SPATIOTEMPORAL VARIATION IN THE POPULATION-STRUCTURE OF THE EUROPEAN HAKE IN THE NW MEDITERRANEAN

The bathymetric distribution of Merluccius merluccius was studied as a function of length, age and maturity of specimens caught by commercia l trawl and longline in different seasons. Males matured first at 28.8 cm (3 years old), and females at 38.0 cm (3.5 years old). Reproductiv e activity was noted practically throughout the year with its most pro nounced spawning peak in the autumn. Most fish <37-40 cm were males an d >46 cm were females. Specimens occurred between 50 and 750 m depth, although density was low at >400 m. Adults were found at all depth str ata studied. Recruits and juveniles were limited to inshore waters <40 0 m, most were found between 100 and 200 m. Spring and summer were the preferred seasons for recruitment; although for both seasons there wa s some interannual variation. Adult distribution also varied, accordin g to the season. Young adults were spread over the entire depth range, with the biggest ones concentrated at the edge of the shelf (150-350 m), especially in autumn and winter. The main spawning peak coincided with this concentration of adults suggesting that spawning occurred in autumn/winter at the edge of the shelf. (C) 1998 The Fisheries Societ y of the British Isles.