with inflow above ~150 m and outflow below. Westward wind events over the shelf associated with the weather cycle drove inflow events at both Hinchinbrook Entrance and Montague Strait that may result in transport of zooplankton important to the PWS ecosystem.     

Predation on Pacific herring (Clupea pallasi) spawn by birds in Prince William Sound,Alaska

We examined bird diets in areas with Pacific herring (Clupea pallasi) spawn at northern Montague Island in Prince William Sound, Alaska. Diets of the five most abundant bird species consisted primarily of herring spawn. Using a bioenergetics model, we estimated that in spring 1994 the five‐bird species ate 857.1 metric tons (mt), representing 31% of the estimated spawn deposition. The two most numerous consumers, glaucous‐winged gull (Larus glaucescens) and mew gull (Larus canus) consumed 26% and 3%, respectively, of the estimated spawn deposition. Surf scoters (Melanitta perspicillata), surfbirds (Aphriza virgata), and black turnstone (Arenaria melanocephala) together consumed 2% of the spawn deposition. In years with low spawn biomass, such as 1994, the number of herring larvae produced could be significantly affected by normal rates of avian predation. The high consumption by gulls, shorebirds, and surf scoters underscores the importance of herring spawn in the annual cycle of these species and requires further investigation.     

Ecological processes influencing mortality of juvenile pink salmon (Oncorhynchus gorbuscha) in Prince William Sound,Alaska

Our collaborative work focused on understanding the system of mechanisms influencing the mortality of juvenile pink salmon (Oncorhynchus gorbuscha) in Prince William Sound, Alaska. Coordinated field studies, data analysis and numerical modelling projects were used to identify and explain the mechanisms and their roles in juvenile mortality. In particular, project studies addressed the identification of major fish and bird predators consuming juvenile salmon and the evaluation of three hypotheses linking these losses to (i) alternative prey for predators (prey‐switching hypothesis); (ii) salmon foraging behaviour (refuge‐dispersion hypothesis); and (iii) salmon size and growth (size‐refuge hypothesis). Two facultative planktivorous fishes, Pacific herring (Clupea pallasi) and walleye pollock (Theragra chalcogramma), probably consumed the most juvenile pink salmon each year, although other gadids were also important. Our prey‐switching hypothesis was supported by data indicating that herring and pollock switched to alternative nekton prey, including juvenile salmon, when the biomass of large copepods declined below about 0.2 g m^?3. Model simulations were consistent with these findings, but simulations suggested that a June pteropod bloom also sheltered juvenile salmon from predation. Our refuge‐dispersion hypothesis was supported by data indicating a five‐fold increase in predation losses of juvenile salmon when salmon dispersed from nearshore habitats as the biomass of large copepods declined. Our size‐refuge hypothesis was supported by data indicating that size‐ and growth‐dependent vulnerabilities of salmon to predators were a function of predator and prey sizes and the timing of predation events. Our model simulations offered support for the efficacy of representing ecological processes affecting juvenile fishes as systems of coupled evolution equations representing both spatial distribution and physiological status. Simulations wherein model dimensionality was limited through construction of composite trophic groups reproduced the dominant patterns in salmon survival data. In our study, these composite trophic groups were six key zooplankton taxonomic groups, two categories of adult pelagic fishes, and from six to 12 groups for tagged hatchery‐reared juvenile salmon. Model simulations also suggested the importance of salmon density and predator size as important factors modifying the predation process.     

Characterization of the pelagic ecosystem in surface waters of the northern Gulf of St, Lawrence in early summer: the larval redfish-Calanus-microplankton interaction

In June 1989, the water column along a transect in the north-central Gulf of St Lawrence was thermally stratified (10–14^oC at the surface; 0-l^oC at 30 m). In the surface layer, nitrate and chlorophyll concentrations were very low; the mean concentration of chlorophyll a > 5 μm in the subsurface maximum was 0.26 μg1^-1. Autotrophic and (presumably) heterotrophic flagellates and dinoflagellates were the most abundant micro-plankton. In this system, redfish (Sebastes spp.) larvae and the planktonic copepod Calanus finmarchicus overwhelmingly dominated the ichthyoplankton and zoo-plankton, respectively. Redfish larvae, Calanus females and Calanus eggs were most abundant in the surface layer (0–25 m) day and night. Daily specific egg production rates of Calanus, calculated from shipboard incubations of females, approached the predicted maximal level for this species at the ambient temperature of the surface layer, indicating no or little food limitation. The redfish larvae were feeding almost exclusively on the Calanus eggs and were found in greatest abundance along the transect where Calanus egg production rates (eggs m^-2 day^-1), calculated from the product of the specific egg production rate and female concentration, were highest. The mono-specificity of the larval redfish diet and the codom-     

Interannual differences in prey taken by capelin, herring, and red salmon relative to zooplankton abundance during the spring bloom in a southeast Alaskan embayment

Capelin, herring, and red salmon diets were examined in relation to zooplankton abundance and biomass in the water column and surface layer of Auke Bay, Alaska, during the spring bloom period, 1987 and 1988 (April through mid-June). Euphausiid eggs were the dominant prey of capelin in mid-May 1987. Pseu-docalanus spp. and barnacle nauplii dominated during the rest of the season. Capelin consumed Calanus spp. and Metridia spp. in April and Pseudocaknus and Cen-tropages abdominalis in May and June 1988. During May and June 1987, herring were eating primarily barnacle larvae and Oikopleura spp. During April 1988, herring consumed primarily Calanus spp. and barnacle nauplii. In late April and early May they shifted to Pseudocalanus and Thysanoessa raschii, and in late May and June they consumed Centropages abdominalis and barnacle cyprids. Outmigrating red salmon fry consumed primarily Oikopleura during both years, along with substantial quantities of barnacle larvae. These dietary changes roughly correspond with variations in the abundance of prey taxa in the plankton samples. Likelihood measures of niche breadth indicated that capelin sometimes consume prey in approximately equal proportions to its abundance. Niche overlap between the herring and capelin was greatest in April and early May. Niche overlap was also high between herring and red salmon during June, when herring were in shallow water to breed.     

Effect of stocking biomass on solids,phytoplankton communities,common off‐flavors,and production parameters in a channel catfish biofloc technology production system

The effect of initial channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus, Rafinesque, 1818) fingerling biomass (1.4, 1.8, or 2.3 kg m^?3) on phytoplankton communities, common off‐flavours and stocker catfish production parameters was evaluated in biofloc technology production tanks. Stocker catfish size (145.5–172.6 g fish^?1) at harvest did not differ among treatments, but net yield increased linearly as initial biomass increased (R² = 0.633). Mean total feed consumption increased linearly with initial catfish biomass (R² = 0.656) and ranged from 10.7 to 15.8 kg m^?3. Total suspended solids (TSS) in all treatments increased linearly with total feed addition, and high TSS appeared to impact negatively daily feed consumption. Initial phytoplankton populations were dominated by small colonial green algae and diatoms, and later transitioned to populations dominated by a small, filamentous cyanobacteria and diatoms. Low, variable concentrations of 2‐methylisoborneol and geosmin were present in biofloc tank water during most of the study and two tanks yielded catfish with 2‐methylisoborneol or geosmin concentrations that might be classified as off‐flavour. One isolate of actinomycete was isolated sporadically from some biofloc tanks, but its abundance was not correlated with 2‐methylisoborneol concentration in tank waters. The microbial sources of 2‐methylisoborneol and geosmin in biofloc tanks remain unidentified.     

Late winter larval mesopelagic fish assemblage in the Kuroshio waters of the western North Pacific

The larval mesopelagic fish assemblage and its distribution patterns were investigated in the Kuroshio region off southern Japan in late winter. A total of 8690 fish larvae was collected, 85.8% of which were mesopelagic fish larvae. Mesopelagic fish larvae were significantly more abundant in the area east of the Kuroshio axis than west of the Kuroshio axis (660.6 versus 194.5 ind 10 m^?2). Sigmops gracile, Bathylagus ochotensis, Notoscopelus japonicus, Diaphus slender type and Myctophum asperum were the five most abundant larvae and accounted for 16.9, 16.4, 15.2, 13.9 and 9.3% of the total catch in numbers, respectively. We conclude that these larvae were transported by the Kuroshio Current to the more productive transition waters, where they spend their juvenile stage from spring to early summer. The possibility of expatriation and southward long‐distance spawning migrations of N. japonicus and B. ochotensis are discussed, based on the geographic distribution patterns of their larvae, juveniles and adults.     

Production and economic assessment of giant kelp Macrocystis pyrifera cultivation for abalone feed in the south of Chile

Kelp biomass availability for mass abalone cultivation remains a critical issue in Chile. The technical and economic feasibility of a commercial scale kelp farming activity has not been established. This study describes the production and economic results of a pilot scale unit installed in southern Chile. Our results show 25 kg m^?1 of production over a 9‐month spring‐summer period, and 16.2 kg m^?1 during the autumn‐winter period. These values indicate that a total biomass production of 41.3 kg (wet) ma^?1 year^?1 can be obtained by placing the culture lines at 4 m intervals. High quality animal food‐grade plants with a 9% protein content, over 5 m in length were harvested. Sensitivity analysis showed that by cultivating 30–50 ha with a market value of US$ 78 ton^?1, a return on investment can be made after the first year.     

Pacific herring (Clupea pallasii) consumption by marine birds during winter in Prince William Sound,Alaska

Following the 1989 MV Exxon Valdez oil spill (EVOS) and subsequent herring population collapse in Alaska's Prince William Sound (PWS), the Pacific herring (Clupea pallasii) fishery was closed. In the 25 yr since EVOS, herring and several herring‐dependent marine bird species have failed to reach pre‐spill population levels. One hypothesis is that intense predation pressure may be inhibiting herring recovery. To inform herring modeling efforts, this study estimated marine bird consumption of juvenile and adult herring in PWS for 10 winters over an 18‐yr period (1989–90 through 2006–2007). Total estimated herring consumption by wintering marine birds averaged 2409 ± 950 t, indicating that avian consumption represents a substantial and inter‐annually variable source of herring mortality. Common murre (Uria aalge) consumed the greatest portion (16–80%) of herring in all years among marine bird species. Juvenile herring biomass consumed annually by common murre was greater than murre consumption of adult herring biomass. Time lag analyses showed that marine bird consumption of adult herring is negatively correlated with the amount of herring spawn observed in subsequent years, but such effects were not observed more than 2 yr. Our models indicate that during years in which herring recruitment is low or bird populations are particularly large, marine birds can consume up to 10% of the annual adult herring biomass. Our results highlight the importance of herring to wintering PWS birds. We propose that future management of herring stocks seeks to reduce negative impacts on marine birds that prey on herring.     

First‐year survival of North East Atlantic mackerel (Scomber scombrus) from 1998 to 2012 appears to be driven by availability of Calanus,a preferred copepod prey

Mackerel (Scomber scombrus) is one of the ecologically and economically most important fish species in the Atlantic. Its recruitment has, for unknown reasons, been exceptional from 1998 to 2012. The majority (75%) of the survivors in the first winter were found north of an oceanographic division at approximately 52°N, despite the fact that mackerel spawns over a wide range of latitudes. Multivariate time series modelling of survivor abundance in the north revealed a significant correlation with the abundance of copepodites (stage I–IV) of Calanus sp. in the spawning season (April to June). The copepodites were a mix of C. helgolandicus (dominating) and C. finmarchicus. The growth of mackerel larvae is known to be positively related to the availability of nauplii and copopodites of preferred prey species, namely, large calanoid copepod species such as Calanus. The statistical relationship between mackerel survivors and abundance of Calanus, therefore, most likely, reflected a causal relationship: high availability of Calanus probably reduced starvation, stage‐specific predation and cannibalism (owing to prey switching). The effects of other abundant, but less preferred zooplankton taxa, (Acartia sp., Branchiopoda spp. and Echinodermata spp. larvae), as well as stock size, temperature and wind‐induced turbulence were not found to be significant. However, stock size was retained in the final model because of a significant interaction with Calanus in oceanic areas west of the North European continental shelf. This was suggested to be a consequence of a density driven expansion of the spawning area that increased the overlap between early life stages of mackerel and food (Calanus) in new areas.     

Effects of stocking density and feeding duration in cage‐cum‐pond‐integrated system on growth performance,water quality and economic benefits of Labeo victorianus (Boulenger 1901) culture

We evaluated the effect of varying cage stocking density (60, 90 and 120 fish m^?3) and feeding duration (10, 30 and 60 min) in a cage‐cum‐pond‐integrated system on growth performance, water quality and economic benefits in Labeo victorianus culture. Interactions between stocking density and feeding duration significantly (P < 0.05) affected the fish growth performance and yields in the cages‐cum‐pond system. Stocking density of 60 fish m^?3 resulted in the highest growth in cages and in ponds regardless of the feeding duration, but produced lower yields than at stocking density 90 fish m^?3_. The lowest Apparent Food Conversion Ratio (AFCR) in cages occurred at stocking density of 60 fish m^?3 and feeding duration of 30 min. Growth performance in the open ponds declined with increased feeding duration of the caged fish. Survival in cages and in the open ponds decreased with increased cage density, but was not affected by feeding duration. Low dissolved oxygen were recorded, at stocking density of 120 fish m^?3, the lowest DO occurred when feeding of caged fish lasted 60 min. Growth performance, water quality and economic benefits in Labeo victorianus culture positively respond to interaction between stocking density and feeding durations.     

Impact of polyculture ecosystems of Ctenopharyngodon idellus with Eriocheir sinensis on bacterial communities in the sediments of Dongping Lake in China: Focus on optimization of polyculture modes

This study investigated the influence of polyculture ecosystems of grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idellus) and Chinese mitten crab (Eriocheir sinensis) on the bacterial community of sediments in the Lake Dongping in China, using the Illumina HiSeq Sequencing approach. The bacterial community diversity was reduced to different extent due to the polyculture of animals. The bacterial community composition changed significantly among the ecosystems of control (without any animals cultured), G1C1 (with the highest animal biomass: C. idellus, 2 ind/m²; E. sinensis, 1 ind/m²) and G2C2 (with the lowest biomass: C. idellus, 1 ind/m²; E. sinensis, 0.5 ind/m²). Relative abundance increase for sulphide‐oxidizing bacteria and decrease for sulphate‐reducing bacteria were detected with more quantities of fish–crab cultured in ecosystems. Variations in the concentration of sediment sulphate mainly accounted for the shifts of both the bacterial diversity and community composition. Lastly, G2C2 was recommended as the optimal polyculture ecosystem that could be used in the Lake. The results suggested negative impacts of polyculture ecosystems of C. idellus with E. sinensis on the bacterial diversity but positive impacts on the community composition and indicated the role of total biomass of animas in shaping the bacterial community in the sediments of lake ecosystems.     

Assessment of a catchmentwide salmon habitat rehabilitation scheme on a drained river system in Northern Ireland

A catchment‐scale salmon, Salmo salar L., habitat enhancement scheme was developed for the River Main (Northern Ireland) with reference to baseline habitat and electric fishing surveys. In total, 19 separate sites were enhanced using flow deflectors or random boulder addition. Habitat suitability for juvenile salmon increased at enhanced sites following the scheme, and significant changes in underlying physical habitat characteristics (particle size, depth and flow) were detected after the installation of flow deflectors. The overall index of salmon fry recruitment, monitored across the catchment, showed no change between pre‐ and post‐enhancement periods. The mean biomass of salmon evident at individual enhancement sites (5.1 g m^?2) was significantly higher than the mean biomass at control sites (1.2 g m^?2). Increased densities of >0+ juvenile salmon were associated with enhanced sites relative to controls. Marking studies indicated the potential for long‐range dispersal of juvenile salmon between 0+ (summer) and 1+ (summer) age classes. The potential of the scheme to enhance the local salmon stock was discussed.     

Interactions of baseflow habitat constraints: Macroinvertebrate drift,stream temperature,and physical habitat for anadromous salmon in the Calapooia River,Oregon

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Environmentally conditioned,year‐round volitional spawning of cobia (Rachycentron canadum) in broodstock maturation systems

Year‐round control of the spawning cycle of cobia (Rachycentron canadum) has been established by using water temperature manipulation. To compare the effectiveness of using this method to induce volitional spawning in cobia, two 80 m³ recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS) were used. Temperatures in one of the maturation tanks (‘Mat 1’) were maintained between 27 and 29°C for 12 months of the 15.5‐month study period. Temperatures in the second maturation tank (‘Mat 2’) were allowed to fluctuate naturally throughout the year and ranged from 20 to 32°C. A total of 101 spawning events occurred in the tanks between the spring of 2008 and the summer of 2009 (3 April 2008 to 17 June 2009). Of the 38 total spawning events in Mat 1, 17 of them (44.7% of all Mat 1 spawning events) occurred during the off‐season (fall and winter). The egg viability rates did not differ significantly (P > 0.05) between on‐ and off‐season spawns in Mat 1. Conversely, cobia broodstock exposed to natural water temperatures (no environmental manipulation) in Mat 2 followed the natural pattern of warm water (>26°C) dependence, limiting egg production to spring and summer seasons. This method of water temperature manipulation allows for effective control of the cobia reproductive cycle without compromising egg viability.     

Optimization of growth requirements and scale‐up cultivation of freshwater algae Desmodesmus armatus using response surface methodology

In order to optimize the optimal cultivation conditions of freshwater algae Desmodesmus armatus for biomass production. In this study, the optimum source of carbon, nitrogen and intensity of light were investigated. Particularly, the variables which are affect the biomass of D. armatus was screened by the Plackett‐Burman (PB) method. Furthermore, the optimized medium composition using central composite design (CCD) of response surface method (RSM) central for D. armatus was reconstituted accordingly to have 0.93 g/L nitrate, 0.04 g/L phosphate, 0.15 g/L magnesium sulphate and 0.07 g/L bicarbonate, and optimum growth conditions of temperature at 27°C, light intensity of 108 μmol m^?2 s^?1, pH 7.00 and air flow of 0.50 L/min. After 12 days, the biomass, protein and polysaccharose content were 1.65 ± 0.15 g/L, 53.61 ± 1.25% and 6.15 ± 0.43%, respectively. Finally, the optimized conditions were applied to the outdoor 800‐L photobioreactor for scale‐up cultivation.     

Spat availability of commercial bivalve species recruited on artificial collectors from the northern Gulf of California. Seasonal changes in species composition

This study reports a year‐round recruitment of spat of four commercial bivalve species; Pteria sterna, Euvola vogdesi, Pinctada mazatlanica and Pinna rugosa collected in the region of Puerto Peñasco, north‐eastern coast of the Gulf of California. Bimonthly recruitment of commercial bivalve spat on netlon^® collectors was evaluated for six sites from June 2007 to August 2008. To describe spat recruitment abundances with environmental parameters, sea surface temperature (°C) and surface chlorophyll a concentration (mg m^?3) were characterized by means of monthly Aqua/MODIS satellite data. For each species a repeated measures anova was used to evaluate differences in the number of spat between months, sites and depths. Maximum sea surface temperature was recorded in August–September (~31.5°C) and the minimum in January–February (~15°C), while the minimum surface chlorophyll a was observed in June–September (mean range = 1.5–2 mg m^?3) and the maximum in January–March (mean range = 2–5 mg m^?3). Spat recruitment showed distinct patterns; P. sterna can be characterized as having a Winter–Spring pattern, E. vogdesi a winter pattern, while P. mazatlanica and P. rugosa a summer spat recruitment pattern. This information constitutes part of the fundamental data needed for the development of aquaculture and conservation initiatives in the region based on wild spat supply.