Variability in nearshore aerial biomass estimated for the Central Subpopulation of Northern Anchovy (Engraulis mordax) off California from 2020 to 2024

Key Points

• To evaluate the variability of nearshore biomass of northern anchovy off California from 2020 to 2024.
• Conducted seasonal aerial surveys to estimate nearshore biomass.
• Compared aerial estimates with nearshore and offshore acoustic surveys.
• Focused on synoptic survey periods occurring within the same week and area.
• Identified significant variability in nearshore biomass during the study period.
• Nearshore biomass estimates varied notably from acoustic survey data.
• Findings suggest that nearshore biomass may be influenced by seasonal patterns.

Abstract