Correlating SST Satellite Data to the Spatial Distribution of Spawning Aggregations of Argentine Hake (Merluccius hubbsi) in San Matías Gulf, Patagonia, Argentina

GONZÁLEZ, RAÚL; OCAMPO REINALDO, MATÍAS; SCHNEIDER, CRISTIAN; ROMERO, MARÍA ALEJANDRA; MAGGIONI, MATÍAS; WILLIAMS, GABRIELA; CABRERA, GUSTAVO; NARVARTE, MAITE; GAGLIARDINI, DOMINGO ANTONIO

Venecia, Italia

Simposio; Oceans From Space; 2010

European Commission, Joint Research Center (JRC)

The relationship between SST satellite data and the distribution pattern of Argentine hake during spawning season in the San Matías Gulf was analyzed. Data of hake abundance and temperature in the water column were obtained during a research survey with bottom trawl net. SST data obtained from MODIS sensor were validated with in situ observations and correlated with hake abundance indexes. Hake abundance showed positive correlation with SST and higher hake densities were observed in areas with high stratification in the water column. The spatial pattern of hake distribution during the reproductive season appears strongly related to a cyclonic gyre which would produce favorable conditions for the spawning process and the development of hake early stages.