This theoretical review proposes possible migration routes for the sardine Sardinella aurita in northeastern Venezuela, linked to currents, upwelling events, and the influence of the Orinoco River plume. It outlines the origin of the schools moving toward the main fishing grounds of Margarita and Sucre. Spawning occurs continuously across the shelf, most intensely near the Araya and Paria peninsular coasts, the Gulfs of Cariaco and Santa Fe, and around the islands of Margarita, Coche, and Cubagua. Eastward subsurface currents facilitate the transport of postlarvae and the retention of benthopelagic juveniles (< 6–7 cm) ranging from the Los Testigos and Cumberland banks to the outer reaches of the Araya and Carúpano submarine valleys, creating a nursery area where sardines feed as microphages, for 60–75 days. Subsequently, prerecruits form schools that feed by filtering plankton and begin feeding migrations toward upwelling zones located northeast and leeward of Los Testigos. As upwelling subsides, most schools migrate south toward the mainland waters of Sucre, while other large schools migrate toward Margarita particularly the northern and southeastern areas to feed and reproduce. During the second half of the year, schools of recruits may associate with the Orinoco plume as far as the shelf edge before migrating toward the mainland and Margarita coasts. If overfishing using “machines” (purse seine gear) occurs in Sucre state and captures juvenile sardines, recruitment and the availability of the resource in the fishing grounds of Nueva Esparta and Sucre will be adversely affected.
