Abstract

Lutjanus synagris is one of the most landed resources by the small-scale fisheries in the Colombian Caribbean Sea, because its abundance and high commercial value. A strong fishing pressure has been affected this resource in the region, prompting deleterious effects in its population size and length structure. The effects of the local fishing gears (longline and gillnet) on the length structure of L. synagris were analyzed in two contrasting seasons. Lengths of 1307 individuals were recorded in the landings of four sites between September 2007 and April 2008. The fraction of individuals captured above sexual maturity was spatially (Grid of 1 x 1 nm), and temporally examined for each gear type. Risk maps were constructed using a GIS. In 41.7% and 25.0% (windy and rainy seasons, respectively) of the total fishing area, all individuals caught with longline were below their sexual maturity; In the case of gillnet, in 76.9% and 71.4% (wind and rainy season, respectively) of total fishing area, all individuals were caught below their sexual maturity. Higher impacts are observed in the shallowest areas, near the landing ports, as a consequence of low autonomy of the fishing boats. Significant differences (p<0.05) in the length structure of fishes between gears and seasons were detected. Urgent measures to avoid the current extraction of juveniles are required, if this fish population and the fisheries that sustains are to be maintained.

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