Biology and Spatio-temporal Distribution of Pagellus Erythrinus (Linnaeus, 1758) In the Western Algerian Coast (Western Mediterranean-Alboran Sea)

The common pandora (Pagellus erythrinus) is among demersal species most targeted by Algerian trawlers. This study constitutes a pioneering research effort in Algeria, conducted in the southeastern Alboran Sea (western Mediterranean) and based on fishery-independent data from a decade-long series of bottom trawl surveys conducted according to the MEDITS protocol, during which 269 fishing hauls were completed and 2667 individuals collected. The objective is to analyze spatiotemporal distribution and abundance indices. Results indicate the species is more abundant in the first 50 meters, corresponding to the upper continental shelf, with an increasing trend of biomass indices in the last three years (>20 kg/km2). For effective management and conservation, identifying key habitats for recruits and spawners highlighted two regional hotspots where fishing-restricted zones are advisable. In addition, several biological characteristics were examined in 1,286 individuals: maturity analysis revealed a predominance of females; growth was found to be isometric; combined length-weight relationships were calculated for both sexes; and the spawning season was determined to occur between June and August. These baseline results provide inputs for stock assessments and precautionary management. The paper underscores the value of long-term, standardized, fishery-independent surveys for sustainable exploitation and biodiversity protection in western Mediterranean.