Lino, P.G. Abundance and distribution of ichthyoplankton (larval phase) off the South coast of Portugal.

The aim of this study was to investigate the existence of a relationship between distance to coast and larval abundance off the south coast of Portugal. Sampling took place between 28 of April and 6 of May 1992. Four transects were carried out perpendicular to the coastline. 24 stations were sampled with a 60 cm diameter, 200µm mesh plankton net.

A total of 27 taxonomic groups were identified; 22 to the species level, 1 to genera and 4 to family level. The most abundant species was Sardina pilchardus followed by the Sparidae and by Callionymus spp. Offshore decrease in abundance can be explained by increase in depth, distance to the coast and temperature. The largest values of diversity occurred on the outer stations. Larval size increased with distance from the coast in all but one of the transects. The statistical analysis of the data supports the existence of depth and temperature related distribution.