Age estimation and growth parameters of sardines

The knowledge of biological parameters is essential for a good analysis of the population dynamics and for the management of the stocks. These life history parameters of sardines vary from one region to another and over time within the same region due to their plasticity to the effects of changing environmental conditions and high fishing pressure in the Moroccan Atlantic ecosystem. The sex ratio shows seasonal fluctuations which are in favor of females. The seasonal differences are statistically significant for autumn and not significant for winter spring and summer. In the Safi area the determination of the size of first sexual maturity of males and females could not be made. All the sardines examined are large and have already reproduced at least once. The size of the smallest mature sardine for both sexes is equal to 14 cm. Sardines can reproduce on average between January and May with a first peak of maximum spawning in February-March and a second peak of secondary spawning can be observed in May.