La peche artisanale maritime en Cote d'Ivoire: le potentiel de peche

The marine artisanal fishery in Ivory Coast covers all the continental shelf, with high activities around Abidjan and San-Pedro. Four types of fishing tackles are recorded: purse seines, beach seines, gillnets and lines. The first three ones are used by Fanti and Awran, who represent three quarters of total artisanal fishermen; lines are used by Ghan, Aladjan and Nanakrou. Canoe, the only artisanal way of navigation, varies in size and shape according to the different fishing communities.

Communication mer-lagune: impact d'une réouverture sur l'ichtyofaune de la lagune Ebrié (Côte d'Ivoire)

The artificial reopening of the lagoon inlet, made in Grand-Bantam in September 1987 in order to reduce the aquatic weeds proliferation, induced some environmental and fish communities alterations in the eastern part of the Ebrié lagoon (Côte d'Ivoire). A preliminary field survey made in May 1988 shows an increase in the salinity rate and an increase of the marine component among fish communities, when compared to the former ecological state of this lagoon area (reference data of 1980 and 1981).

Quelques observations sur la présence des Cumacés dans le zooplancton des eaux néritiques de Côte d'Ivoire

Cumacea were only observed in night plankton of the Côte d'Ivoire continental shelf. However they are not always observed and their occurrence seems to depend on the marine seasons. In September, December and April, the catches were very poor indeed, whereas May and June showed interesting results. Most of the species are rarely seen in the upper layer. Several activity rhythms could be shown for the most common species present in the hauls.

Premiers résultats sur l'excrétion et la production du zooplancton de la Lagune Ebrié (Côte d'Ivoire)

Biomass and metabolic rates (total nitrogen and phosphorus excretion and respiration) were measured at 4 stations, representative of the lagoon environment, during high-water (Oct-Nov), dry (Dec-Jan) and rainy (July) seasons. In low-salinity waters (4o/oo) Acartia clausi is almost the only species, whereas a marine and diversified fauna is brought in from the ocean during the dry season. O/NT and O/PT atomic ratios between respiration (O) and total nitrogen (NT) and phosphorus (PT) excretions are high (15.1 and 111, respectively) and show a marked hydrocarbon feeding of zooplankton. Production was assessed from excretion via the net growth efficiency coefficient, K2 , calculated from N/P ratios for particles (a1), zooplankton excretion (a2) and constitution (a3). Daily productivity indices (i.e. daily production/biomass ratio) are high and equivalent to 1.2-3.8 day turn-over times. These high values may be ascribed to high temperatures (26.5-30 C) and phytoplankton richness (surface chlorophyll 'a' concentrations are always greater than 4 mg/m-3). Finally, the paper deals with trophic relationships between phyto- and zooplankton (ingestion /primary production ratio and transfer coefficient) and the question of relationships between zooplankton and predators.

Feeding Ecology of the Franciscana (Pontoporia blainvillei) In Marine And Estuarine Waters Of Argentina

Stomach contents of 110 franciscanas (Pontoporia blainvillei), from northern Argentina were analysed in order to improve our knowledge about the feeding habits of this species and to better characterise the lactation period. The samples included calves, juveniles and adults of both sexes. Evidence of predation by franciscanas is seen at a very young age (2.5-3 months), with a transition diet composed by both milk and solid food, mainly represented by crustaceans. Weaning seems to begin by April, when franciscanas are about 6-7 months old. Franciscanas inhabiting two different habitats were analysed in this study: a brackish water estuary and an adjacent marine coastal system. The diet of Pontoporia blainvillei in northern Argentina was composed by a total of 26 prey species: 20 teleosts, 4 crustaceans and 2 cephalopods. Based on the Index of Relative Importance (IRI) the main prey species were Cynoscion guatucupa, Micropogonias furnieri, Loligo sanpaulensis and Urophycis brasiliensis. Estuarine franciscanas preyed mainly on Micropogonias furnieri (dominant species), Cynoscion guatucupa, Odonthestes argentinensis and Macrodon ancylodon, while dolphins from marine areas preyed mainly on Cynoscion guatucupa (dominant species), Loligo sanpaulensis and Urophycis brasiliensis. Our results confirm that franciscanas prey mainly on juvenile fish (< 8cm) and small loliginid squids, in close agreement with previous results obtained in southern Brazil and Uruguay. Qualitative and quantitative differences observed in the diet of dolphins from each habitat emphasise the need to discriminate between samples from different habitats and environmental parameters. SPANISH: Se analizaron 110 contenidos estomacales de franciscanas (Pontoporia blainvillei) provenientes de la costa norte de Argentina, para extender en conocimiento sobre su dieta y caracterizar la lactancia. Las muestras incluyeron cachorros, juveniles y adultos de ambos sexos. Las primeras etapas de predación se inician a muy temprana edad (2,5-3 meses), presentando una dieta de transición compuesta tanto por leche como por presas sólidas, principalmente crustáceos; el destete se iniciaría a partir de abril, a una edad estimada entre 6 y 7 meses. Las franciscanas estudiadas provienen de dos habitats diferentes: un área estuarial de baja salinidad y la region marina adyacente. La dieta de Pontoporia blainvillei de Argentina estuvo compuesta por un total de 26 especies: 20 teleósteos, 4 crustáceos y 2 cefalópodos. Basados en el Indice de Importancia Relativa (IIR), las presas más importantes fueron Cynoscion guatucupa, Micropogonias furnieri, Loligo sanpaulensis y Urophycis brasiliensis. Las franciscanas provenientes del área estuarial predaron principalmente sobre Micropogonias furnieri (especie dominante), Cynoscion guatucupa, Odonthestes argentinensis y Macrodon ancylodon, mientras que los delfines marinos predaron sobre Cynoscion guatucupa (especie dominante), Loligo sanpaulensis y Urophycis brasiliensis. Nuestros resultados confirman que la franciscana preda sobre peces juveniles (< 8cm) y pequeños calamares Loliginidae, coincidiendo con resultados previos obtenidos en el sur del Brasil y Uruguay. Las diferencias cualitativas y cuantitativas observadas en la dieta de cada uno de las áreas analizadas, nos sugieren que los futuros estudios sobre ecología trófica de la franciscana deberían discriminarse de acuerdo al origen de los ejemplares y a la tipificación del ambiente.

Coral reef ecosystems of Reserva Natural de La Parguera (Puerto Rico): spatial and temporal patterns in fish and benthic communities (2001-2007)

Since 1999, NOAA’s Center for Coastal Monitoring and Assessment, Biogeography Branch (CCMA-BB) has been working with federal and territorial partners to characterize monitor and assess the status of the marine environment in southwestern Puerto Rico. This effort is part of the broader NOAA Coral Reef Conservation Program’s (CRCP) National Coral Reef Ecosystem Monitoring Program (NCREMP). With support from CRCP’s NCREMP, CCMA conducts the “Caribbean Coral Reef Ecosystem Monitoring project” (CREM) with goals to: (1) spatially characterize and monitor the distribution, abundance and size of marine fauna associated with shallow water coral reef seascapes (mosaics of coral reefs, seagrasses, sand and mangroves); (2) relate this information to in situ fine-scale habitat data and the spatial distribution and diversity of habitat types using benthic habitat maps; (3) use this information to establish the knowledge base necessary for enacting management decisions in a spatial setting; (4) establish the efficacy of those management decisions; and (5) develop data collection and data management protocols. The monitoring effort of the La Parguera region in southwestern Puerto Rico was conducted through partnerships with the University of Puerto Rico (UPR) and the Puerto Rico Department of Natural and Environmental Resources (DNER). Project funding was primarily provided by NOAA CRCP and CCMA. In recent decades, scientific and non-scientific observations have indicated that the structure and function of the coral reef ecosystem in the La Parguera region have been adversely impacted by a wide range of environmental stressors. The major stressors have included the mass Diadema die off in the early 1980s, a suite of hurricanes, overfishing, mass mortality of Acropora corals due to disease and several coral bleaching events, with the most severe mass bleaching episode in 2005. The area is also an important recreational resource supporting boating, snorkeling, diving and other water based activities. With so many potential threats to the marine ecosystem several activities are underway or have been implemented to manage the marine resources. These efforts have been supported by the CREM project by identifying marine fauna and their spatial distributions and temporal dynamics. This provides ecologically meaningful data to assess ecosystem condition, support decision making in spatial planning (including the evaluation of efficacy of current management strategies) and determine future information needs. The ultimate goal of the work is to better understand the coral reef ecosystems and to provide information toward protecting and enhancing coral reef ecosystems for the benefit of the system itself and to sustain the many goods and services that it offers society. This Technical Memorandum contains analysis of the first seven years of fish survey data (2001-2007) and associated characterization of the benthos. The primary objectives were to quantify changes in fish species and assemblage diversity, abundance, biomass and size structure and to provide spatially explicit information on the distribution of key species or groups of species and to compare community structure across the seascape including fringing mangroves, inner, middle, and outer reef areas, and open ocean shelf bank areas.

IX Congreso de Ciencias del Mar, 29 de octubre al 2 de noviembre de 2012. Ciencias Marinas y Costeras al Servicio de la Sociedad

Contiene los trabajos presentados, el programa científico y el perfil de instituciones marinas cubanas. Contains the papers presented, the scientific program and the profile of Cuban marine institutions.

Observaciones sobre la reproducción, desarrollo embrionario y larval de la anchoíta argentina (Engraulis anchoita)

The first studies on the problems related to the reproduction of marine fish in Argentina (SW Atlantic ocean) have been carried out with a species of great economic importance, the anchovy (Engraulis anchoita Hubbs and Marini). The spawning period of this species during the period 1963-64 has been determined. By the application of the quantitative collection method, it has been established that spawning commenced in the areas close to the coast during the first few days of September and at a water temperature of 10,3° C and reached its greatest intensity in October (up 1569 eggs/1 square metre surface water) at a temperature varying between 11,5-13,8° C. From the middle of November the anchovy continues to reproduce in a less intensive form and further out to Sea, up to at least the month of May. The intensity of reproduction reaches a peek in February, and at a water temperature of 20° C. It is believed that two physiologically distinct populations of Engraulis anchoita may exist, the first reproducing in Spring and the second in Autumn. It has been established that a daily spawning rhythm occurs, between the hours of 8 and 12 p. m. During this period it was possible to obtain mature females with which artificial fertilization was performed. The rate of development was determined, which at a temperature of 14-15° C is from 69-72 hours, and at a temperature of 19-20° C from 50-53 hours. A temperature of 49° C was found be lethal. The different embryonic and larval stages of development are illustrated diagramatically and individually described. The preliminary studies on the larvae and juveniles caught in the Sea during the period of reproduction led to the formulation of certain conclusions whith reference that the juveniles, as yet larvae, begin to group together at an early age, and the younger individuals the more uniform are the schoals whith regards to the total size of the specimens. It has shown that the anchovy during its first year of life tends to display littoral behaviour. RESUMEN EN ESPAÑOL: Los primeros estudios de los problemas referentes a la reproducción de los peces marinos en la Argentina (océano Atlántico sudoccidental) se han efectuado sobre una especie de gran importancia económica, Engraulis anchoita Hubbs y Marini. Se ha determinado la época de desove de la anchoíta en un período anual 1963-64. Aplicando el método de recolección cuantitativo se ha establecido que el desove de esta especie ha empezado en las zonas muy cercanas a la costa, en los primeros días de setiembre a la temperatura 10,3° C y ha alcanzado mayor intensidad en octubre (hasta 1569 huevos en 1 m2 de la superficie del agua) a la temperatura 11,5°-13,8° C. Desde mediados de noviembre la anchoíta sigue reproduciéndose en forma poco intensiva y más mar afuera, hasta por lo menos el mes de mayo. La intensidad de reproducción para este segundo período alcanza un pico, aunque muy pequeño en febrero a la temperatura 20° C. Se hace la suposición de que pueden existir dos de distintas características fisiológicas poblaciones de Engraulis anchoita una de reproducción primaveral y otra de reproducción otoñal. Además se ha establecido que existe un ritmo diario de desove que comprende las horas 20-24. En las horas de postura se pudo conseguir hembras maduras y con sus productos sexuales se efectuó la fecundación artificial. Se determinó la velocidad de desarrollo que a la temperatura 14°-15° C es de 69-72 horas y en la temperatura 19°- 20° C es de 50-53 horas. La temperatura 4° resultó ser letal. Se realizaron dibujos y descripciones correspondientes a los distintos estadios embrionarios y larvales. Los estudios preliminares de las larvas y juveniles de la anchoíta, capturados en el mar en la época de reproducción, permitieron sacar ciertas conclusiones sobre el crecimiento en sus primeros meses de vida. Se observó que los juveniles, larvas todavía, empiezan a agruparse muy temprano y cuanto más jóvenes son los individuos, tanto más uniformes son los cardúmenes en las dimensiones de los ejemplares. Se demostró que la anchoíta en su primer año de vida tiene costumbres muy costeras.

La reproducción de la merluza en el Mar Argentino (Merlucciidae, Meluccius merluccius hubbsi) : 1. Descripción histológica del ciclo del ovario de merluza

The present paper deals on the histological description of the hake ovary made on the basis of gonad observations of 394 females during the period April 1966 March 1967. The material was obtained from weekly sampling of commercial catches carried out at the Institute of Marine Biology (Prov. Buenos Aires, Argentina). The anatomical and histological description of the standard ovary and the adopted terminology are given. The maturation process is divided into five periods, from ovocyte formation to yolked ovocyte formation, with its histological description. Ovary changes are analyzed on detail. The following conclusions were outlined: 1. Analysis demonstrated that although some specimens were totally spawned others, at the end of the spawning period, retaining a great number of ovocytes in different maturity stages. Therefore, postspawners have been classified as follows: Postspawned II : This stages is characterized by the empty ovarian structure, with ovocytes in stage II, which will remain in the resting phase untill next spawning season. Postspawned III and IV: Their main characteristics are: tissue destruction, bloody residuals and remaining ovocytes in stage III and IV, respectively. 2. Some transformations were found in ovaries of postspawned III and IV. They are classified as follows, according to its origin and structure: Developed from follicular cell membrane – a) Glandular formations, b) Epiteloid formations - Originated from remaining ovocytes, c) Ovocyte disintegration, d) Ovocyte with follicular cell infiltration. 3. All those structures derived from postpawners III and IV have a temporary character and will be reabsorbed. Their presence delay the recuperation of the organ and its reproductive functions. Consequently, the possibility of those structures acting as control mechanisms is suggested. 4. Transformations pointed out in paragraph Nº 2 prevent the possibility of consecutive spawning originated from the remaining ovocytes (II and IV). 5. No structures originated from postspawners III and IV were found during summer season. 6. Reproductive cycle of hake has been described monthly. It was observed that maturing ovaries predominate in summer (November-December).