Análisis histórico de la pesquería artesanal del rabijunco (Hemanthias spp.) en Ecuador (2013–2024): tendencias, esfuerzo pesquero y estacionalidad de capturas

Pablo Mauricio Reyes Malave; Jorge Enrique Blacio Game; Gabriela  Flores Rivera

doi:10.56124/yaku.v9i17.002

Authors

Pablo Mauricio Reyes Malave Universidad Estatal Península de Santa Elena
Jorge Enrique Blacio Game Universidad Estatal Península de Santa Elena
Gabriela Flores Rivera Viceministerio de Acuacultura y Pesca, Facilidad Pesquera del puerto de San Mateo, Manta-Ecuador

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.56124/yaku.v9i17.002

Keywords:

Rabijunco, artisanal fishery, andings, Ecuador, relative abundance

Abstract

The rabijunco fish (Hemanthias spp.) is a demersal resource that has been little studied in Ecuador. Two species, Hemanthias peruanus and Hemanthias signifer, occur along the continental coast and contribute to artisanal fisheries. An analysis of landings and fishing effort can provide valuable information to support the management and sustainability of multispecies artisanal fisheries in the Ecuadorian Eastern Pacific. The study covered the continental coast of Ecuador and used data from the Undersecretariat of Fisheries Resources for the period 2013–2024. Catch per unit effort (CPUE) was standardized using a GAM model. Due to limitations in the taxonomic identification of some historical records, the main analyses were conducted at the genus level; however, exploratory species-specific analyses were also performed for the period in which species identification was more consistent. Between 2013 and 2024, artisanal landings reached 4,141 t, showing a significant increasing trend. The fishery is concentrated in Santa Rosa, primarily using handlines. The sCPUE showed significant interannual variability, although without a clearly defined monthly seasonality, suggesting a relatively constant availability of the resource. The observed distribution indicates a higher capture frequency in areas of the southern part of the country, possibly associated with the resource's affinity for lower-temperature waters. Overall, the results evidence that the artisanal fishery of Hemanthias spp. in Ecuador corresponds to a relatively recent activity, with potential for sustainable exploitation under a precautionary approach. In this context, it is important to strengthen biological, fisheries, and socioeconomic monitoring in order to generate information that contributes to the appropriate management and future tracking of this resource.

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