Publication Date:
2020-05-27
Description:
Loligo sanpaulensis is the most abundant Coastal squid in Southern Brazil. This paper analyzes its distribution and abundance in the Continental shelf off Rio Grande do Sul state. Samples were taken during four groundfish cruises of the RV Atläntico Sul in 1982 and 1983, one in each season, and covered latitudes from 30° 40' to 34° 30' S at depths ranging from 10 to 120 m, using a bottom trawl with 52.9-m footrope and a 50-mm cod-end mesh size. Loligo sanpaulensis was present in all seasons over the whole shelf. Highest catches were taken in spring, averaging 7.8 kg/h +/— 44 %; total abundance was estimated to be 3,554 metric tons. Significantly higher densities were found betwee 40 and 80 m in the Southern part of the survey area, at bottom temperatures less than 18 °C. Larger specimens, up to 190 mm dorsal mantle length in the case of males, were taken at intermediate depths in winter and spring, when length distributions showed two modes. Bottom water temperature was an important distribution factor. Loligo sanpaulensis was associated with colder, more productive areas of water masses fronts, namely the Subtropical Water and the northern influence limit of the Subantarctic Water of the Malvinas Current. The species has some potential as a fishing resource off south Brazilian coast.
Type:
Article
,
PeerReviewed
Format:
text
