Remotely sensed mesoscale oceanography and the distribution of Illex argentinus in the South Atlantic

In this study, we consider the influence of mesoscale oceanographic process es around the Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) in the South-west Atlantic, during the period in which the commercial squid fishery for Illex argentin us operates. Spatially referenced fishery data and satellite-derived advanc ed very high resolution radiometry (AVHRR) sea surface temperature (SST) da ta were examined using geographic information system (GIS) techniques. The distribution and relative abundance of I. argentinus in the Falkland Island s fishery was examined for the period 1989-96. Three consistent areas of hi gh abundance were observed to the north-east (shelf-break region) and north -west (shelf region) of the islands, and close to the northern coast of Eas t Falkland. Areas of high sea surface temperature gradients (thermal gradie nts) extracted from remotely sensed satellite images were used as an indica tor of mesoscale oceanographic activity and compared with the location of t he fishery. I. argentinus were found to be associated with areas of thermal gradients, commonly seen at the interface of Falkland Current and Patagoni an shelf waters. The techniques used in this analysis allow the overlay and analysis of physical oceanographic and fishery data with potential applica tions in fisheries management and operational fisheries oceanography.