Temporal analysis of the distribution of thynnus thunnus in relation to environmental factors along the algerian coast

Abstract

The distribution of the large pelagic Atlantic bluefin tuna extends from the North Atlantic Ocean and its adjacent seas, particularly the Mediterranean. In this study, thegeo-referenced fisheries data were integrated with remotely sensed oceanographic datasets to answer the suggested question; what are the environmental determinants that contribute to the temporal distribution of bluefin tuna along the Algerian coast? This tuna-environment research was conducted with three objectives: i) to understand the behaviour and distribution of tuna in the face of variability in environmental factors, ii) to assist the scientist in stock management, and iii) to assist fishermen in fishing their short-term quotas and to assist the competent authorities in controlling the fishermen. The results of this study proved that the environmental factors (temperature, salinity, chlorophyll a, current speed, wave height, oxygen, and nitrate) are the determining factors of bluefin tuna distribution along the Algerian coast. Multiple linear regression analysis defined the equation of the best linear correction model, chlorophyll a, dissolved oxygen, salinity and temperature, explaining 70.3% of the variability in the total length of bluefin tuna.