Raja asterias population assessment in FAO GFCM GSA17 area Abundance, distribution and demographic composition of the Mediterranean starry ray, Raja asterias (Chondrichthyes: Rajidae), in the Northern and Central Adriatic Sea

bstract Population structure and distribution of the starry ray, Raja asterias, were described based on data collected during yearly rapido trawl surveys (SoleMon), between 2005 and 2014 in the Northern and Central Adriatic Sea. A total of 306 individuals was caught, sex ratio was 1.04:1 in favor of males and length-weight relationships were obtained for the complete sample. Following the MEDITS scale, maturity was estimated, detecting a higher number of immature individuals. Relative abundance significantly increased during the last five years with the highest values recorded at 5-30 m depths. Such increase could be related to the response of R. asterias to climatic change or to the decrease in fishing pressure in the area. Clear spatial segregation of individuals depending upon their life stage was observed, with immature individuals inhabiting the coastal areas and adults being more abundant at depths greater than 40 m. Comparison of the results of the present study with MEDITS survey outcomes in terms of distribution patterns, persistence areas of adults and juveniles, and abundances indices, indicates that the SoleMon survey seems to be more suitable in defining such features of the stock, likely due to the greater catchability of the rapido trawl in respect to the MEDITS trawl net. However, further investigations are needed to identify factors affecting the increasing abundance of this species, and develop an action plan for spatial management of fishing activities.