Seasonal Spatial Distribution Patterns and Climate Scenario Predictions of <i>Palaemon gravieri</i>: A Key Shrimp Species Depressing Jellyfish Blooms in the East China Sea Region.

Abstract

<i>Palaemon gravieri</i> is an ecologically important shrimp species that plays a vital role in depressing jellyfish blooms in the southern Yellow and East China Seas of China. However, information on its distribution pattern and migration route related to environmental variables is fragmented. We conducted independent trawling surveys of <i>P. gravieri</i> between 2018 and 2019. Its sea surface temperature and sea surface salinity lower limits were 8 °C and 30‱, respectively. It showed the highest abundance at sea bottom temperatures and salinities of 12-14 °C and 32-33‱, respectively, in spring; 11-12 °C and 32.5‱ in autumn; and 10.5-14 °C and 31-33‱ in winter. Mean biomass, abundance, and size were ranked seasonally as follows: autumn > winter > spring > summer; autumn > winter and spring; and summer > spring > autumn > winter, respectively. Under the current climate scenario, <i>P. gravieri</i> is mainly concentrated in the inshore areas of the southern Yellow and northern East China Seas. Under SSP1-2.6, SSP2-4.5, SSP3-7.0, and SSP5-8.5 scenarios in 2100, <i>P. gravieri</i> was mainly concentrated in the southern Yellow and northern East China Seas, and in inshore areas of the East China Sea. This species is therefore expected to benefit from climate warming. The findings of this study can facilitate the development of climate-induced fishery strategies and management schemes.