Association between the fish fauna captured with gill net and the mussels culture of Armação do Itapocoroy bay, Penha (Santa Catarina í Brazil)

Abstract

Four samples were obtained between the spring of 1996 and the winter of 1997 to investigate the association between the fish fauna and the mussel (Perna perna) culture in Armação do Itapocoroy Bay, Penha Beach (Santa Catarina í  Brasil). The fishing gear used consisted of a gill net (one hundred meters large), displayed in the center of the cultivation area. The fishing net remained underwater for 24 hours and was inspected at intervals of 6 hours. A total of forty-three fishes belonging to 18 species, including some of commercial interest, were captured. The fishes sampled were subjected to biometrics and stomach content analyses in order to investigate if the fouling organisms of the mussel culture or the mussel itself were being used as a food source. It was found that most of the species sampled utilized the fouling species as food sources, either as part of their diet, or as an exclusive item. The results allow to confirm that there is a strong association between fish fauna and mussel culture, because the latter characterizes food offer, both in terms of fouling organisms and the species cultivated. This situation may represent an economic opportunity for the fishermen community, that can exploit the commercial species of fish associated with the mussel culture.