The marine catfish genidens barbus (Ariidae) fisheries in the state of São Paulo, southeastern Brazil: Diagnosis and management suggestions

Abstract

In this study we analyzed data on fishing landings of Genidens barbus in the state of São Paulo, Brazil, from 2000 to 2014. An estimation of the total production was obtained through the analysis of 781,856 landings, among which 87% were categorized as artisanal and 13% as industrial. The abundance index showed some stability in the period. However, due to the high number of production units, the fishing effort need to be maintained, given that there is a risk that increased production might affect the abundance of G. barbus. Thus, as alternatives to maintaining marine catfish exploitation in southeastern Brazil under control, the following management actions can be suggested: i) prohibition of fishing activity by the industrial sector; ii) strengthening of inspection of the fleet that is not allowed to participate in the marine catfish fisheries, with emphasis on purse seiners; and iii) maintenance of a closed season for G. barbus, performing an adaptive management of fishing prohibition according to the reproductive biology of the species and with the support of artisanal fishers. These measures have the aim of promoting sustainable exploitation of G. barbus, especially through small-scale fisheries in southeastern Brazil.