Spatial and temporal distribution of Merluccius merluccis, Mullus barbatus, and Mullus surmuletus in the 25 nautical miles Fisheries Management Zone in Maltese waters was studied in order to describe the species nursery and spawning ground. Trawl survey data were collected within the FMZ from April 2013 to June 2014. Distribution maps of juveniles, mature individuals, adult spawners of each species was created by using Geographic Information System (GIS). Our result showed that there was variation in the spatial and temporal distribution of the studied species which can be attributed to the different biotic and abiotic conditions in different areas including depth, habitat characteristics, and oceanographic processes. Recommendations for future research were made to better understand the distribution patterns of species in order to implement a better fisheries management plan.
Promotor(s) & Supervisor: Patrick Schembri
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