Estudio de las capturas comerciales de Panulirus gracilis (langosta verde) del noroeste del Golfo de Guayaquil (1970-1979)

Abstract

The present work is a study of the fishery of Panulirus gracilis (Green spiny lobster) in the ports of Chanduy, El Real and Anconcito in the north east of the Gulf of Guayaquil 58, 252 specimens caught in the 10 year period 1970 to 1979 were examined. A comparison was made of the sizes of lobsters caught with the established regulation for the explotation of the crustaceans. It was found that both the monthly and annual mean sizes were maintained above the ”minimum permitted length” which is 25 cm total length. Males predominated over females in the ratio 2:1. The percentage of males was 66,5% and of females 33,5%. During the period of the study, berried females of various sizes were frequently found, being most abundant in the months of May, June and July which corresponds to the period of greatest sexual activity. Although regulations exist, there have been significant catches of males and berried females below the permitted size in some years. Should this continue it may cause adverse effects on the survival of the species. It has been established that there is a sexual dimorphism, with females being slighthy larger than the males, this may be due to accelerated growth. It is hoped that it will be possible to establish a cephalothorax size corresponding to the 25 cm total length and the possibility of permitting the catching of berried females over this length with the aim of exercising better and more efficient control over the fishery.