L'anchois <Engraulis encrasicolus> des côtes nord de la Tunisie: reproduction et exploitation

Abstract

The reproduction parameters necessary for stock management and catch analysis of anchovy in the North region of Tunisia were studied. The global sex-ratio is close to 1, special caution should be taken using this parameter as it is size dependant. Mean reproduction period extends from April to October. However within this period individuals of population have different spawning and maturation. The size at first sexual maturity Lm50 is about 7.3cm. In the North region of Tunisia, the anchovy landings are lower than the exploitable biomass, therefore the anchovy is an under-exploitable species in this region.