Abstract

CHAVEZ V, Javier E  and  PEREZ E, Eduardo P. Analysis of space and time catchability variation in the artisanal fleet of peñuelas cove catching mesodesma donacium in Coquimbo Bay, Chile . INCI [online]. 2009, vol.34, n.10, pp.730-735. ISSN 0378-1844.

Recently, temporal variation in the catchability coefficient in the fishery of Mesodesma donacium ("macha") at the North region in Chile has been shown. This kind of relationship has been described previously only for pelagic and demersal fisheries. Given the heterogeneity in the spatial distribution of the species among different fishing grounds, this study evaluated the occurrence of spatial and temporal variations in the catchability coefficient in the fleet associated to Peñuelas’s cove. In this case, the fleet was defined in terms of the individual divers operation. Catchability was estimated weekly using the Baranov’s equation and the relationship between catch per unit of effort (CPUE in kg per hour of diving) and catchability was evaluated to test the joint temporal and spatial variabilities. Results showed that dynamic of CPUE and catchability are inversely related, following a potential relationship between the two. Furthermore, temporal variability, but not a spatial one, was confirmed for Peñuelas´s fleet in Coquimbo bay bank. A possible explanation for these results with this kind of resource is presented.

Keywords : Capturabilidad; Flota de Peñuelas; Mesodesma donacium; Variabilidad.