Early development of pearlside Maurolicus stehmanni off south-eastern Brazil.

The pearlside Maurolicus stehmanni is one of the most abundant mesopelagic fishes off south-eastern Brazil and plays a key role in the regional ecosystem. However, its early life history remains poorly understood. This study examined the M. stehmanni early life stages, from eggs to juveniles, including all developmental changes in external morphology. Larvae are simple in morphology and lack specialized larval structures. Notochord flexion begins at ~5.15 mm body length (BL) and larvae ≥5.95 mm BL are flexed. The relative growth of seven measured larval characters (head length, body depth, snout length, eye diameter, pre-dorsal length, pre-ventral length and pre-anal length) have transition points (allometric inflexion points), indicating biphasic growth patterns which are likely related to shifts in habitat use, feeding and behaviour. Larval development is similar to that of other Maurolicus species. The relatively fast development of the fins, photophores, swimbladder and pigmentation suggests a precocious adoption of a micronektonic lifestyle in the mesopelagic environment.

The fishery exploitation of acoupa weakfish off São Paulo coast, Southeastern Brazil / A exploração pesqueira da pescada-amarela na costa de São Paulo, Sudeste do Brasil

The Acoupa weakfish Cynoscion acoupa (Lacepède, 1801) is a large inshore sciaenid of commercial and social importance found along the entire Brazilian coast. In spite of this, there is few information on the species, both in terms of biological aspects and fishery yields, particularly off southeastern Brazil. Within this context, this study aimed to an evaluation of Acoupa weakfish fishery production off São Paulo coast (23°22–25°18S) based on publicly available statistical data collected between 1998 and 2016. Acoupa weakfish fishery in this State takes place on both industrial and artisanal scales, and employs at least 22 different fishing gears. The pair-trawling fishery was the most important Acoupa weakfish producer during the period surveyed, with a sharp decline in the catches from 2007 onward due to the establishment of Marine Protected Areas off São Paulo coast, which banned trawling in depths shallower than 26 meters. Acoupa weakfish yields were relatively low in São Paulo when compared with other demersal fishes exploited, despite the high retail prices commanded by the species in regional markets and restaurants.(AU)

A pescada-amarela Cynoscion acoupa (Lacepède, 1801) é um cianídeo demersal costeiro de grande porte que apresenta importância social e econômica ao longo de toda a costa brasileira. Entretanto, há pouca informação sobre a espécie em termos biológicos e pesqueiros, principalmente no sudeste do Brasil. Dentro desse contexto, o presente estudo procurou avaliar a produção pesqueira da espécie na costa de São Paulo (23°22–25°18S) a partir de dados estatísticos de domínio público coletados entre 1998 e 2016. A pescaria da pescada-amarela no estado ocorre em escala industrial e artesanal, e emprega pelo menos 22 tipos de artes de pesca. O arrasto de parelhas foi o mais importante produtor durante o período estudado, apresentando um declínio abrupto nos desembarques a partir de 2007, devido a implementação de Áreas Marinhas Protegidas na costa paulista, que baniu a pesca de arrasto em profundidades menores que 26 metros. Os desembarques de pescada-amarela são relativamente baixos em comparação a outros peixes demersais capturados apesar dos altos preços de varejo cobrados para a espécie nos mercados e restaurantes regionais.(AU)

The fishery exploitation of acoupa weakfish off São Paulo coast, Southeastern Brazil / A exploração pesqueira da pescada-amarela na costa de São Paulo, Sudeste do Brasil

The Acoupa weakfish Cynoscion acoupa (Lacepède, 1801) is a large inshore sciaenid of commercial and social importance found along the entire Brazilian coast. In spite of this, there is few information on the species, both in terms of biological aspects and fishery yields, particularly off southeastern Brazil. Within this context, this study aimed to an evaluation of Acoupa weakfish fishery production off São Paulo coast (23°22’–25°18’S) based on publicly available statistical data collected between 1998 and 2016. Acoupa weakfish fishery in this State takes place on both industrial and artisanal scales, and employs at least 22 different fishing gears. The pair-trawling fishery was the most important Acoupa weakfish producer during the period surveyed, with a sharp decline in the catches from 2007 onward due to the establishment of Marine Protected Areas off São Paulo coast, which banned trawling in depths shallower than 26 meters. Acoupa weakfish yields were relatively low in São Paulo when compared with other demersal fishes exploited, despite the high retail prices commanded by the species in regional markets and restaurants.

A pescada-amarela Cynoscion acoupa (Lacepède, 1801) é um cianídeo demersal costeiro de grande porte que apresenta importância social e econômica ao longo de toda a costa brasileira. Entretanto, há pouca informação sobre a espécie em termos biológicos e pesqueiros, principalmente no sudeste do Brasil. Dentro desse contexto, o presente estudo procurou avaliar a produção pesqueira da espécie na costa de São Paulo (23°22’–25°18’S) a partir de dados estatísticos de domínio público coletados entre 1998 e 2016. A pescaria da pescada-amarela no estado ocorre em escala industrial e artesanal, e emprega pelo menos 22 tipos de artes de pesca. O arrasto de parelhas foi o mais importante produtor durante o período estudado, apresentando um declínio abrupto nos desembarques a partir de 2007, devido a implementação de Áreas Marinhas Protegidas na costa paulista, que baniu a pesca de arrasto em profundidades menores que 26 metros. Os desembarques de pescada-amarela são relativamente baixos em comparação a outros peixes demersais capturados apesar dos altos preços de varejo cobrados para a espécie nos mercados e restaurantes regionais.

Biology, distribution and geographic variation of loliginid squids (Mollusca: Cephalopoda) off southwestern Atlantic

The biology and ecology of southwestern Atlantic loliginid squids have been intensively researched in the last few decades, mostly off the Brazilian southern coast. However, information gathered by scientific research cruisers, either past or recent, is limited. Three species of loliginid squids - the warm-tempered Doryteuthis sanpaulensis(Brakoniecki, 1984), plus the tropical D. pleii (Blainville, 1823) and Lolliguncula brevis (Blainville, 1823) - were sampled along 16 degrees of latitude on the southwestern Atlantic (22-38°S). The samples were obtained mostly from oceanographic surveys, but also included squids caught by commercial fisheries, and a few specimens from museum collections. Squid response to abiotic variables, morphological variation and circadian behaviour were surveyed in detail. Doryteuthis sanpaulensis can be divided into at least six distinguishable geographical groups, which do not form a cline. In contrast, D. pleii can be divided into only two morphological groups that are very similar. Doryteuthis spp. were heterogeneously distributed on the shelf, whereas L. brevis was confined nearshore. Our data extended the southernmost distribution range of D. pleii by at least nine degrees of latitude, owing to specimens obtained at ~38°S (Mar del Plata, Argentina). Small, immature D. sanpaulensis were sampled inside the Patos Lagoon estuary (~32°S). The morphologically similar Doryteuthis spp. apparently avoid direct competition by concentrating at different depths, displaying different thermal preferences, and inverse circadian levels of activity. The information reported herein may be regarded as a “snapshot” of the ecology of sympatric squids in a marine environment that has not been deeply affected by climate change.(AU)

Biology, distribution and geographic variation of loliginid squids (Mollusca: Cephalopoda) off southwestern Atlantic

The biology and ecology of southwestern Atlantic loliginid squids have been intensively researched in the last few decades, mostly off the Brazilian southern coast. However, information gathered by scientific research cruisers, either past or recent, is limited. Three species of loliginid squids - the warm-tempered Doryteuthis sanpaulensis(Brakoniecki, 1984), plus the tropical D. pleii (Blainville, 1823) and Lolliguncula brevis (Blainville, 1823) - were sampled along 16 degrees of latitude on the southwestern Atlantic (22-38°S). The samples were obtained mostly from oceanographic surveys, but also included squids caught by commercial fisheries, and a few specimens from museum collections. Squid response to abiotic variables, morphological variation and circadian behaviour were surveyed in detail. Doryteuthis sanpaulensis can be divided into at least six distinguishable geographical groups, which do not form a cline. In contrast, D. pleii can be divided into only two morphological groups that are very similar. Doryteuthis spp. were heterogeneously distributed on the shelf, whereas L. brevis was confined nearshore. Our data extended the southernmost distribution range of D. pleii by at least nine degrees of latitude, owing to specimens obtained at ~38°S (Mar del Plata, Argentina). Small, immature D. sanpaulensis were sampled inside the Patos Lagoon estuary (~32°S). The morphologically similar Doryteuthis spp. apparently avoid direct competition by concentrating at different depths, displaying different thermal preferences, and inverse circadian levels of activity. The information reported herein may be regarded as a “snapshot” of the ecology of sympatric squids in a marine environment that has not been deeply affected by climate change.

Artisanal fish-trap fishery around Santa Catarina Island during spring/summer: characteristics, species interactions and the influence of the winds on the catches / Pesca artesanal com cerco flutuante no entorno da Ilha de Santa Catarina durante a primavera/verão: características, interações inter-específicas e influência dos ventos nas capturas

Artisanal spring/summer fish-trapping around Santa Catarina Island is described from 282 landings monitored in three localities (Praia dos Ingleses, Barra da Lagoa and Pântano do Sul) between November and March of 2000 and 2001. Despite the high number of species caught, the fishery was based on only three species: the cutlassfish (Trichiurus lepturus), the squid (Loligo plei) and the blue runner (Caranx crysos). The fishery was characterized by few traps operating in close proximity to the fishing communities, short trips, few fishermen engaged in the fishery and highly variable yields. The composition of the catches appeared to be highly influenced by the abundance of the cutlassfish, whereas wind conditions had no direct effect on the landings.

A pesca artesanal com cerco flutuante no entorno da Ilha de Santa Catarina é descrita a partir de 282 desembarques monitorados nas localidades de Praia dos Ingleses, Barra da Lagoa e Pântano do Sul nos períodos de primavera e verão de 2000 e 2001 (NovembroMarço). Apesar do grande número de espécies capturadas, a pescaria é sustentada por apenas três espécies, a saber: o peixe-espada (Trichiurus lepturus), a lula (Loligo plei) e o manezinho (Caranx crysos). A pescaria caracterizou-se pelo uso de poucos aparelhos operando nas cercanias das comunidades, viagens curtas, poucos pescadores envolvidos na atividade e rendimentos altamente variáveis. A composição das capturas parece ser fortemente influenciada pela abundância do peixe-espada. As condições de vento não afetaram diretamente os desembarques.

Artisanal fish-trap fishery around Santa Catarina Island during spring/summer: characteristics, species interactions and the influence of the winds on the catches / Pesca artesanal com cerco flutuante no entorno da Ilha de Santa Catarina durante a primavera/verão: características, interações inter-específicas e influência dos ventos nas capturas

Artisanal spring/summer fish-trapping around Santa Catarina Island is described from 282 landings monitored in three localities (Praia dos Ingleses, Barra da Lagoa and Pântano do Sul) between November and March of 2000 and 2001. Despite the high number of species caught, the fishery was based on only three species: the cutlassfish (Trichiurus lepturus), the squid (Loligo plei) and the blue runner (Caranx crysos). The fishery was characterized by few traps operating in close proximity to the fishing communities, short trips, few fishermen engaged in the fishery and highly variable yields. The composition of the catches appeared to be highly influenced by the abundance of the cutlassfish, whereas wind conditions had no direct effect on the landings.

A pesca artesanal com cerco flutuante no entorno da Ilha de Santa Catarina é descrita a partir de 282 desembarques monitorados nas localidades de Praia dos Ingleses, Barra da Lagoa e Pântano do Sul nos períodos de primavera e verão de 2000 e 2001 (NovembroMarço). Apesar do grande número de espécies capturadas, a pescaria é sustentada por apenas três espécies, a saber: o peixe-espada (Trichiurus lepturus), a lula (Loligo plei) e o manezinho (Caranx crysos). A pescaria caracterizou-se pelo uso de poucos aparelhos operando nas cercanias das comunidades, viagens curtas, poucos pescadores envolvidos na atividade e rendimentos altamente variáveis. A composição das capturas parece ser fortemente influenciada pela abundância do peixe-espada. As condições de vento não afetaram diretamente os desembarques.

Cephalopods and fish attracted by night lights in coastal shallow-waters, off southern Brazil, with the description of squid and fish behavior

O comportamento de lulas e peixes sob atração luminosa foi oportunisticamente registrado em um estudo sobre a ecologia de lulas da família Loliginidae em águas razas na Enseada do Pântano do Sul (27°47'18'' S; 48°31'07'' W), sul da Ilha de Santa Catarina durante os verões de 1999, 2000 e 2001. Três espécies de lulas (Loligo plei, L. sanpaulensis e Lolliguncula brevis) e 12 de peixes foram atraídas pelas luzes de pesca e tiveram seus comportamentos registrados. Cardumes de lulas e peixes foram observados entrando e saindo da zona iluminada pelas luzes de pesca. Lulas pequenas de duas espécies (Loligo plei e L. sanpaulensis) foram registradas formando um único cardume. Lolliguncula brevisfoi a lula que mais tempo permaneceu sob as luzes, demonstrando comportamentos complexos, que incluíram posturas corporais agonísticas e mimentismo de pequenos peixes pelágicos. Dentre as espécies de peixe, os peixes-espada (Trichiurus lepturus) apresentaram comportamento predatório de emboscada em relação as lulas e cardumes pequenos clupeiformes (Anchoa spp., Sardinella brasiliensis, Harengula clupeola) atraídos pelas luzes. As interações entre lulas e peixes sob atração luminosa são descritas e discutidas (AU)

Cephalopods and fish attracted by night lights in coastal shallow-waters, off southern Brazil, with the description of squid and fish behavior

O comportamento de lulas e peixes sob atração luminosa foi oportunisticamente registrado em um estudo sobre a ecologia de lulas da família Loliginidae em águas razas na Enseada do Pântano do Sul (27°47'18'' S; 48°31'07'' W), sul da Ilha de Santa Catarina durante os verões de 1999, 2000 e 2001. Três espécies de lulas (Loligo plei, L. sanpaulensis e Lolliguncula brevis) e 12 de peixes foram atraídas pelas luzes de pesca e tiveram seus comportamentos registrados. Cardumes de lulas e peixes foram observados entrando e saindo da zona iluminada pelas luzes de pesca. Lulas pequenas de duas espécies (Loligo plei e L. sanpaulensis) foram registradas formando um único cardume. Lolliguncula brevisfoi a lula que mais tempo permaneceu sob as luzes, demonstrando comportamentos complexos, que incluíram posturas corporais agonísticas e mimentismo de pequenos peixes pelágicos. Dentre as espécies de peixe, os peixes-espada (Trichiurus lepturus) apresentaram comportamento predatório de emboscada em relação as lulas e cardumes pequenos clupeiformes (Anchoa spp., Sardinella brasiliensis, Harengula clupeola) atraídos pelas luzes. As interações entre lulas e peixes sob atração luminosa são descritas e discutidas