Length-based indicators for the management of sport fishery in Yucatan, Mexico

Sportfishing is an activity of increasing popularity that involves a large number of users and high levels of fishing effort. In Yucatan, most of the target species in sport fishing are the same as those of commercial fisheries. However, there is no record of fishing effort or catch volumes. Thus the impact of sport fishing on these populations is unknown. This study analyzes the catches made by users of sport fisheries of nine species (Epinephelus morio, Haemulon plumieri, Seriola dumerili, Lutjanus synagris, Ocyurus chrysurus, Calamus bajonado, Sphyraena barracuda, S. guachancho and Mycteroperca bonaci) through length-based indicators. Samples of species’ sizes were obtained from the catches made during 10 fishing tournaments held in Yucatan's three-port towns (Sisal, Yucalpeten, and Telchac) between 2015 and 2016. The catch variables that were evaluated included: the number of mature individuals Pmat, optimal length Popt, and the number of mega-spawners Pmega. Length measures were derived from 1,252 individuals. Only H. plumieri, L. synagris, and S. guachancho exhibited sustainable indicator values, while E. morio and C. bajonado demonstrated extremely low values. In most species, sport fishing affects a high proportion of juveniles. The results suggest that sportfishing contributes to the fishing pressure of a species and commercial fishing, due to the capture of juveniles of economically important fish. It is essential to establish a systematic monitoring method of such activities and increase the priority level of the evaluation and management of this fishery.

Freshwater fishes of Orissa, India

Varied freshwater resources of Orissa blessed with diverse fish fauna. In total, 186 species of fishes belonging to 11 orders, 33 families and 96 genera were recorded from various freshwater bodies of Orissa. Cypriniformes was the most dominant order and Cyprinidae was diverse family. The trophic level of fishes of Orissa ranged from 2.0 to 4.5 containing 62.41% of carnivorous species. Fishery status revealed existence of 120 species worth for capture fishery, 101 species worth for ornamental fishery, 37 species worth for culture fishery and 25 species worth for sport fishery. Threat status comprises of one Critically Endangered species, five Endangered species, three Vulnerable species and remaining 177 species were Not Threatened. The findings of present communication may serve as baseline information for planning, conservation and management of fish and fisheries resources of Orissa.