Distribution, abundance and biological features of picarel (Spicara flexuosa), Mediterranean (Trachurus mediterraneus) and Atlantic (T. trachurus) horse mackerel based on experimental bottom-trawl data (MEDITS, 1994-2002) in the Strait of Sicily

Information was gathered during the international experimental bottom-trawl survey programme MEDITS. Nine years of data (1994-2002), collected during the spring-summer seasons, were analysed in order to determine the horizontal distribution, depth preference, index of abundance and the basic biological features (length composition, sex ratio and size at maturity for females). All the three investigated species showed a marked preference for the continental shelf; they had a wide though not time-oriented, variability in abundance and in the biological features considered. The bulk of the samples were represented by immature or maturing specimens. Given its wider distribution and higher abundance, Trachurus trachurus was the most relevant species in respect of its possible interaction with the small pelagic species (Engraulis encrasicolus and Sardina pilchardus) targeted by the purse-seiners in the Strait of Sicily.