Population dynamics of Rimapenaeus constrictus (Stimpson, 1874) (Penaeoidea) on the southeastern Brazilian coast: implications for shrimp fishing management from a 5-year study on a bycatch species

ABSTRACT This is the first study to evaluate in broad spatiotemporal scales the growth parameters and population structure of Rimapenaeus constrictus, a barely damaged species composing the bycatch from shrimp fishing in the Western Atlantic. The abundance and size-class frequency distribution, growth, longevity and sex ratio were evaluated from monthly samples obtained in the northern littoral of São Paulo state from Jan/1998 to Jun/2003. We measured 5,812 individuals in which the sex ratio was skewed toward females; this was more evident in size classes greater than 10 mm in CL (carapace length) (binomial test, p<0.05). We selected 16 growth cohorts of females, and 8 of males, the majority consisting of younger individual cohorts excluded from the fisheries closure period. Growth estimates resulted in a CL∞ of 17.42 mm, a growth coefficient of 0.008 and a longevity of 579 days (1.60 year) for females, as well as a CL∞ of 16.3 mm, a growth coefficient of 0.01 and a longevity of 425 days (1.17 year) for males. Our results provide information of incontestable relevance to our knowledge of fishing management. We therefore strongly recommend that the fisheries closure period be changed to protect this species' recruitment period and consequently its adult individuals.

Diel variation in abundance and size of the seabob shrimp Xiphopenaeus kroyeri (Crustacea, Penaeoidea) in the Ubatuba region, Southeastern Brazil

The objective of the present study was to analyze diel variation in the abundance and size of the seabob shrimp Xiphopenaeus kroyeri in the Ubatuba region, state of São Paulo, during the year 2000. In each season of the year, collections were made in the day and at night on 9 transects at depths ranging from 2 to 40 m. The estimated shrimp amount was of 28,878 individuals. Although the catch rate was higher during the day (15,853 shrimp), this did not differ significantly from the catch at night (13,025). The catch rate was higher in daytime on most transects, but was higher at night at locations where fine and very fine sand predominated. The majority of juveniles were caught during the day. The mean size (CL) was 14.43 ± 4.02 mm for day and 14.82 ± 4.28 mm for night samples, and the difference was significant (Student's t-test, df = 2, 429, t = 2.27, p = 0.02). The largest individuals were caught during the night. None of the three models that have been proposed in the literature to account for differences in the diurnal catch pattern of penaeid species can be applied to X. kroyeri. Our results provide evidence that sediment type not only influenced the catch rate in the analyzed periods, but also determined which models might fit the behavior of this species.

O objetivo do presente estudo foi analisar a variação diuturna na abundância e no tamanho do camarão sete-barbas Xiphopenaeus kroyeri na região de Ubatuba/São Paulo, durante o ano 2000. Em cada estação do ano, as coletas foram realizadas no período diurno e noturno, em 9 transectos localizados nas profundidades de 2 a 40 m. Um total de 28.878 camarões foi obtido e apesar da maior taxa de captura observada durante o dia (15.853 camarões), não houve diferença significativa em relação ao período noturno (13.025). Na maioria dos tran-sectos houve também uma maior taxa de captura de camarões durante o dia, no entanto, verificou-se que em locais com sedimentos com predominância de areia fina e muito fina, houve uma captura no período noturno. Já em relação aos juvenis, a maioria dos indivíduos foi amostrada durante o dia. Em consideração ao tamanho (CC) médio, obteve-se o valor de 14,43 ± 4,02 mm durante o dia e 14,82 ± 4,28 mm durante a noite, com significativa diferença (Student's t-test, df = 2.429, t = 2,27, p = 0,02). Verificou-se também que os maiores indivíduos foram capturados no período noturno. Um único modelo dos três propostos na literatura para as espécies de peneídeos quanto ao padrão de captura diuturna não pode ser aplicado ao X. kroyeri. Nossos resultados evidenciaram que tipo de sedimento não somente influenciou na taxa de captura entre os períodos analisados como determinou os modelos em que esta pode ser incluída.