Los recursos demersales de la Plataforma Continental del Ecuador. Parte dos. Producción potencial y recomendaciones para la utilización del recurso de pesca blanca en el Ecuador

Abstract

The stock estimates obtained during the demersal fish resources survey in 1980-1985 were used to estimate the potential yields of demersal stocks of the Ecuadorian Continental Shelf. The difficulties of predicting yields for multispecies fisheries are discussed and modified version of the Gulland model was adopted. The potential realizable yields for multispecies fisheries are discussed and a modified version of the Gulland model was adopted. The potential realizable yield was calculated to be between 15,000 t and 20,000 t per year, of which 2,000 t is good quality fish, 5,000 t per year of small and medium fish and 8,000 t of gurnards. The majority of these resources are at present being fished at around their optimum levels and any further developments that would increase the fishing effort on demersal resources which are at present being exploited should be approached with caution. The national fisheries, especially the artisanal sector play a valuable role in the country and care should be taken to see that these are not adversely affected.