Age structure of spawners of the axillary seabream, Pagellus acarne (Risso, 1827), in the central Mediterranean Sea (Strait of Sicily)

An unusual catch of mature specimens of Pagellus acarne (Risso, 1827) off the south coast of Sicily (Quadro Bank, central Mediterranean Sea) on October 2016 allowed to improve the ongoing knowledge on the age structure of spawners and other reproductive aspects of the species. A sample of 104 (32 female and 72 male) specimens was examined. Females showed size (range TL = 20.5 to 25.5 cm; mean length = 22.3 ± 1.2 cm) longer than males (range TL = 16.5 - 23.5 cm; mean length = 20.0 ± 1.8 cm). About 94% of females and 88% of males were mature. The pooled sex LWR was W(g) = 0.003 TL. The age structure estimated by sagittae readings ranged from age class III to VII in females and II to VI in males with a prevalence of age class VI and IV for females and males, respectively. The precision of age estimates was tested by applying both the APE and the mean CV . Our record suggests that the Quadro Bank is an EFH for P. acarne. Knowing when and where adults aggregate for reproduction, is a prerequisite to develop effective management measures to preserve the replacement capability of exploited stocks and pursue sustainable fisheries strategies.