Genetic structure of the European anchovy, Engraulis encrasicolus l., in the north-west Mediterranean

The European anchovy, Engraulis encrasicolus, is a small pelagic fish very common in the north-western Mediterranean. The presence in this region of t hree well-defined spawning grounds suggested the possible existence of diff erent populations. We examined six samples in different areas between the s outh of Catalonia (Spain) and the island of Elba (Italy) using enzyme elect rophoresis and found considerable genetic homogeneity. The results point to the conclusion that there is a single population, although we hypothesise the existence of demographic structuring in the context of important gene f low. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.