Growth and mortality of exploited Sardina pilchardus (Walbaum) larvae along the western coasts of Italy

A special type of fishery legally performed in winter to catch pilchard larvae (according to the Italian legislation still in force) has been investigated along distinct coastal areas of Italy to evaluate its environmental impact. This study shows that Sardina pilchardus larvae and juveniles numerically account for _99% of the total catch obtained during the official fishing season approximately falling in January 15–March 15. Our estimates obtained during winter 1997 on natural mortality of the sardine larvae show that at least 40% of the individuals would even die in unexploited fry shoals. Otolith readings and analysis of modal progression give an average growth rate of 0.36 mm per day for larvae in the 20–45 mm size range at 13 8C water temperature.