Abstract

The aim of this study was to explore the possible link between NAO (North Atlantic Oscillation) variations and the abundance of anchovy (Engraulis encrasicolus) stock in the Gulf of Cadiz. A significantly negative correlation was found between the NAO in the year previous to the anchovy landings. In the Gulf of Cadiz the mean anchovy landings after a negative NAO phase were significantly higher than after a positive NAO phase. A statistically significant negative relationship was obtained between the biennial NAO (estimated as the average monthly NAO values per two consecutive years starting with an odd-numbered year) and the probability of having an anchovy landing value for a year higher than the average anchovy landings for the entire year. Results suggest that the NAO previous to the landing year is an ecological factor of European anchovy related to its abundance in the Gulf of Cadiz. This could have important applications for conservation strategies and species management.