FISHERY PARAMETERS AND POPULATION DYNAMICS OF SILVER CROAKER ON THE XINGU RIVER, BRAZILIAN AMAZON

Abstract

The study analyzed the fishery parameters and population dynamics of the silver croaker, Plagioscion squamosissimus, and its exploitation status, before the damming of the Xingu River by the Belo Monte hydroelectric dam. Silver croaker was caught throughout the year, with a total production of 239 tons. Estimated Catch per Unit Effort (CPUE) was 14.16 kg.fisher^-1.day^-1. The mean price paid to the fishers for a kilogram of silver croaker ranged from US$1.89 to US$3.28. Mean longevity estimated was 7.68 years. The total mortality (Z) was calculated at approximately 1.44 year^-1, natural mortality (M) was 0.76 year^-1, fishery mortality (F) was 0.68 year^-1, and the current exploitation rate (E) was 0.47 year^-1. The study highlights the importance of P. squamosissimus as a fishery resource in the Xingu region and provides important insights for the development of future fishery management strategies and conservation of the species stocks.