Mathematical model and numerical simulations of the migration and growth of Biscay Bay anchovy early larval stages

The paper presents a mathematical model of the early larval stage, from spa wn to the resorption of the yolk-sac, of the anchovy, Engraulis encrasicolu s, of the Bay of Biscay. The model describes the temperature-dependent grow th and drift of passive larvae by the currents and vertical turbulence. A n umerical code has been built and numerous simulations, fed by both biologic al (egg surveys by AZTI-San Sebastian, Spain, and IFREMER, France) and phys ical (circulation model by IFREMER-Brest, France) data, were undertaken. Th eir main features are presented and discussed here, and some conclusions on the possible utilization of the results in improving estimates of anchovy stocks by the daily egg production method are drawn. (C) 2001 Ifremer/CNRS/ IRD/Editions scientifiques et medicales Elsevier SAS.