Catch Predictions for Pacific Anchovy Engraulis japonicus Larvae in the Yellow Sea

To predict catches of Pacific anchovy Engraulis japonicus larvae, anchovy eggs were collected in the coastal waters off Gunsan, Korea, in the Yellow Sea during the main spawning season (June to July) from 2003 to 2009. A ring net was repeatedly towed vertically at 10 stations during the daytime to sample eggs. Catch data estimated by auction sales were obtained from the Fisheries Cooperatives Union of Gunsan City and daily water temperature data in the outer harbor of Gunsan City during the survey periods were obtained from the National Oceanographic Research Institute. A significant relationship was found between anchovy egg density from June to July and larval catch from July to October in the same year. Catch of anchovy larvae in Gunsan were also high when optimal growth temperatures were recorded in the coastal waters off Gunsan in July. Although the recruitment success or failure of anchovy larvae can be predicted from variability in egg density, we suggest that mean daily water temperature is a more efficient indicator for predicting variability in catches of larval anchovy in the Yellow Sea. KCI Citation Count: 1