We analyzed individual growth and body mass allometry of the temperate stock of Sardinops sagax from samples collected on commercial fleet during 2005 to 2014 in the southern California Current System. Ages were estimated on otolith growth ring reading. Age (years) and standard length (SL; mm) data were fitted using four growth models: von Bertalanffy (VBM), Gompertz (GM), logistic (LM), and Schnute (SM) models. Parameters of each model were calculated by the maximum likelihood method using Akaike information criterion and Akaike’s weight (WAIC_i) to select the model with the greatest plausibility. Additionally, the interannual growth performance (φ′) variation was described. Body mass allometry was established from the relationship between total body mass (TM; g) and standard length. The sardine samples ranged in size from 114 to 226 mm SL and in weight from 20 to 192 g TM; ages varied from 0.5 to 6.0 years. The allometric parameter (b) was estimated to be 3.155 (3.154–3.156), showing a hyper-allometry growth type. On the basis of raw data, we found that the LM model fit the original data better (WAIC_i ~35%). When models were fitted to data bolstered with simulated values, the VBM model obtained the greatest weight (WAIC_i = 60.9%), but the LM model had null plausibility. Consequently, we determined that the Pacific sardine growth pattern was best described by the VBM model, which appears to be more robust against biased data. The φ′ showed interannual variation (2.13–2.51), with an average of φ′ = 2.25. An apparent inverse relationship was observed between φ′ and the Oceanic Niño Index (ONI) or the Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO) and the apparent positive relationship between Upwelling Index (UI) and φ’.

The spatial structure and dynamics of populations are important considerations when defining management units in organisms that are harvested as natural resources. In the Eastern Pacific, Pacific Sardine range from Chile to Alaska, the northernmost state of the United States (U.S.), and once supported an expansive and productive fishery. Along its North American range, it is hypothesized to comprise three subpopulations: a northern and southern subpopulation, which primarily occur off the coast of the U.S. and Baja California, Mexico (M.X.), respectively, and a third in the Gulf of California, M.X. We used low coverage whole genome sequencing to generate genotype likelihoods for millions of SNPs in 317 individuals collected from the Gulf of California, M.X., to Oregon, U.S., to assess population structure in Pacific Sardine. Differentiation across the genome was driven by variation at several putative chromosomal inversions ranging in size from ~21 MB to 0.89 MB, although none of the putative inversions showed any evidence of geographic differentiation. Our results support panmixia across an impressive ~4000 km range.

The Gulf corvina, Cynoscion othonopterus, is a scianid endemic to the Gulf of California. Its fishery is one of the most important in the region, and catches have shown an increasing trend over the past decade; therefore, permanent monitoring is essential for generating vital information to understand variations in population better. We applied an integrated analysis model of catch-at-age to assess stock status, integrating biological and fisheries information to identify reference points such as fisheries mortality (FMSY) and reproductive biomass (SSBMSY), both of which are associated with the maximum sustainable yield, thereby determining population status. A total of 47,035 Gulf corvina specimens were sampled from 2002 to 2023. There was a decrease in mean length, which went from 650 to 564 mm in total length, reflected in the absence of individuals in age groups 7, 8, and 9, and in the increase of individuals in age groups 3 and 4. Total biomass oscillated between 21,100 and 35,200 t, whereas spawning biomass fluctuated between 10,000 and 25,600 t. Fishing mortality was FMSY = 0.250 yr-1, and the annual exploitation rate was UMSY = 0.221 yr-1. The control rule was exceeded by up to 61.7% in 2023. According to the exploitation levels, F2023/FMSY = 1.309 and B2023/BMSY = 0.986, the population status of the Gulf corvina should be considered precautionary, given the increasing overfishing.

Drums and croakers (Sciaenidae) are important to the species composition of coastal catches in the Gulf of California, Mexico. Among these species, the striped corvina (Cynoscion reticulatus) stands out because of its high fishery potential, high demand, and increased market value. The striped croaker has been under constant fishing pressure over the past 20 years. Still, there needs to be current biological information or reference points to allow the establishment of management measures for fisheries. The objective of the present study was to estimate the mean standard length at sexual maturity (SL50) of females using various models and to suggest a minimum catch size (MCS) for C. reticulatus off the southern coast of Sinaloa. Monthly samplings of coastal fishery landings were done from December 2020 to December 2021 on the south coast of Sinaloa. The SL50 was evaluated based on 3 candidate models (Gompertz, Lysack, and White) through a binomial approach. Confidence intervals for SL50 were estimated using likelihood profiles and contours, and Akaike’s information criterion (AIC) was used to select the best model. A total of 284 individuals were examined, of which 131 were used in calculations. White’s model was the most adequate; however, based on AIC weights, all 3 models performed similarly, and SL50 (24.48 cm; C.I. 95% 12.9–70 36.0 cm) was estimated as their average. As a management measure, we propose a precautionary MCS of 36 cm SL for C. reticulatus off southern Sinaloa.

One of the primary objectives of fisheries management is the rational assessment and exploitation of fishery resources through the establishment of biological reference points and limits on fishing pressure. In the Gulf of California, the Pacific hake fishery is relatively recent, having developed formally since 2018, and biological information required for stock assessment remains limited. To evaluate the status of the Pacific hake fishery and estimate biological reference points for sustainable management, the CMSY ++ approach was applied. This method integrates two models: The Catch-MSY (CMSY) model, which uses catch data and the Bayesian state-space Schaefer surplus production model (BSM), which incorporates both catch and abundance data. Results showed an exponential increase in annual catches, consistent with estimated stock biomass values ranging from 19,600 t to 82,500 t. Estimates of the maximum sustainable yield (MSY) ranged from 8,310 t to 17,200 t. The derived reference points indicated that F/FMSY > 1, whereas B/BMSY remained close to 1, suggesting that fishing pressure may exceed the optimal level while stock biomass is still near the target reference point. These findings underscore the need for precautionary management and continued monitoring of fishing effort to prevent future declines in biomass that could compromise reproductive capacity and recruitment.

Species of the genus Scomberomorus (S. sierra and S. concolor) are key resources for artisanal fisheries along the Mexican Pacific coast, with annual catches exceeding 25,000 t. However, information on their population dynamics, responses to ocean-atmospheric variability, and stock assessment remains limited. To address this gap, we analyzed 175,750 landing records alongside monthly Oceanic Niño Index (ONI) data. Temporal catch patterns were evaluated using sequential regime shift analysis (STARS). S. sierra exhibited two regimes: a relatively stable phase from 2000 to 2015, followed by elevated catches from 2016 to 2022, whereas S. concolor displayed three shifts: low catches (2000-2007), increased catches (2008-2021), and a marked increase in 2022. Cross-correlation function (CCF) analysis revealed contrasting responses to ONI, with S. sierra showing a positive relationship (r = 0.37, P = 0.04) and S. concolor showing a negative one (r = -0.40, P = 0.009). Stock status assessed using the catch maximum sustainable yield (CMSY) model. For S. sierra, the estimated maximum sustainable yield (MSY) was 4,873 t, the biomass at MSY (BMSY) was 14,144 t, and the fishing mortality at MSY (FMSY) was 0.34. Historical catches were generally sustainable, but recent increases create potential risks if they continue. For S. concolor, MSY was estimated at 5,951 t, BMSY was 17,275 t, and FMSY was 0.34; catches largely remained within sustainable limits, despite slightly exceeding MSY in 2022. Kobe plot analyses indicate S. sierra is approaching "overexploitation", whereas S. concolor remains within optimal limits. Highlight the need for active management strategies to ensure long-term sustainability.