Sardine population expansion in eastern boundary systems of the Pacific Ocean as related to sea surface temperature

Abstract

A model previously proposed to explain the expansion of the population of the Californian sardine may also explain fluctuations in the South American sardine. In this paper, the frequency of spawning and landings, as related to sea surface temperature, are analysed for both. This information, together with evidence previously presented, indicates a similar pattern of population expansion and contraction in both areas. Off the Pacific coasts of North and South America, sustained warm periods are associated with greater abundance and extended spawning of sardine.