Map of the studied area with the 3 maritime regions where the French small pelagic fishery operates. Statistical rectangles 25E4 and 25E5 drawn at the tip of Brittany are included in the Bay of Biscay when considering sardine catches (see text). The PNMI Marine Protected Area is also located at the tip of Brittany and operates a seasonal egg sampling in the Bay of Douarnenez (red dot).