Identification of hake distribution pattern and nursery grounds in the Hellenic seas by means of generalized additive models

A time series of hake abundance data obtained from the “MEDITS” experimental surveys carried out in the Greek seas from 1996 to 2006 have been modeled by means of Generalized Additive Models (GAMs), as functions of spatial and temporal variables, including sampling position (latitude–longitude interaction), depth, and year. All variables were highly significant but most of the variation was explained by the sampling position and the depth. Total abundance was higher in the 100–450 m depth zone, while juveniles showed preference for shallower waters, being more abundant from 100 to 320 m. Model predictions were used to generate density distributions maps, which revealed that total abundance is relatively higher in the western part of the Aegean Sea and in the eastern part of the Cretan Sea, while its maximum values are expected in the Saronikos Gulf. Nursery grounds are restricted in specific regions with the most important of them being in the Saronikos Gulf and its surrounding area. Guest editor: V. D. Valavanis Essential Fish Habitat Mapping in the Mediterranean