Comparisons of Egg Distribution and Mortality Rate between Anchovy and Sardine during Spring in the Southern Waters of Korea

Egg distribution and mortality rate for anchovy, Engraulis japonica, and sardine, Sardinops melanosticta, during spring in the southern waters of Korea were estimated using the data from ichthyoplankton surveys conducted from March to April 1991, 1992. Anchovy and sardine eggs were found simultaneously in high density in the southwestern waters of Tsushima Island during March 1991 and late in Marchearly in April 1992. Distribution areas of anchovy and sardine eggs in 1992 was extended to the middle area of the southern waters compared to 1991. Sea surface temperatures in the survey area ranged from 8.6 to . Anchovy and sardine eggs occurred with high densities between and . Instantaneous mortality coefficients were estimated to be 0.268/day for anchovy, and 0.132/day for sardine during March in 1991.