Journal article
Distribution, density and size structure of genus Strombus (Gastropoda: Strombidae) From Cubagua Island, Venezuela
Interciencia, Vol.37(5), pp.381-389
01/05/2012
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Abstract
Over the last three decades, the genus Strombus has shown signs of overexploitation. The complete closure of the fishery was ordered for the species of this genus in Venezuela. However, his recovery is slow and illegal fishing continues. For this reason, this study determined the distribution, density and size structure of Strombus gigas, S. costatus, S. pugilis and S. raninus in Cubagua Island, Venezuela. The marine area around the island, to a maximum depth of 18m, was split in 52 imaginary stations of 1km(2) each. Between January and November 2008, inside each station were performed four transect-bands, each one of 50m(2). S. pugilis proved to be the most abundant species (1002ind/ha), followed by S. costatus (31ind/ha), S. gigas (16ind/ha), and S. raninus (1ind/ha). The geographical distribution of species showed no significant differences among the six types of substrates registered in field. A low proportion of juveniles was found, possibly due to a high natural mortality rate, and to the fact that they often remain buried after settling on the seabed. The genus Strombus shows signs of overexploitation in Cubagua Island. It is recommended to establish protection areas and to continue with the complete prohibition of fishing, but also to ensure full compliance.
Details
- Title
- Distribution, density and size structure of genus Strombus (Gastropoda: Strombidae) From Cubagua Island, Venezuela
- Creators
- Alejandro Tagliafico - Southern Cross UniversityMaria Salome Rangel - University of the AndesNestor Rago - Fundación la Salle de Ciencias Naturales
- Publication Details
- Interciencia, Vol.37(5), pp.381-389
- Publisher
- Interciencia Association
- Number of pages
- 9
- Grant note
- IEA
- Identifiers
- 991012979166002368
- Copyright
- © The Authors. Interciencia is an open Access publication following the principles of the Budapest Open Access Initiative.
- Academic Unit
- Faculty of Science and Engineering; Science; National Marine Science Centre
- Language
- Spanish
- Resource Type
- Journal article