Flotas de pesca extranjeras en el Pacífico costarricense y su traslape con áreas protegidas oceánicas, el ordenamiento pesquero y el Domo Térmico / Foreign fishing fleets in the Costa Rican Pacific and their overlap with oceanic protected areas, the fishing zoning, and the Thermal Dome

Introduction: Until today, the fishing effort by foreign fleets in the Costa Rican Pacific has not been analyzed. Objective: To determine the spatial distribution of the fishing effort of those fleets, variables that shape that distribution, and if they interact with management figures and highly fragile ecosystems. Methods: Using fishing effort data from 2012 to 2020, obtained from Global Fishing Watch, an Index of Fishing Effort (IEP) was calculated to apply geospatial and multivariate statistics, as well as multiple regression models. A grid with 55 905 cells of 0.10 degrees was used to apply Hot Spot Analysis, and another grid with 24 176 cell-year-month analysis units of 0.25 degrees was used to apply a Linear Regression Model. Results: The data reveals the fishing activity of international fleets associated with four types of fishing gear, and a wide coverage of a high IEP by two fleets throughout the nine years analyzed. The IEP is primarily associated with location and varies by month and year. There is also relative evidence that its influenced by the concentration of oxygen and nitrates. Conclusions: International fleets come into direct conflict with officially defined zones for national fleets and disrespect protected oceanic areas and a declared non-fishing zone to protect marine resources in the Costa Rican Pacific. Their activities in the Dome may affect a national yellowfin tuna fishery.

Introducción: Hasta hoy, no ha sido analizado el esfuerzo pesquero por parte de flotas extranjeras en el Pacífico de Costa Rica. Objetivo: Determinar la distribución espacial del esfuerzo pesquero de esas flotas, variables que moldean esa distribución, y si las mismas interactúan con figuras de manejo y ecosistemas altamente frágiles. Métodos: A partir de datos de esfuerzo pesquero de 2012 a 2020, obtenidos de Global Fishing Watch, fue calculado un Índice de Esfuerzo Pesquero (IEP) sobre el cual fue aplicada estadística geoespacial y multivariada, así como modelos de regresión múltiple. Fue utilizada una cuadrícula con 55 905 celdas de 0.10 grados, para aplicar Análisis de Puntos Calientes, y otra cuadrícula con 24 176 unidades de análisis celdas-año-mes de 0.25 grados, para aplicar un Modelo de Regresión Lineal. Resultados: Los datos revelan la actividad pesquera de las flotas internacionales asociadas a cuatro tipos de artes de pesca, así como una amplia cobertura de alto IEP por parte de dos flotas a lo largo de los nueve años analizados. El IEP se asocia principalmente con la ubicación y varía según el mes y el año. También hay evidencia relativa de que está influenciado por la concentración de oxígeno y nitratos. Conclusiones: Las flotas internacionales entran en conflicto directo con zonas oficialmente delimitadas para las flotas nacionales e irrespetan las áreas oceánicas protegidas y una zona no pesquera declarada para proteger los recursos marinos en el Pacífico costarricense. Sus actividades en el Domo pueden afectar la pesquería de atún aleta amarilla.

FEEDING HABITS OF Paralonchurus brasiliensis (PERCIFORMES: SCIAENIDAE) FROM SOUTH OF BRAZIL / Hábitos Alimentarios de Paralonchurus brasiliensis (Perciformes: Sciaenidae) del sur del Brasil

ABSTRACT Shrimp trawling directly impacts target species and non-target species, altering micro-habitats and marine trophic webs. Thus, the objective of the present research was to analyze the feeding habits of Paralonchurus brasiliensis as a tool to evaluate the impact of trawling on the food chains in marine environments, in the South Atlantic of Brazil. One thousand and nineteen stomachs of P. brasiliensis were dissected after being captured as bycatch of shrimp Xiphopenaeus kroyeri, in Penha, on the north central coast of Santa Catarina, Brazil. The number of stomachs was enough to describe the feeding habits of P. brasiliensis, characterizing it as a carnivorous species and predominantly invertivorous. They also revealed that this species has a diversified and constant diet, with greater consumption of polychaetes, crustaceans, and ofiuroides, among other components of the macrobentos, all closely related to the sediment. It was also found that the target species X. kroyeri is not an important prey in the diet of P. brasiliensis, despite occupying the same habitat. According to the present study, P. brasiliensis can be characterized as a demersal-benthic species, predator, opportunistic and broad trophic spectrum. This work contributes to the understanding of trophic chains of the coastal ecosystems, using the P. brasiliensis as a model.

RESUMEN La pesca de arrastre de camarón afecta directamente a la especie de interes y a otras que no lo son, pero tambien quedan atrapadas, alterando los micro-hábitats y las vías tróficas marinas. Así, el presente estudio tuvo como objetivo analizar los hábitos alimentarios de Paralonchurus brasiliensis, como herramienta para evaluar el impacto de la pesca de arrastre sobre las cadenas alimentarias en ambientes marinos, en el Atlántico sur de Brasil. Se disecaron 1219 estómagos de P. brasiliensis capturados con "bycatch" del camarón Xiphopenaeus kroyeri, en Penha, litoral centro-norte de Santa Catarina, Brasil. El número de estómagos fue suficiente para la descripción de los hábitos alimentarios de P. brasiliensis, caracterizándola como una especie carnívora, predominantemente invertívora. Los resultados revelaron además que esta especie posee una dieta diversificada y constante, con mayor consumo de poliquetas, crustáceos y ofiuroides, entre otros componentes del macrobentos, todos íntimamente relacionados al sedimento. Se constató también que la especie de interes X. kroyeri no es una presa importante en la dieta de P. brasiliensis, a pesar de ocupar el mismo hábitat. De acuerdo con el presente estudio, P. brasiliensis puede ser caracterizada como una especie demersal bentónica, predadora, oportunista y de amplio espectro trófico. Este trabajo contribuye a la comprensión de las cadenas tróficas de los ecosistemas costeros, utilizando el caso de P. brasiliensis como modelo.

Flatfish (Pleuronectiformes) species richness and depth distribution in the Gulf of Nicoya, Golfo Dulce, and two adjacent areas on the Pacific coast of Costa Rica

Introduction: Information on the number of flatfish species and their depth distributions is scarce for the Eastern Tropical Pacific. Historical data is important to evaluate changes in ecosystems due to local, regional and global stressors. Objective: To provide information on the presence, depth distributions and lengths of flatfish species collected by trawl nets. Methods: Fish studies were conducted by trawling at four sites along the Pacific coast of Costa Rica by the survey vessels Skimmer (1979-1980), Nishin Maru (1987-1988) and Victor Hensen (1993-1994). The published lists of species were consulted, museum specimens were accessed, and an updated list of flatfish species assembled. Results: A total of 36 species were found over a depth range of 8-359 m. The family Paralichthyidae included 13 species followed by the Cynoglossidae with 12 species, Achiridae with six and Bothidae with five. Thirty-five species were collected at depths from 10-235 m in the Gulf of Nicoya and Golfo Dulce. Monolene asadeae was collected offshore at a depth range of 254-359 m. The Gulf of Nicoya estuary yielded 27 species during the Skimmer expedition over a depth range of 8-60 m, while 31 species were found during the V. Hensen survey at depths from 10-228 m. The V. Hensen survey in Golfo Dulce (20-235 m) collected 19 species, and 17 species in Coronado Bay (21-187 m). Off the Nicoya Peninsula (56-359 m) 13 species were collected by the Nishin Maru shrimp trawler. A total of 21 species (58 %) were found at depths greater than 100 m which were probably exposed to low oxygen concentrations. During the V. Hensen survey Symphurus chabanaudi and S. elongatus were collected more frequently in the Gulf of Nicoya, while S. leei was collected more frequently in Golfo Dulce. Cluster analyses based on presence-absence data for the Gulf of Nicoya and Golfo Dulce revealed low station similarity indicating possible habitat partitioning among species. The size (Total length) of 33 species measured from both the Gulf of Nicoya and Golfo Dulce ranged from 8 cm (Syacium cf longidorsale, Trinectes xanthurus) to 50 cm (S. ovale). Only 12 species were found with lengths over 20 cm. Data on flatfish landings by the semi-industrial fishing fleet for the period 2000-2016 indicates that this group represents less than 1 % of the total landings (shrimp and bycatch), with a minimum of 365 kg in 2001 and a maximum of 13 414 kg in 2013. Conclusions: The number of flatfish species of the Pacific coast of Costa Rica appears relatively high but comparable to the numbers found in other tropical regions. A reduced fishing impact on the populations together with this updated list of flatfish provide a good baseline for a new survey of fish populations. Both are important for a future updating of the trophic models available the Gulf of Nicoya and Golfo and their use as tools for better management of the ecosystems.

Introducción: Es escasa la información sobre el número de especies y la distribución batimétrica de los lenguados del Pacífico Este Tropical. Esos datos son importantes para evaluar cambios en los ecosistemas debidos a tensores locales, regionales y globales. Objetivo: Proveer información de la presencia, distribución batimétrica y longitudes de especies de lenguados recolectados por red de arrastre. Métodos: Evaluaciones de los peces mediante redes de arrastre fueron conducidas en cuatro sitios a lo largo de la costa del Pacífico de Costa Rica por los buques de investigación Skimmer (1979-1980), Nishin Maru (1987-1988) y Victor Hensen (1993-1994).Se consultó las listas publicadas de especies, se revisó ejemplares depositados en el museo y se integró una lista actualizada de especies de lenguados. Resultados: Un total de 36 especies de lenguados fueron encontrados en un ámbito de profundidad de 8 a 359 m. La familia Paralichthyidae incluyó 13 especies seguida por los Cynoglossidae con 12 especies, Achiridae tuvo seis y Bothidae cinco especies. Treinta y cinco especies fueron recolectadas entre 10 y 235 m en el Golfo de Nicoya y Golfo Dulce. Monolene asadeae fue recolectada aguas afuera en un ámbito de profundidad de 254-359 m. El Golfo de Nicoya produjo 27 especies durante la expedición del Skimmer y en un ámbito de profundidad de 8 a 60 m, mientras que 31 especies fueron encontradas durante el muestreo del V. Hensen en profundidades entre los 10 y 228 m. El muestreo del V. Hensen en el Golfo Dulce (20 a 235 m) produjo 19 especies y 17 en Bahía de Coronado (21-187 m). Afuera de la península de Nicoya (56-359 m) 13 especies fueron recolectadas por el camaronero Nishin Maru. Un total de 21 especies (58 %) fueron encontradas a profundidades mayores de 100 m y posiblemente expuestas a las bajas concentraciones de oxígeno. Durante el muestreo del V. Hensen, Symphurus chabanaudi y S. elongatus fueron capturados más frecuentemente en el Golfo de Nicoya, mientras S. leei lo fue en Golfo Dulce. El tamaño (Longitud Total) de 33 especies medidas en ambos Golfo de Nicoya y Golfo Dulce oscilaron entre 8 cm (Syacium cf longidorsale, Trinectes xanthurus) y 50 cm (S. ovale). Solo 12 especies fueron encontradas con longitudes mayores de 20 cm. Datos de desembarcos de lenguados por la flota semi-industrial para el periodo 2000-2016 indican que este grupo representa menos del 1 % de los desembarcos totales (camarones y fauna acompañante), con un mínimo de 365 kg en 2001 y un máximo de 13 414 kg en 2013. Conclusiones: Los análisis de conglomerados basados en datos de presencia-ausencia para el Golfo de Nicoya y Golfo Dulce revelaron baja similitud de estaciones indicando partición del hábitat entre las especies. La diversidad de la fauna de lenguados de la costa del Pacífico de Costa Rica aparece relativamente alta pero comparable con la encontrada en otras regiones tropicales. El número de buques arrastreros ha disminuido significativamente en el Pacífico de Costa Rica después del 2014. Esta reducción del impacto en las poblaciones y la lista actualizada de lenguados proveen una buena base para un nuevo estudio de las poblaciones de peces. Ambas son importantes para una futura actualización de los modelos tróficos disponibles para el Golfo de Nicoya y Golfo Dulce y su utilidad como herramientas para un mejor manejo de los ecosistemas.

Crustáceos (Decapoda y Stomatopoda) del R.V. Skimmer y R.V. Victor Hensen en el Golfo de Nicoya, Pacífico, Costa Rica / Crustaceans (Decapoda and Stomatopoda) from the R.V. Skimmer and R.V. Victor Hensen in the Gulf of Nicoya, Pacific, Costa Rica

Resumen El acceso a datos actualizados, sobre los nombres y distribución de las especies de crustáceos presentes en un área en particular, es un primer paso para evaluar cambios debidos a factores locales, regionales o globales, como la sobrepesca, la contaminación y el cambio climático. Los datos en este estudio están basados en las expediciones de los buques de investigación Skimmer (20 estaciones, 1979-1980) y Victor Hensen (1993-1994, 12 estaciones) en el estuario del Golfo de Nicoya. Los crustáceos fueron recolectados mediante redes de arrastre tipo Otter (Skimmer, malla 3.5 cm) y por tipos Otter y Beam (V. Hensen, mallas de 2.5 cm y 1.9 cm) a profundidades entre 10 y 228 m. Datos en dos estudios posteriores aportaron información para una zona de entre-mareas en la región superior del Golfo y para estaciones en la boca del estuario, lo que incrementa el ámbito de profundidad de 0 a 350 m. Se revisaron las publicaciones originales y se hicieron 32 actualizaciones de los nombres de las especies con base en la literatura reciente y en la página de red World Register of Marine Species (WORMS). El total de especies para ambas expediciones fue de 131, del que 119 fueron decápodos y 12 fueron estomatópodos. Los datos en los otros dos estudios, así como la revisión de las colecciones en el Museo de Zoología de la Universidad de Costa Rica, incrementó en 43 el número de registros, para un total de 174 especies en los sedimentos del estuario. Para el Skimmer el número mínimo de especies en una estación fue de cuatro (tres estaciones) y el máximo de 27, con un promedio de 12.3 especies / estación. Para el V. Hensen el mínimo de especies en una estación fue de ocho, con un máximo de 27 y un promedio de 17 especies / estación. Las especies presentes en 50 % o más de las 20 estaciones de la expedición del Skimmer, fueron: Callinectes arcuatus, Rimapenaeus faoe, Penaeus brevirostris, Achelous asper y Hepatus kossmanni. Para la expedición del V. Hensen las especies presentes en más del 50 % de las 12 estaciones, fueron: A. asper, Sicyonia disdorsalis, S. picta y Persephona subovata. Durante el estudio del Skimmer, un total de 15 especies fueron encontradas en solo una estación, mientras que para el V. Hensen el número fue de 26. Se digitalizaron dos matrices de datos de presencia-ausencia de las especies en las estaciones y con base en los nombres actualizados de las especies recolectadas por el Skimmer (57 especies x 20 estaciones) y V. Hensen (82 especies x 12 estaciones) se les aplicó un Análisis No Métrico Dimensional de Escala (NMDS) para obtener una distribución de las estaciones en un espacio bi-dimensional. Los resultados revelaron unos grupos heterogéneos de estaciones. Algunos sub-grupos de tres o cuatro estaciones concuerdan con su proximidad geográfica. Las cuatro estaciones del V. Hensen en la boca del estuario a profundidades mayores a los 60 m fueron separadas más claramente de las otras, y podrían indicar una transición, desde aguas estuarinas hacia aguas profundas, en la composición de la fauna de crustáceos. Evaluaciones futuras de la diversidad de crustáceos del Golfo de Nicoya deben de considerar la amplia distribución espacial de algunas especies y la restringida de otras. La variabilidad temporal es también importante en el estuario, tal como lo evidenció la oscilación de la población de Pinnixulala valerii en un periodo de tres años.(AU)

Abstract The access to updated data on the names of the crustacean species and their distribution in a given area is a first step to evaluate changes due to local, regional and global factors such as overfishing, pollution, and climatic change. Data in this study are based on the expeditions of the RV Skimmer (20 stations, 1979-1980) and RV Victor Hensen (1993-1994, 12 stations) in the Gulf of Nicoya estuary. The crustaceans were collected by means of an Otter trawl (Skimmer, mesh 3.5 cm) and by Otter and Beam trawls (V. Hensen, mesh 2.5 cm and 1.0 cm, respectively) at depths from 10 m to 228 m. Data from two later studies were also included, one from an intertidal flat in the upper Gulf and the other from stations at the mouth of the estuary, which expand the depth range from 0 to 350 m. The list of species in the original publications were updated and 32 corrections were made based on recent literature and the web page, World Register of Marine Species (WORMS). The total number of species for both surveys was 131, of which 119 were decapods and 12 were stomatopods. Data from the other two studies and from the crustacean collection deposited at the University of Costa Rica Zoology Museum added 43 records for a total of 174 species collected in sediments from the estuary. For the Skimmer, the minimum number of species found in one station was four (three stations) and the maximum was 27, with an average of 12.3 species / station. For the V. Hensen, the minimum of species found in one station was eight, with a maximm of 27 and an average of 17 species / station. The species present in 50 % or more of the 20 stations of the Skimmer expedition, were: Callinectes arcuatus, Rimapenaeus faoe, Penaeus brevirostris, Achelous asper and Hepatus kossmanni. For the V. Hensen expedition, the species present in 50 % or more of the 12 stations, were: A. asper, Sicyonia disdorsalis, S. picta, and Persephona subovata. During the Skimmer survey a total of 15 species were found at only one station, while for the V. Hensen the number was 26. Two presence-absence matrices based on the updated names of the crustaceans collected by the Skimmer (57 species x 20 stations) and V. Hensen (82 species x 12 stations) were analyzed by Non Metric Dimensional Scaling (NMDS) to display the distribution of stations in a two-dimensional space. The results revealed heterogeneous groups of stations. Several sub-groups of two or three stations agreed with their geographical proximity. The four V. Hensen stations, located at the mouth of the estuary at depths greater than 60 m, were separated more clearly from the others and may indicate a transition, from estuarine to deep waters, in the composition of the crustacean fauna. Future evaluations of the crustacean diversity of the Gulf of Nicoya must take into account the wide spatial distribution of some species and the patchy distribution of others. Temporal variability is also important in the estuary as evidenced by the population oscilallations of Pinnixulala valerii over a three year period.(AU)

The bony fishes (Teleostei) caught by industrial trawlers off the Brazilian North coast, with insights into its conservation

The Brazilian North coast is one of the world's most important shrimp fishery grounds, with a total area of approximately 223,000 km2. However, the available data on the diversity of fish caught by the region's industrial trawler fleet are limited to the commercially-valuable species. This lacuna in the data on the region's marine fish fauna is worrying, both for the management of stocks and the conservation of the local biodiversity. The present study was based on a comprehensive inventory of the teleost fishes captured by the industrial outrigger trawling operations off the North coast of Brazil. This inventory recorded 201 species belonging to 64 families and 20 orders, and revealed a unique fauna, characterized by 17 endemic species, and a mixture of estuarine-dependent and marine species, mainly associated with coral reefs. The Kernel density analysis indicated that the industrial trawling fleet operates within an important ecotone, which encompasses the transition zones of different fish communities found off the Brazilian North coast.(AU)

A costa Norte do Brasil é um dos pesqueiros de camarão mais importantes do mundo, com uma área total de aproximadamente 223.000 km2. No entanto, dados disponíveis sobre a diversidade de peixes capturados pela frota industrial de arrasto de portas na região são limitados às espécies com valor comercial. Essa lacuna no conhecimento sobre a fauna de peixes marinhos da região é preocupante, tanto para o manejo dos estoques quanto para a conservação da biodiversidade local. O presente estudo é baseado num inventário abrangente dos peixes teleósteos capturados por operações de arrasto de portas da frota industrial que opera na costa Norte do Brasil. Este inventário registrou 201 espécies pertencentes a 64 famílias e 20 ordens, e revelou uma fauna única, caracterizada por 17 espécies endêmicas, e uma mistura de espécies estuarino-dependentes e espécies marinhas, principalmente associadas a recifes de corais. A análise da densidade Kernel indicou que a frota industrial de arrasto de portas opera dentro de um importante ecótono, que abrange uma zona de transição de diferentes comunidades de peixes encontrados na costa Norte do Brasil.(AU)

Aspects of the reproductive biology and characterization of Sciaenidae captured as bycatch in the prawn trawling in the northeastern Brazil / Aspectos da biologia reprodutiva e caracterização de cianídeos capturados como fauna acompanhante da pesca de camarão no nordeste do Brasil

The Brazilian prawn fishery, as other bottom trawling fisheries, is considered quite efficient in catching the target species but with low selectivity and high rates of bycatch. The family Sciaenidae prevails among fish species caught. The study was conducted in the Pernambuco State (Barra de Sirihaém), northeastern Brazil. From August 2011 to July 2012, 3,278 sciaenid specimens were caught, distributed into 16 species, 34.2% males and 41.5% females. Larimus breviceps, Isopisthus parvipinnis, Paralonchurus brasiliensis and Stellifer microps were the most abundant species. The area was considered a recruitment and reproduction area with the highest reproductive activity between December 2011 and July 2012. The constant frequency of mature I. parvipinnis and S. microps in catches throughout the year suggests that these species are multiple spawners and use the area during their reproductive period. Since most individuals caught as bycatch have not reached sexual maturity, evidencing the need for a better monitoring of the area and the Sciaenidae caught as bycatch, once this incidental caught can cause fluctuations in the recruitment, increasing the proportion of immature individuals in the population and negatively affecting the reproductive success of the species.

As pescarias de arrasto são consideradas bastante eficientes na captura das espécies-alvo, porém apresentam baixa seletividade, capturando grande quantidade de fauna acompanhante. Entre as espécies capturadas, a família Sciaenidae é quase sempre dominante. A área de estudo está localizada no Estado de Pernambuco (Barra de Sirinhaém), região Nordeste do Brasil. Durante o período de agosto/11 a julho/12 foi capturado um total de 3.278 cianídeos, divididos entre 16 espécies, sendo 34,2% machos e 41,5% fêmeas. Larimus breviceps, Isopisthus parvipinnis, Paralonchurus brasiliensis e Stellifer microps foram as espécies mais abundantes. A área estudada foi considerada zona de recrutamento e reprodução, com os maiores índices de atividade reprodutiva entre os meses de dezembro/11 e julho/12. A constante captura de indivíduos maduros de I. parvipinnis e S. microps, durante todo o período de amostragem, sugere que estas espécies possuem desova múltipla e utilizam a área durante seu período reprodutivo. Devido a maioria dos indivíduos capturados como fauna acompanhante não terem alcançado sua maturidade sexual, é necessário melhor monitoramento da área estudada, assim como dos cianídeos capturados, uma vez que essa captura acidental pode causar flutuações nos processos de recrutamento, aumentando a proporção de imaturos, prejudicando, o processo reprodutivo das espécies.

Population parameters of the shrimp Xiphopenaeus kroyeri (Heller, 1862) (Crustacea, Penaeidae), caught by artisanal fisheries in Anchieta, Espírito Santo State / Parâmetros populacionais do camarão Xiphopenaeus kroyeri (Heller, 1862) (Crustacea, Penaeidae) capturados na pesca artesanal em Anchieta, Estado do Espírito Santo

The fishery on Penaeidae shrimp is done all over the Brazilian coast, especially the seabob shrimp (Xiphopenaeus kroyeri). It is captured in large quantities in the Southeast and Southern Brazil. In order to study the population structure of X. kroyeri from Anchieta Municipality, Espírito Santo State, during the period from January to December 2008, monthly samplings with one-hour-long were conducted to verify the number of individuals, biomass, sex, total length and gonad maturity stage. The specimens had total length ranging from 2.96 to 9.96 cm, and females were larger than males. It is suggested that the population of X. kroyeri presents patterns of recruitment and reproduction similar to those of the Northeast region. The estimated size of first gonadal maturation was 4.5 and 6.9 cm for males and females, respectively. The fishing operates on a stock composed of predominantly adult males and juveniles and adult females. The mesh size of the nets and the high plant biomass in the fishing areas may be contributing to the increased catch of juveniles, undermining the recruitment of X. kroyeri.

A pesca de camarões Penaeidae é realizada em todo o litoral brasileiro, com destaque para o sete-barbas (Xiphopenaeus kroyeri) capturado em grande quantidade nas regiões Sudeste e Sul do Brasil. Com o objetivo de estudar a estrutura populacional de X. kroyeri de Anchieta, Estado do Espírito Santo, durante o período de janeiro a dezembro de 2008 foram realizadas coletas mensais com 1h de duração. Foram registrados o número de indivíduos, a biomassa, o sexo, o comprimento total e o estádio de maturação gonadal. Os exemplares amostrados apresentaram comprimento total que varia entre 2,96 a 9,96 cm sendo as fêmeas maiores que os machos. Sugere-se que a população de X. kroyeri estudada apresente reprodução e recrutamento semelhantes ao da região Nordeste. O tamanho estimado de primeira maturação gonadal foi de 4,5 cm para machos e 6,9 cm para fêmeas, sendo que a pesca atua sobre um estoque composto por machos predominantemente adultos e por fêmeas juvenis e adultas. O tamanho de malha das redes e a elevada biomassa vegetal presente nas áreas de pesca podem estar contribuindo para o aumento da captura de juvenis, comprometendo o recrutamento de X. kroyeri.

Ictiofauna acompanhante na pesca artesanal do camarão sete-barbas (Xiphopenaeus kroyeri) no litoral sul do Brasil / Ichthyofauna bycatch of sea-bob shrimp (Xiphopenaeus kroyeri) fishing in the town of Porto Belo, SC, Brazil

A pesca artesanal dirigida ao camarão sete-barbas (Xiphopenaeus kroyeri), usando o método de arrasto motorizado com portas, tem sido praticada na costa de Santa Catarina, onde ele gera emprego e renda, e ajuda a manter a tradição cultural tradicional açoriana viva, desde 1960. Com o objectivo de analisar a qualidade e a quantidade das capturas acidentais da ictiofauna, efetuou-se sazonalmente, dois arrastos por isóbata (10-20‑30 m) entre novembro/2009 e agosto/2010, duração de 20 min/cada, velocidade média dois nós e, registrados temperaturas e salinidades da água de fundo. As capturas totalizaram 10868 peixe (208.34 kg), distribuídos em 31 famílias e 62 espécies, com uma proporção de peixe/camarão de 5,19/1 kg. A família mais abundante foi Sciaenidae (86.13%), seguido por Batrachoididae (2.70%) e Trichiuridae (2,44%). Os índices de diversidade e equabilidade apresentaram padrões similares de variação, os maiores valores ocorreram na Primavera na profundidade de 30 m e a mais baixa no inverno, a 20 m. A análise de Cluster formou quatro agrupamentos, sendo um deles, pequeno e dominante de Sciaenidae Stellifer brasiliensis, S. rastrifer, Paralonchurus brasiliensis, Isopisthus parvipinnis e Larimus breviceps. Os exemplares jovens dessas espécies e de outras, com pouco ou sem valor comercial, camarões miúdos e demais macro-invertebrados acompanhantes capturados são descartados ao mar, geralmente mortos. Além do impacto nas cadeias tróficas, essa prática contínua, pode agravar ainda mais a situação do pescador artesanal com o declínio desses recursos nas capturas futuras.

The activity of artisanal fishing for the sea-bob shrimp, using the method of motorized dragnet with rings, has been practised on the Santa Catarina coast, where it generates jobs and income, and helps keep the traditional Azorean cultural tradition alive, since 1960. With the aim of analyzing the quality and quantity of the ichthyofauna bycatch, two trawls were carried out per isobath (10-20-30 m), seasonally, between November 2009 and August 2010 (i.e. summer, spring and winter), for 20 minutes each, at an average speed of two knots, and the bottom water temperatures and salinities recorded. The captures totalled 10868 fish (208.34 kg), distributed among 31 families and 62 species, with a fish/shrimp ratio of 5.19/1 kg. The most abundant family was Sciaenidae (86.13%), followed by Batrachoididae (2.70%) and Trichiuridae (2.44%). The diversity and evenness indices presented similar patterns of variation, the highest values occurring in spring at 30 m and the lowest in winter at 20 m. Cluster analysis led to the creation of four groups; one of them small and dominated by the Sciaenidae Stellifer brasiliensis, S. rastrifer, Paralonchurus brasiliensis, Isopisthus parvipinnis and Larimus breviceps. The young of this and other species, which are of little or no commercial value, along with tiny shrimps and other macroinvertebrates that enter the dragnets, are thrown back into the sea, usually dead. Besides the negative impact on the food chain, this continued practice could exacerbate the situation of artisanal fishermen even further, with the gradual, future decline of these resources.

Shrimp by-catch reduction using a short funnel net, in the Gulf of Tehuantepec, South Pacific, Mexico

Reduction of the by-catch in shrimp fishery is an important goal worldwide. In order to compare by-catch using the conventional trawling net and a newly designed short funnel net, nine cruises were carried out by the commercial fleet operating in the Gulf of Tehuantepec, Mexico. A total of 480 trawls were done (mean duration: 85 min). The experimental trawls using the modified net produced a 21.13-28.86 % by-catch reduction (confidence interval 95 %), a 3 % increase of shrimp catch, and a significant reduction on net recovery time. Rev. Biol. Trop. 55 (3-4): 889-897. Epub 2007 December, 28.

La reducción de la fauna de acompañamiento del camarón (FAC) es uno de los temas de discusión más importantes en la pesca mundial. Con la finalidad de contribuir en este tópico, se diseñó y utilizó una red de arrastre variando la longitud del túnel, y se comparó su efecto con el de una red tradicional; durante 9 cruceros de la flota comercial en el Golfo de Tehuantepec, México. Se realizó un total de 480 lances con promedio de 85 min cada uno. Los arrastres de la red modificada mostraron mejores resultados, con variación entre 21.13 a 28.86 %, con un 95 % de confianza de reducción de FAC, un incremento de 3 % en la captura de camarón, y una disminución del tiempo de recuperación, lo que sugiere un incremento en la eficiencia gracias al nuevo diseño.

The effects of trawling on the benthic fauna of the Gulf of Nicoya, Costa Rica

Four van Veen grab replicates where collected to sample macrofauna (organism retained on a 500 micron mesh sieve) at four stations in the Gulf of Nicoya, during October 24, 1997, January 16 and April 30, 1998. This information was used to search for any effects of trawling on the benthic fauna. Two stations where located in a trawled area, and two stations where in a protected area. Diversity (H') varied from 2.01 to 3.52 in the trawled area and from 2.13 to 2.78 in the protected area. Diversity was generally higher in the trawled area, and this was in contradiction to what we would have expected from other studies where the trend has been that trawling reduces diversity. Brittlestars and lancelets seemed to be the groups mostly harmed by the trawling, while amphipods where more abundant in trawled areas. The multivariate analyses did not reveal the patterns of faunal change as well as we hoped. This is surely because of our lack of more replicate samples. The multivariate analyses are easily confounded when few sites are analyzed. We have found differences in the type of fauna found in trawled and protected areas and, considering the differences in environmental variables in our stations and our lack of replication, this indicates that there are differences and a larger investigation is in order to reveal its magnitude.