Un estudio de la factibilidad del uso de trampas para peces como un nuevo método de pesca en las Islas Galápagos

Abstract

153 experimental sets were made with stackable Antillean fish traps in depths of 5 to 30 m in the waters around the Galápagos Island (Ecuador), between Octobre and April 1983. 1,885 fish were caught of 18 species mainly of the families Pomadasyidae, Acanthuridae, Sparidae and Serranidae. The mean catch rate was 5,5 Kg per lift or 0,4 Kg.h-1, and the mean weight of the fish caught was 0,45 Kg. The optimum set duration was found to be between 2 and 18 hours (possibly indicating a high rate of escape). This study took place during the period of the ”El Niño”, when catches of fish in this area generally were low, and it is not known what effect this had. The catches were good compared with other shallow areas, but the fishes caught were mainly of medium quality. It is thought that significant increases in the quantity and quality of the catch could be obtained with commercial traps in deeper areas, but the efficient use of these would require new vessels and equipment, and the resulting increase in fishing effort could lead to overfishing of the most acceptable species of reef fish. Hence the development of fishery using fish traps is not recommended for Galápagos. A study of the biology of the fish caught was carried out. A bibliography of references on fish traps and their use was compiled and is included.