Spatial and temporal distribution of the captures of seabob shrimp, in the Armação do Itapocoroy, Penha, SC

Abstract

Xiphopenaeus kroyeri is considered to be over-fished in the southern and southeastern regions, due to intensive fishing, with juveniles being caught in shallower waters, near beaches, in bays and inlets, whilst adults occur at depths of about 20 m. This study aims to analyze the space/time distribution of captures of sea-bob-shrimp in the ship-yard/surfzone of the Armação do Itapocoroy, Penha, SC, during one full year. Monthly catches (one sample being divided in two), lasting 15 minutes, were undertaken at depths of 10, 20 and 30 meters between July 2010 and June 2011, using a whaling boat. The population of X. kroyeri presented seasonal variations, being the greatest concentrations and adults observed at 20 meters. The rare catch at 30 meters front of the high sampling effort indicate that the species probably doesn’t use this isobath as living area in the study region. The action of the fishing fleet in the shallower areas in Armação Itapocoroy, mainly during recruitment, which starts in November, raises concern about the maintenance of species stocks, given the high abundance of juveniles in these shallow sites and their importance in the continuity of this kind of fishery.