Title: Fast decline of the sea cucumber Isostichopus badionotus as a consequence of high exploitation in Yucatan, Mexico
Abstract: Since 2010, the sea cucumber Isostichopus badionotus, has been heavily exploited by small-scale fisheries in the Yucatan peninsula, Mexico. Despite management efforts, in the northwest fishing zone of the peninsula, intense fishing pressure led to a decrease in the sea cucumber abundance and discouraged commercial fishing in the area. The objective of this manuscript was to evaluate the decline in the population and its condition after three years without fishing. The degree of decline in the population abundance during three fishing seasons (2010–2012) was assessed through estimates of density (ind ha−1) and catch per unit effort (CPUE) (ind h−1 person−1). Furthermore, catchability (like indicator of relative vulnerability to fishing), and harvest rate were estimated by applying a depletion model. In order to determine the degree of recovery of the population after three years without fishing, density estimates were made in 2015. The results demonstrate a rapid decline in the abundance of sea cucumber. The CPUE diminished by 48% and there was an estimated 93% reduction in density. The rate at which abundance decreased was greater at low population levels with high harvest rates. Overall, the area was overfished and there was no recovery of population abundance, even after three years of no fishing. Illegal fishing and the lack of compliance and enforcement of the management measures could be the main causes of the population decline. Based on the results of this study, we recommend prioritizing the further creation of non-fishing zones and restocking as a priority to population enhancement.
Publication Year: 2019
Publication Date: 2019-03-01
Language: en
Type: article
Indexed In: ['crossref']
Access and Citation
Cited By Count: 18
AI Researcher Chatbot
Get quick answers to your questions about the article from our AI researcher chatbot