black sea red data book - Department of Biology

Distribution, Habitat type, Critical habitats, Limiting factors. A pelagic,
migratory species often schooling near the surface in inshore waters, mainly over the
continental shelf. Common throughout the Mediterranean, in the Black Sea and in the
tropical and subtropical waters of the Atlantic; present also at higher Atlantic
latitudes, up to the coasts of Scandinavia and Ireland. Threatened by pollution, and
overfishing.
Biology. Thermophilic and stenohaline. The majority of individuals spend winter in
the Marmara and Aegean Seas. In April, small schools of similar size and sex enter
the Black Sea, staying here up to late October. Feeds mostly on fish, particularly
small clupeids, gadoids and mackerels. Spawning extended, from May to mid July.
Growth is fast and longevity is c. 12 years.
Population trends. During 1954-1960, S. sarda was the main target of offshore
fishing in the Romanian sector (99.8% in 1954 and 1955; 96.0% in 1956). In 1954,
34,000 kg were caught in front of Sulina-St.Gheorghe; in June-August 1955 and
1956, 150,000 kg were landed in the Portita-Constantsa zone. In the 1960s, all Black
Sea countries together caught 3,1041; after 1960, this figure drastically decreased.
Threats. Strong pollution of Marmara Sea and pre-bosphoric zone; overfishing.
Conservation measures proposed. Decrease anthropogenic pressure on the Black
and Marmara Seas. Assure fish passage through the Bosphorus into the Black Sea.
Limit swordfish fishing in the Black Sea, introducing closed periods. Establish a
special recovery programme for the entire Black Sea.
References
Banarascu, P., 1969. Fauna RPR: Pisces - Osteichthyes. Bucuresti, Acad.R P
Romania 8 (5): 809 pp. (in Romanian).
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