Spatial and temporal patterns of cuttlefish (Sepia officinalis) abundance and environmental influences - a case study using trawl fishery data in French Atlantic coastal, English Channel and adjacent waters.

The spatial and temporal distribution patterns of cuttlefish abundance and the relationships between cuttlefish abundance and environmental variables in the French Atlantic coast, the English Channel, and adjacent waters were studied using both geographical information system and statistical methods. Cuttlefish have a clear general annual migration pattern, consistently occurring in broadly the same areas in different years. The strength of the Atlantic currents into the west part of the English Channel and the south part of the Celtic Sea may be the dominant influence on the timing of cuttlefish migration to these areas. Local abundance shows a positive correlation with SST, although it is difficult to determine if this reflects any causal link. Cuttlefish expand their distribution further north in the spawning season in warm years and shift south in cool years. The centre of high abundance in offshore deep water shifts north in warm winters and south in cool winters. (C) 2003 International Council for the Exploration of the Sea. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.