Impacts of bycatch from beach seining: a case study of a shrimp fishery in Brazil.

It is commonly assumed that beach seining (BS) is more sustainable than bottom trawling because it involves non-motorized operations and limited fishing power. However, no scientific evidence supports this assumption. To address this gap, we evaluated the impact of beach seining, taking a small-scale shrimp fishery in northeast Brazil. Data collected monthly from December 2016 to November 2017 and in literature, were assessed (BS 31,001 individuals, 119 species, 37 families, and 19 orders; BT 6,031 individuals, 58 species, 20 families, and 14 orders). Beach seining demonstrated a lower proportion of bycatch (BS 1:2.3; BT 1:3.2), higher total shrimp catch (BS 87.2 t; BT 65 t), and greater species diversity than bottom trawling catches (BS 119; BT 58). Other aspects were closer associated with bottom trawling, such as the composition of dominant families (Sciaenidae and Pristigasteridae), the proportion of rare species (BS 30%; BT 24%) juveniles (BS 11g; BT 13g), the risk of species extinction, and the composition of ecological guilds. Despite their social significance, both fishing gears showed similar ecological indicators and adverse effects. The findings establish that the ecological concerns related to the impact of bottom trawling are also applicable to beach seine.

Fine-scale vertical relationships between environmental conditions and sound scattering layers in the Southwestern Tropical Atlantic.

Ocean dynamics initiate the structure of nutrient income driving primary producers, and these, in turn, shape the distribution of subsequent trophic levels until the whole pelagic community reflects the physicochemical structure of the ocean. Despite the importance of bottom-up structuring in pelagic ecosystems, fine-scale studies of biophysical interactions along depth are scarce and challenging. To improve our understanding of such relationships, we analyzed the vertical structure of key oceanographic variables along with the distribution of acoustic biomass from multi-frequency acoustic data (38, 70, and 120 kHz) as a reference for pelagic fauna. In addition, we took advantage of species distribution databases collected at the same time to provide further interpretation. The study was performed in the Southwestern Tropical Atlantic of northeast Brazil in spring 2015 and autumn 2017, periods representative of canonical spring and autumn conditions in terms of thermohaline structure and current dynamics. We show that chlorophyll-a, oxygen, current, and stratification are important drivers for the distribution of sound scattering biota but that their relative importance depends on the area, the depth range, and the diel cycle. Prominent sound scattering layers (SSLs) in the epipelagic layer were associated with strong stratification and subsurface chlorophyll-a maximum. In areas where chlorophyll-a maxima were deeper than the peak of stratifications, SSLs were more correlated with stratification than subsurface chlorophyll maxima. Dissolved oxygen seems to be a driver in locations where lower oxygen concentration occurs in the subsurface. Finally, our results suggest that organisms seem to avoid strong currents core. However, future works are needed to better understand the role of currents on the vertical distribution of organisms.

Deep-sea dragonfishes (Teleostei: Stomiiformes) collected from off northeastern Brazil, with a review of the species reported from the Brazilian Exclusive Economic Zone

The Stomiiformes includes about 455 species of mostly mesopelagic fishes in the families Diplophidae, Gonostomatidae, Phosichthyidae, Sternoptychidae, and Stomiidae. Here we report 55 species of the order collected during the ABRACOS (Acoustics along the BRAzilian COaSt) expeditions off northeastern Brazil, including islands and seamounts of Fernando de Noronha Ridge. Triplophos hemingi (Diplophidae), Pachystomias microdon and Melanostomias biseriatus (Stomiidae) are recorded for the first time in the western South Atlantic. Eustomias bibulbosus, Grammatostomias ovatus and Photonectes achirus (Stomiidae) are recorded for the first time in the South Atlantic. Eustomias minimus (Stomiidae), previously known from four poorly preserved specimens, is reported for the first time in the Atlantic. Occurrences of 18 species are confirmed or recorded for the first time in the Brazilian Exclusive Economic Zone: Triplophos hemingi (Diplophidae), Gonostoma denudatum (Gonostomatidae), Aristostomias grimaldii, Astronesthes gudrunae, Bathophilus nigerrimus, Borostomias elucens, Eustomias bibulbosus, E. braueri, E. minimus, E. schmidti, Grammatostomias ovatus, G. dentatus, Leptostomias gladiator, Melanostomias biseriatus, M. bartonbeani, Pachystomias microdon, Photonectes achirus, and Photostomias goodyeari (Stomiidae). Diagnostic and distributional data for all species recorded are provided, with new anatomical information presented for Melanostomias bartonbeani and Grammatostomias ovatus. A checklist of the 108 species of Stomiiformes confirmed in Brazilian waters is also presented.(AU)

Stomiiformes inclui cerca de 455 espécies válidas de peixes principalmente mesopelágicos, distribuídos nas famílias Diplophidae, Gonostomatidae, Phosichthyidae, Sternoptychidae e Stomiidae. Aqui, relatamos a ocorrência de 55 espécies de Stomiiformes coletadas durante as expedições ABRACOS (Acoustics along the BRAzilian COaSt) no nordeste do Brasil, incluindo as ilhas e montes submarinos da Cadeia de Fernando de Noronha. Triplophos hemingi (Diplophidae), Pachystomias microdon e Melanostomias biseriatus (Stomiidae) são registradas pela primeira vez no Atlântico Sul ocidental. Eustomias bibulbosus, Grammatostomias ovatus e Photonectes achirus (Stomiidae) são registradas pela primeira vez no Atlântico Sul. Eustomias minimus (Stomiidae), anteriormente conhecida a partir de quatro espécimes mal preservados, é reportada pela primeira vez no Atlântico. A ocorrência de 18 espécies é confirmada ou registrada pela primeira vez na Zona Econômica Exclusiva brasileira: Triplophos hemingi (Diplophidae), Gonostoma denudatum (Gonostomatidae), Aristostomias grimaldii, Astronesthes gudrunae, Bathophilus nigerrimus, Borostomias elucens, Eustomias bibulbosus, E. braueri, E. minimus, E. schmidti, Grammatostomias ovatus, G. dentatus, Leptostomias gladiator, Melanostomias biseriatus, M. bartonbeani, Pachystomias microdon, Photonectes achirus, e Photostomias goodyeari (Stomiidae). Dados diagnósticos e de distribuição de todas as espécies registradas são fornecidos, com novas informações anatômicas para Melanostomias bartonbeani e Grammatostomias ovatus. Uma lista preliminar das 108 espécies de Stomiiformes confirmadas em águas brasileiras também é apresentada.(AU)

First record of the intermediate scabbardfish Aphanopus intermedius (Scombriformes: Trichiuridae) in the western South Atlantic Ocean.

This study reports on the first record of the intermediate scabbardfish Aphanopus intermedius in the western South Atlantic Ocean, based on a single specimen 725 mm standard length collected between 0 and 610 m depth around Rocas Atoll off north-eastern Brazil. Measurements and counts are provided and compared with those available in the literature.

Population structure and reproductive biology of Haemulopsis corvinaeformis (Perciformes, Haemulidae) in the south coast of Pernambuco, northeastern Brazil

Roughneck Grunt (Haemulopsis corvinaeformis Steindachner, 1868) is the second most important species caught as bycatch of the shrimp fishery in Pernambuco, Northeastern Brazil. However, the population dynamic of this species is poorly known in the region. The aim of this study was to describe aspects of the population structure and reproductive biology of the H. corvinaeformis, providing important information for the development of sustainable management practices. Specimens were collected monthly from August 2011 to July 2012 and quarterly from October 2012 to June 2014. A total of 1,140 individuals was collected; 340 males (29.8%), 391 females (34.3%), and 409 were immature and could not be sexed (35.9%). Total length ranged from 7 to 25 cm. In general, total length of females [12.85 ± 2.49 cm (mean± SD)] and males [12.72 ± 2.46 cm (mean ± SD)] were similar (p > 0.05). The proportion of males and females was similar along the year, except in March. The relationship between total length and total weight was statistically significant (p 0.05), showing an isometric growth. The (GSI) coupled with the distribution of maturational stages suggests that females reproduce all year around, with a peak during October-November. The length at first maturity (L50) was estimated at 11.88 cm for females and 11 cm for males.(AU)

O coró branco (Haemulopsis corvinaeformis Steindachner, 1868) é a segunda espécie mais importante capturada como fauna acompanhante na pesca de camarão em Pernambuco, nordeste do Brasil. No entanto, a dinâmica populacional é pouco conhecida na região. O objetivo do estudo foi descrever aspectos da estrutura populacional e biologia reprodutiva da espécie, fornecendo informações importantes para o desenvolvimento de práticas de manejo sustentáveis. Espécimes foram coletados mensalmente de agosto de 2011 a julho de 2012, e a cada três meses de outubro de 2012 a junho de 2014. Um total de 1.140 espécimes foi coletado; 340 machos (29,8%), 391 fêmeas (34,3%), e 409 imaturos cujo sexo não pode ser identificado (35,9%). O comprimento total variou entre 7 e 25 cm. De maneira geral, o comprimento total das fêmeas [12,85 ± 2,49 cm (média ± DP)] e machos [12,72 ± 2,46 cm (média ± DP)] foram similares (p > 0.05). A proporção de machos e fêmeas foi similar, com exceção de março. As relações entre comprimento total e peso total foram estatisticamente significantes (p 0.05), mostrando um crescimento isométrico. O índice gonadossomático (GSI) associado com a distribuição dos estágios maturacionais sugerem que as fêmeas reproduzem durante todo o ano, com um pico durante outubro-novembro. O tamanho de primeira maturação foi estimado em 11.88 cm para fêmeas e 11 cm para machos.(AU)

Population structure and reproductive biology of Haemulopsis corvinaeformis (Perciformes, Haemulidae) in the south coast of Pernambuco, northeastern Brazil

Roughneck Grunt (Haemulopsis corvinaeformis Steindachner, 1868) is the second most important species caught as bycatch of the shrimp fishery in Pernambuco, Northeastern Brazil. However, the population dynamic of this species is poorly known in the region. The aim of this study was to describe aspects of the population structure and reproductive biology of the H. corvinaeformis, providing important information for the development of sustainable management practices. Specimens were collected monthly from August 2011 to July 2012 and quarterly from October 2012 to June 2014. A total of 1,140 individuals was collected; 340 males (29.8%), 391 females (34.3%), and 409 were immature and could not be sexed (35.9%). Total length ranged from 7 to 25 cm. In general, total length of females [12.85 ± 2.49 cm (mean± SD)] and males [12.72 ± 2.46 cm (mean ± SD)] were similar (p > 0.05). The proportion of males and females was similar along the year, except in March. The relationship between total length and total weight was statistically significant (p 0.05), showing an isometric growth. The (GSI) coupled with the distribution of maturational stages suggests that females reproduce all year around, with a peak during October-November. The length at first maturity (L50) was estimated at 11.88 cm for females and 11 cm for males.

O coró branco (Haemulopsis corvinaeformis Steindachner, 1868) é a segunda espécie mais importante capturada como fauna acompanhante na pesca de camarão em Pernambuco, nordeste do Brasil. No entanto, a dinâmica populacional é pouco conhecida na região. O objetivo do estudo foi descrever aspectos da estrutura populacional e biologia reprodutiva da espécie, fornecendo informações importantes para o desenvolvimento de práticas de manejo sustentáveis. Espécimes foram coletados mensalmente de agosto de 2011 a julho de 2012, e a cada três meses de outubro de 2012 a junho de 2014. Um total de 1.140 espécimes foi coletado; 340 machos (29,8%), 391 fêmeas (34,3%), e 409 imaturos cujo sexo não pode ser identificado (35,9%). O comprimento total variou entre 7 e 25 cm. De maneira geral, o comprimento total das fêmeas [12,85 ± 2,49 cm (média ± DP)] e machos [12,72 ± 2,46 cm (média ± DP)] foram similares (p > 0.05). A proporção de machos e fêmeas foi similar, com exceção de março. As relações entre comprimento total e peso total foram estatisticamente significantes (p 0.05), mostrando um crescimento isométrico. O índice gonadossomático (GSI) associado com a distribuição dos estágios maturacionais sugerem que as fêmeas reproduzem durante todo o ano, com um pico durante outubro-novembro. O tamanho de primeira maturação foi estimado em 11.88 cm para fêmeas e 11 cm para machos.

Population structure and reproductive biology of Haemulopsis corvinaeformis (Perciformes, Haemulidae) in the south coast of Pernambuco, northeastern Brazil

ABSTRACT: Roughneck Grunt (Haemulopsis corvinaeformis Steindachner, 1868) is the second most important species caught as bycatch of the shrimp fishery in Pernambuco, Northeastern Brazil. However, the population dynamic of this species is poorly known in the region. The aim of this study was to describe aspects of the population structure and reproductive biology of the H. corvinaeformis, providing important information for the development of sustainable management practices. Specimens were collected monthly from August 2011 to July 2012 and quarterly from October 2012 to June 2014. A total of 1,140 individuals was collected; 340 males (29.8%), 391 females (34.3%), and 409 were immature and could not be sexed (35.9%). Total length ranged from 7 to 25 cm. In general, total length of females [12.85 ± 2.49 cm (mean± SD)] and males [12.72 ± 2.46 cm (mean ± SD)] were similar (p > 0.05). The proportion of males and females was similar along the year, except in March. The relationship between total length and total weight was statistically significant (p 0.05), showing an isometric growth. The (GSI) coupled with the distribution of maturational stages suggests that females reproduce all year around, with a peak during October-November. The length at first maturity (L50) was estimated at 11.88 cm for females and 11 cm for males.

RESUMO: O coró branco (Haemulopsis corvinaeformis Steindachner, 1868) é a segunda espécie mais importante capturada como fauna acompanhante na pesca de camarão em Pernambuco, nordeste do Brasil. No entanto, a dinâmica populacional é pouco conhecida na região. O objetivo do estudo foi descrever aspectos da estrutura populacional e biologia reprodutiva da espécie, fornecendo informações importantes para o desenvolvimento de práticas de manejo sustentáveis. Espécimes foram coletados mensalmente de agosto de 2011 a julho de 2012, e a cada três meses de outubro de 2012 a junho de 2014. Um total de 1.140 espécimes foi coletado; 340 machos (29,8%), 391 fêmeas (34,3%), e 409 imaturos cujo sexo não pode ser identificado (35,9%). O comprimento total variou entre 7 e 25 cm. De maneira geral, o comprimento total das fêmeas [12,85 ± 2,49 cm (média ± DP)] e machos [12,72 ± 2,46 cm (média ± DP)] foram similares (p > 0.05). A proporção de machos e fêmeas foi similar, com exceção de março. As relações entre comprimento total e peso total foram estatisticamente significantes (p 0.05), mostrando um crescimento isométrico. O índice gonadossomático (GSI) associado com a distribuição dos estágios maturacionais sugerem que as fêmeas reproduzem durante todo o ano, com um pico durante outubro-novembro. O tamanho de primeira maturação foi estimado em 11.88 cm para fêmeas e 11 cm para machos.