Acoustic evaluation of anchovy larvae distribution in relation to oceanography in the Cape Passero area (Strait of Sicily).

The aim of the paper is to present the results of a study on the relationship between ichthyoplanktonic distribution and the hydrographic features in the Cape Passero area (Strait of Sicily).Acoustic, physical, and biological data were collected during two multidisciplinary research surveys performed during the summer in 2002 and 2003 in the Strait of Sicily. The oceanographic surveys 'Ansic 02' and 'Ansic 03' were carried out on board the RV Urania in the framework of the work programme of the ASTAMAR research project. An accurate post-processing procedure was adopted to estimate anchovy larvae distribution in a sea area around Cape Passero, also taking into account the results of biological sampling. The analysis of acquired data has singled out a relationship between the acoustic-based ichthyoplanktonic distribution and the presence in both surveys of a thermohaline front positioned in the south-eastern part of the study area, which appears to be able to promote concentration processes.