Portuguese and Spanish scientists assess sardine populations

Scientists from the Portuguese Institute for Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA) and the Spanish Institute of Oceanography (IEO) are launching a scientific campaign to assess sardine abundance in Iberian Atlantic waters.

Taking place between September 12 and 28, the IBERAS0926 campaign will utilize the oceanographic vessel Ramon Margalef to survey the continental shelf from Cabo Finisterra in Galicia to Sines. The primary objective is to estimate sardine recruitment by determining how many individuals born this year will join the adult population next year.

The research will cover 47 radials on the continental shelf and 22 in the Rias Baixas, with increased sampling between Matosinhos and Figueira da Foz. The project is co-financed by the European Union through the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund. Findings will be presented to the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES) in November to assist in scientific management of fish captures.