Distribution of age-classes of striped weakfish (Cynoscion guatucupa) along an estuarine–marine gradient: Correlations with the environmental parameters

The age-class distribution of the striped weakfish (Cynoscion guatucupa) and its relationship with environmental factors were evaluated along the coast between Argentina and Uruguay, including the Río de la Plata estuary (36° S, 56° W). One hundred and seven stations were sampled between 2001 and 2003 during autumn, winter, and spring. Multivariate analyses (Cluster and MDS) were used to define sampling station groups, and a BIO-ENV procedure used to estimate the association of stations with environmental factors (depth, stratification, temperature and salinity of surface and bottom waters). The BIO-ENV procedure indicated that the salinity during autumn–winter and the temperature in spring had a significant influence on the spatial age-class pattern. The proportion of the youngest age-classes decreased from the estuarine area to the marine coastal area, except during spring where it showed the reverse pattern. The older age-classes inhabited the marine coastal area (more saline) toward the deepest zone, while the youngest individuals inhabited the outer estuarine area. Examination of the coastal circulation associated with the spatial distribution, and of the age-class frequency in the estuarine and marine coastal area, suggested that spawning took place in inshore coastal waters at very shallow depths.