Sea-bob shrimp in Bahia state: aspects of their fishing and biology

Abstract

The fishing activity in Bahia state presents great economic importance, being basically artisanal. Trawling is carried out since the 1970’s and, among the resources exploited, the-bob-shrimp (Xiphopenaeus kroyeri) is the most important. We analyzed data of its fisheries production (2001 and 2007), and presented aspects of its biology to the southern coast (LS) and southernmost (LES). For assessment of fish production, data were compiled from statistical bulletins CEPENE/IBAMA; for the biological aspects, there were used data generated between the years 2003/2005 and 2010/2011 for the coast of Ilheus (LS) and between 2004/2009 for the RESEX (LES). The species represented half of shrimp harvested, although the composition was not homogeneous along the coast, which may represent up to 90% of the fisheries in the southern coast and southern end. In Ilheus, there was a significant decline in mean CPUE between the first (2.60 ± 2.40 kg h^-1) and the second period (0.73 ± 1.41 kg h^-1), being the amount recorded in RESEX Corumbau about four times higher (9.96 ± 8.29 kg h^-1). In both locations, the lowest catches occurred in the summer, with periods reproductive and of recruitment continued. These results may be associated with different management strategies applied on both sites. We suggest that a standardized of landing data collection and a continuous monitoring by the responsible agencies are necessary; that a management policy and legislative currently in place should be reassessed, and that new public policies that facilitate the management of this resource need to be developed.