RECENT POPULATION TRENDS AND ABUNDANCE ESTIMATES FOR THE PACIFIC SARDINE (SARDINOPS SAGAX)

Abstract

Five different analytical approaches and several sources of data were used to investigate current sardine abundance and recent changes in population size. Each analysis and all available information show an increasing trend in sardine abundance since the late 1970s. Current estimates indicate that the 1990 spawning biomass fell within the range of 60,oOO to 210,000 metric tons (MT). Greater precision may be required for population estimates as a commercial fishery develops. We suggest that an integrated method of stock assessment that combines fishery-dependent and fishery-independent data will best meet future stock assessment and management needs.