Geostatistical analysis of densities of Liocarcinus depurator (Brachyura: Portunidae) on the western Mediterranean from 1994 to 2003
Rufino, M.M.; Maynou, F.; Abello, P.; Yule, A.B.; Gil de Sola, L. (2006). Geostatistical analysis of densities of Liocarcinus depurator (Brachyura: Portunidae) on the western Mediterranean from 1994 to 2003. Mar. Biol. (Berl.) 149(4): 855-864. http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00227-006-0253-0
In: Marine Biology: International Journal on Life in Oceans and Coastal Waters. Springer: Heidelberg; Berlin. ISSN 0025-3162; e-ISSN 1432-1793, more
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| Authors | | Top |
- Rufino, M.M.
- Maynou, F.
- Abello, P.
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- Yule, A.B.
- Gil de Sola, L.
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| Abstract |
Bottom trawl estimates of densities of the portunid crab Liocarcinus depurator along the Mediterranean coast of Spain from 1994 to 2003, covering a depth range of 50–800 m, were analysed using non-linear geostatistical techniques. The variation of the spatial distribution was modelled through variogram analysis using depth as a covariate. Patch size ranged from 20 to 75 km. Crab density showed a general decrease from 1994 to 2003. L. depurator high-density areas were characterised as either occasional or permanent (always present every year). High-density patches appeared to be associated with either upwelling or strong river influence, i.e. the Western Alborán Sea and the Ebro Delta. The application of non-linear geostatistical techniques proved useful in identifying permanent high-density population patches, thereby highlighting regions of special interest for the ecology of the species. |
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