Abstract

GOMEZ, Gabriel et al. Exploratory fishing with a modified bottom long line in the gulf of Paria, Sucre state, Venezuela. Zootecnia Trop. [online]. 2013, vol.31, n.1, pp.57-70. ISSN 0798-7269.

Modifications in the structure of the bottom longline in the gulf of Paria were evaluated trying to improve the yield and reduce the capture of small fish. Six campaigns with 2 days duration were made between July and December 2010, on board of artisanal vessels from Güiria. The fi shing gear comprised 200type”J” hooks distributed in four sections of50hooks with No. 9 (control),6, 7, and 8 (experimental), respectively. The total capture reached 746,4 kg, and was composed of 36 species of fi sh, of which Sciades couma, Micropogonias furnieri, Macrodon ancylodon, Nebris microps and Bagre bagre, accounted for 77,41% by weight. The yields per unit of effort (CPUE) by weight were not signifi cantly different either among hook types or months, with a general average of 108±14 g/hook-set. The CPUE by number of individuals was not signifi cantly different among hook types (average 12±2 individuals/100 hook-set), but it was significant among months, with a trend for yields to be higher between August and October (average 16±22 individuals/100 hook-set) than July, November- December (average 7±1 individuals/100 hook-set). The average sizes of S. couma and M. ancylodon captured with hooks No. 6, 8 and 9 were signifi cantly larger than those caught with hook No. 7, but average sizes of M. furnieri did not differ among hook types. The maintenance of the traditional hook No. 9 is suggested and recommendations are offered on the use of the longline which would improve the economic benefi t of the fisherman.

Keywords : Artisanal fishing; bottom fish; seasonal variation; hook size.

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