Fish Larvae Ecology on the Western European Shelf: A Multi-Species Perspective

Abstract

This research investigates the composition and distribution of fish larvae on the Western European Shelf, focusing on their ecological roles and the environmental factors shaping their communities. Data were collected during the Western European Shelf Pelagic Acoustic Survey (WESPAS) using plankton hauls at 77 stations alongside environmental profiling. A total of 1,426 larvae, representing 51 taxa across 25 families, were identified, with Trachurus trachurus, Myctophum punctatum, and Scomber scombrus being the most abundant species. Latitude, temperature, salinity, and depth emerged as key factors influencing distribution patterns, with BIO-ENV analysis showing the highest correlation (r = 0.317) and ANOSIM indicating weak but significant spatial differences (R = 0.263, P =0.001). The highest larval densities were recorded in the Porcupine Bank region. This study highlights how environmental gradients structure larval fish assemblages and provides baseline data for understanding early life stage dynamics. The findings contribute to improved understanding of larval fish ecology and provide a basis for predicting ecosystem responses to environmental variability, supporting fisheries management and marine conservation efforts.