Interannual variability of the south-Eastern Mediterranean catch and its relation to hydrographical and air-temperature anomalies

Abstract EN

Water temperature, salinity and air temperature are among different abiotic factors that affect the fish catch.

The present paper aims at drawing the general trend of changes in the catch of the Southeastern Mediterranean Sea, in relation to the trend of hydrographical and air-temperature anomalies.

It can be considered as an attempt to get a clue on this relationship, using the physical amount of catch as a tool to assure the results previously obtained on the cyclic behavior of these natural conditions.

The quadratic regression of the present data (1963-2008) of catch shows a general parabola configuration for both the different species and the total catch.

This parabola shows general minima in the interval of years 1974-1983, and may reflect a cyclic behaviour in the changes in the catch.

The later may extend to cover wider cycles, which may reach 70-years, as concluded in previous research.

The period of minimum catch in the present paper coincides with the period of minimum values of anomalies of both hydrographical and air-temperature conditions affecting the area of investigation.

The positive correlation to the salinity for the different fish species may reflect a special significance for the impact of salinity on the catch.