Some relevant information on the spatial distribution of demersal resources, benthic biocoenosis and fishing pressure in the Strait of Sicily

Suggestions for research within the MedSudMed Project are made on the basis of existing information on spatial distribution of demersal resources, benthic biocoenoses and fishing pressure in the Strait of Sicily. Results presented derive mainly from the research carried out at IRMA-CNR from 1985 onwards, mainly on the northern side of the Strait. The covariation of parameters on a large space- and time-scale is presented as a general approach to understanding how fish stocks react to environmental and fishing impacts. The GIS applications, integrating several kinds of information (resource abundance and demographic data, fish assemblages, biocoenoses, substratum type, hydrographical features), are chosen in order to explore ecological structures and to study "cause and effect" relationships. This information represents the preliminary and necessary knowledge required for the identification of the main demersal stock units and for the sustainable exploitation of shared marine resources in the Strait of Sicily.