Monsoon-driven oceanographic variability and habitat conditions of moonfish in southwestern Taiwan: ecological insights for sustainable fisheries

Abstract

The susceptibility of coastal fish to monsoonal oceanographic alterations significantly affects sustainable fishing, especially in biodiverse and intensively exploited areas such as southwest Taiwan. Moonfish (Mene maculata), a species of ecological and commercial importance, is increasingly influenced by seasonal oceanic dynamics. This research examines the monsoonal influence on their habitat distribution using generalized additive models from Taiwanese purse seine catch data between 2014 and 2020. The findings indicate a significant link between sea surface chlorophyll-a levels and moonfish distribution during the southwest monsoon (SWM), and sea surface height during the northeast monsoon (NEM). Despite seasonal fluctuations in habitat size, the primary fishing area remained consistent within 21.5 degrees-25 degrees N and 119 degrees-120 degrees E. Expanded habitats were noted during NEM, but a westward extension occurred in SWM along the Taiwan Bank. These findings provide critical insights into the seasonal habitat dynamics of moonfish, facilitating resource management and adaptation techniques in response to Changing climate conditions. Importantly, this work contributes to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 14 (Life Below Water) by offering science-based knowledge to guide sustainable fisheries management and marine conservation in subtropical ecosystems.