Some factors affecting the distribution and apparent abundance of yellowfin and skipjack tuna in the Eastern Pacific Ocean

ENGLISH: Since 1951, the Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission has been investigating the biology, ecology and population dynamics of the yellowfin tuna, Thunnus albacares, and the skipjack tuna, Katsuwonus pelamis, in the Eastern Pacific Ocean. Of particular importance has been the study of the effects of fishing and of fishery-independent factors on the abundance and distribution of these tunas. For yellowfin tuna there is, on the average, an inverse relationship between total fishing effort and apparent abundance (Schaefer, 1957a). For skipjack there is no evidence to suggest that fishing effort has ever been sufficiently intense to affect measurably the abundance (Schaefer, 1961). Rather, it appears that the year-to-year fluctuations in apparent abundance are independent of the activities of the fishing fleets. SPANISH: Desde 1951 la Comisión Interamericana del Atún Tropical se ha dedicado a la investigación de la biología, ecología y la dinámica de las poblaciones del atún aleta amarilla, Thunnus albacares, y del barrilete, Katsuwonus pelamis, en el Océano Pacífico del Este. De importancia especial ha sido el estudio de los efectos de la pesca y de los factores independientes de las pesquerías sobre la abundancia y la distribución de esos atunes. En cuanto al atún aleta amarilla, existe, en promedio, una relación inversa entre el esfuerzo total de pesca y la abundancia aparente (Schaefer, 1957a) . Con respecto al barrilete, no hay evidencia que haga pensar que el esfuerzo de pesca haya sido nunca lo suficientemente intenso como para afectar sensiblemente la abundancia (Schaefer, 1961). Más bien parece que las fluctuaciones de un año a otro en su abundancia aparente, son independientes de las actividades de las flotas pesqueras.

Abundance and distribution patters of Hawaiian odontocetes: focus on O'ahu

This dissertation is an assessment of the status of odontocetes in Hawaiian waters focussing on O´ahu. The work builds on available literature, and on data collected by the author and by others in Hawaiian waters. Abundance and distribution patterns of odontocetes were derived from stranding and aerial survey data. A stranding network operated by the National Marine Fisheries Service, Pacific Area Office collected 187 stranding reports throughout the main Hawaiian Islands between 1937 and 2002. These reports included 16 odontocete species. Number of stranding reports increased over time and was highest on O´ahu. Strandings occurred throughout the year. The difference in number of strandings per month was not significant. Fifteen of the 16 species reported in the stranding record for the main Hawaiian Islands were also reported by aerial survey studies of the area between 1993 and 1998. Only 7 of the species reported were detected during aerial transects around O′ahu between 1998 and 2000. Based on the stranding record, Kogia sp., melon-headed whales, striped dolphins and dwarf killer whale appear to be more common than suggested by aerial surveys. Conversely, pilot whales and bottlenose dolphins were more common, according to aerial surveys, than predicted by the stranding data. Aerial surveys of waters between 0 and 500m around the Island of O′ahu showed that the most abundant species by frequency of occurrence was the pilot whale (30% of sightings), followed by the spinner (16%) and bottlenose dolphin (14%). Because of small sample size, abundance estimates for odontocetes have a high level of uncertainty. The unavailability of a correction factor for g(0)<1, and the reduced visibility below the aircraft further reduced accuracy and increased the inherent underestimation in the data. The most abundant species according to distance sampling estimates were spotted dolphins, pilot whales, false killer whales and spinner dolphins. A natural factor shaping the ecology of odontocete populations is predation pressure both by other odontocetes and, more frequently, by sharks. An account of predation by a tiger shark on a spotted dolphin near Penguin Banks is used as an example of the potential mechanisms of predation by sharks on odontocetes.

Distribution and Abundance of Juvenile Salmonids off Oregon and Washington, 1981-1985

This report is a summary of the results of 883 purse seine sets made for juvenile salmonids during 15 cruises off the coasts of Oregon and Washington during the springs and summers of 1981-1985. Juvenile coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch) occurred most frequently, followed by chinook salmon (0. tshawytscha). The juveniles of these two species co-occurred more frequently than expected. Juvenile chum, pink and sockeye salmon (0. keta, O. gorbuscha, and O. nerka), steelhead (0. mykiss) and cutthroat trout (0. clarki clarki) were caught much less frequently and in lower numbers than coho or chinook salmon. We found no evidence of large schools ofjuvenile salmonids. A northerly movement of juvenile coho salmon wa~ suggested by decreased catches off Oregon and increased catches off Washington between early and late summer. Highest catch per set of juvenile coho salmon was usually found inshore of 37.2 km. Juvenile chinook salmon were usually found within 27.9 km of the coast. Juvenile salmonids were found over a broad range of surface salinities and temperatures. High catches of juvenile coho salmon occurred in both the low salinity waters of the Columbia River plume and in adjacent higher salinity waters. Preferences for specific salinities or temperatures were not obvious for any species, although catch rates of juvenile coho salmon were highest in years when chlorophyll content was also high. Based on expansions of fish with coded wire tags, we estimated that hatchery coho salmon smolts comprised 74%, on average, of the juvenile coho salmon catches. The remaining 26% were presumably wild fish or hatchery fish released as fingerlings. Hatchery coho salmon were caught roughly in proportion to the numbers released. However, hatchery fish from the Columbia River and private coastal facilities were caught at slightly higher rates while those from coastal Washington and public coastal Oregon hatcheries were caught at slightly lower rates than expected from the numbers released. No juvenile coho salmon with coded wire tags were caught that had originated from either California or Puget Sound hatcheries. (PDF file contains 88 pages.)

Additions to a revision of the shark genus Carcharhinus: Synonymy of Aprionodon and Hypoprion, and description of a new species of Carcharhinus (Carcharhinidae)

Features of the valid nominal species of Aprionodon Gill (isodon Valenciennes) and Hypoprion Muller and Henle (hemiodon Valenciennes, macloti Muller and Henle, and signatus Poey), plus those of a previously unrecognized species here described as Carcharhinus leiodon n.sp., are examined and compared with those of Carcharhinus Blainville. Features studied include morphometrics, vertebral numbers and other vertebral characteristics, tooth numbers, color pattern, and some other aspects of external morphology. It is concluded that on these features C. leiodon n.sp. is entirely encompassed within the parameters of Carcharhinus, and that, although A. isodon, H. hemiodon, H. macloti, and H. signatus each extend the range of diversity of Carcharhinus in one or more features, A. isodon is not uniquely different from Carcharhinus, and there is no common pattern of difference between the three species of Hypoprion and Carcharhinus. Accordingly, and because the nature of the teeth of Aprionodon and Hypoprion has been found insufficient to warrant generic distinction from Carcharhinus, the genera Aprionodon and Hypoprion are synonymised with Carcharhinus. A diagnosis and description are given for each of the above species. The descriptions include measurements, counts, and line illustrations that show the whole shark in lateral view, underside of head, nostril, and teeth. The geographic distribution is summarized, as are also the meager biological data available on number of embryos, size at birth, size at sexual maturity, and maximum size. (PDF file contains 32 pages.)

Ichthyoplankton survey of the estuarine and inshore waters of the Florida Everglades, May 1971 to February 1972

Quarterly ichthyoplankton sampling was conducted at 16 estuarine and 24 inshore stations along the Florida Everglades from May 1971 to February 1972. The area is one of the most pristine along lhe Florida coast. The survey provided the first comprehensive information on seasonal occurrence, abundance (under 10 m' of surface area), and distribution of fish eggs and larvae in this area. A total of 209,462 fish eggs and 78,865 larvae was collected. Eggs were identified only as fish eggs, but among the larvae, 37 families, 47 genera, and 37 species were identified. Abundance of eggs and larvae, and diversity of larvae, were greatest in the inshore zone. The 10 most abundant fish families which together made up 90.7% of all larvae from the study area were, in descending order of abundance: Clupeidae, Engraulidae, Gobiidae, Sciaenidae, Carangidae, Pomadasyidae, Cynoglossidae, Gerreidae, Triglidae, and Soleidae. Clupeidae, Engraulidae, and Gobiidae made up 59.9% of all larvae. The inshore zone (to a depth of about 10 m) was a spawning ground and nursery for many fishes important to fisheries. The catch of small larvae (<>3.5 mm SL) indicated that most fishes identified from the 10 most abundant families spawned throughout the inshore zone at depths of <> 10 m, but Orthopristis chrysoptera, Gerreidae, and Prionotus spp. spawned at depths > 10 m, with offshore to inshore (eastward) larval transport. Salinity was one of several environmental factors that probably limited the numbers of eggs and larvae in the estuarine zone. Abundance of eggs and larvae at inshore stations was usually as great as, and sometimes greater than, the abundance of eggs and larvae at offshore stations (due west of the Everglades). (PDF file contains 81 pages.)

Geographical distribution of the annual catches of yellowfin and skipjack tuna from the Eastern Tropical Pacific Ocean from vessel logbook records, 1952-1955

ENGLISH: The Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission is engaged in scientific studies of the tuna resources of the Eastern Tropical Pacific Ocean. One of the most important aspects of these investigations is the evaluation of the effects of fishing upon the populations of yellowfin tuna (Neothunnus macropterus) and skipjack (Katsuwonus pelamis) of this region, based upon the analysis of quantitative records of fishing effort and catch. The systematic collection and compilation of statistical information on the operations and production of the tuna fishing Beet have, therefore, been essential parts of the research program since its inception in 1951. SPANISH: La Comisión Interamericana del Atún Tropical está dedicada al estudio cientifico de los recursos de atún del Océano Pacifico Oriental Tropical. Uno de los aspectos más importantes de las investigaciones es la evaluación de los efectos de la pesca sobre las poblaciones de atún aleta amarilla (Neothunnus macropterus) y barrilete (Katsuwonus pelamis) de esta región, sobre la base del análisis de los registros cuantitativos del esfuerzo de pesca y captura respectiva. La recolección sistemática y la compilación de informaciones estadisticas sobre las operaciones y producción de la flota pesquera de atún han sido, consecuentemente, de esencial importancia dentro de nuestro programa de trabajo desde su comienzo en 1951. (PDF contains 77 pages.)

Geographical distribution of yellowfin tuna and skipjack catches from the Eastern Tropical Pacific Ocean, by quarters of the year, 1952-1955

ENGLISH: In a previous Commission Bulletin, Shimada (1957) has described the geographical distribution of the yearly catches of yellowfin tuna (Neothunnus macropterus) and skipjack (Katsuwonus pelamis) from the Eastern Pacific Ocean for the period 1952 to 1955 inclusive, based on information obtained from logbook records of baitboats and purse-seiners. In view of the seasonal nature of the fishery in different areas, a summary of the catches by smaller time units may be of additional value. Accordingly, statistical data employed earlier by Shimada have been retabulated by quarters of the year and form the basis of the present report. SPANISH: En un Boletín anterior de la Comisión, Shimada (1957) hizo un estudio sobre la distribución geográfica de las pescas anuales de atún aleta amarilla (Neothunnus macropterus) y barrilete (Katsuwonus pelamis) del Océano Pacifico Oriental, en el perlado comprendido por los años 1952 a 1955 inclusive. Dicho estudio fué hecho sobre la base de la información obtenida en los registros de las bitácoras de los barcos carnaderos y rederos. Pero en vista de la naturaleza que imprimen las estaciones a la pesquería en las diferentes áreas se ha considerado que podría tener valor complementario un resumen de las pescas en unidades de tiempo menores. De acuerdo con este criterio, los datos estadísticos empleados antes por Shimada, se han tabulado de nuevo ahora, por trimestres, y constituyen siempre la base del presente informe. (PDF contains 49 pages.)

The Distribution of Juvenile Fishes in Maryland Coastal Bays in Relation to Environmental Factors: a Multivariate Analysis

Fish assemblage structure of Maryland's coastal lagoon complex was analyzed for spatial and seasonal patterns for the period 1991-2000. Data was made available by Maryland Department of Natural Resources from their MD Coastal Bays Finfish Survey. Dominant species from separate trawl and wiw surveys included blue crab Callinectes sapidus (erroneously included here as a "fish" due to its dominance and commercial importance), bay anchovy Anchoa mitchilli, spot Leiostomous xanthurus, silver perch Bairdiella ehrysoura, and Atlantic menhaden Brevwrtia tyrannus. Ninety-four fish species were identified in the two surveys, a diversity substantially higher than other survey records for Middle Atlantic Bight estuarine and lagoon systems (richness=26 to 78 species). Total species richness for the trawl survey was highest in Chincoteague and lowest in Assawoman and Sinepuxent. On the other hand, mean richness per tow (-area) and related Shannon Weiner Diversity Index were significantly higher in the northern two bays (Assawoman and Isle of Wight Bays) than in the two southern bays (Chincoteague or Sinepuxent Bays). For the seine survey, effort-adjusted diversity indices were significantly lower for Chincoteague Bay than for the other three bays. Higher relative abundances were observed in the northern bays than in the southern bays. The trawl survey exhibited the lowest catch-per-site in Sinepuxent Bay and the highest in Assawoman Bay. The seine survey had the lowest catch-per-site in Chincoteague Bay while the other three embayments were of similar magnitude. There was clear seasonality in assemblage structure with peak abundance and diversity in the summer compared to other seasons. Blue crabs in particular showed a c. 2-fold decline in relative abundance from early summer to fall, which is likely attributable to harvest removals (i.e., an exploitation rate of c. 50%). Seagrass coverage, although increasing over the course of the 10 year survey, did not have obvious effects on species diversity and abundance across or within the embayments, although it did have positive associations with two important species: bay anchovy and summer flounder Pavalich thys dentatus. Atlantic menhaden were most dominant in Assawoman Bay, which could be related to higher primary production typically observed in this Bay in comparison to the other three. (PDF contains 99 pages)

Geographical distribution of yellowfin tuna and skipjack catches in the Eastern Pacific Ocean, by quarters of the year, 1963-1966

ENGLISH: Logbook records of tuna vessels fishing in the eastern Pacific Ocean were used to prepare charts showing the distribution of yellowfin and skipjack tuna catches by 1-degree area, by quarter of the year, and by gear for the years 1963-1966. Recent changes in the geographical distribution of yellowfin catches are illustrated. The size composition of the U. S. tuna fleet is given, and recent changes are discussed. SPANISH: Los registros de los cuadernos de bitácora de los barcos atuneros que pescan en el Océano Pacifico oriental, se emplearon para preparar los gráficos que indican la distribuci6n de las capturas de atún aleta amarilla y de barrilete por área de 1 grado, por trimestre del ano y por aparejo de pesca para los anos de 1963-1966. Se ilustran los cambios recientes en la distribucion geográfica de las capturas de atún aleta amarilla. Se da la composición de tamaño de la flota atunera de los E. U. y se discuten los cambios recientes. (PDF contains 76 pages.)

The distribution, abundance, and ecology of larval tunas from the entrance to the Gulf of California

ENGLISH: This study is based on collections of larvae of Thunnus albacares, Euthynnus llneatus, and Auxis sp. obtained from surface and oblique net tows made during seven cruises, each along a comparable track in the entrance of the Gulf of California and each during a different month. Concomitant measurements of surface temperature, salinity, and zooplankton were made at each of the plankton stations. The catches of larval Auxis sp. were examined by analysis of variance techniques to determine which environmental features were associated with the spawning of this tuna as indicated by the distribution of larvae and to gain some insight into the behavior of the larvae themselves. The testing indicated that the spawning of Auxis sp. varied significantly among the different months of the cruises. The testing also indicated that if the larvae were capable of avoiding the sampling apparatus, this ability was not related to features associated with time of day such as light conditions. The analysis did not detect any change in the vertical distribution of the larvae among the months of the experiment. It was concluded that the larvae did not exhibit a diel vertical movement. The measurements of temperature, salinity, and zooplankton volumes were treated as covariates in the analysis. The surface temperature proved to be a highly important factor in explaining the distribution of larvae, but salinity and zooplankton volumes were not. Catches of Thunnus albaeares and Euthynnus lineatus were rare during the course of the study; these are discussed in qualitative terms with respect to the time of the year and the surface temperature. The distribution of larval tunas in the area of study was compared with the distribution of surface water masses. It appeared that these masses had no influence per se on the distribution of larvae. SPANISH: Este estudio está basado en las recolecciones de larvas de Thunnus albacares, Eutbynnus lineatus, y Auxis sp. obtenidas según los arrastres superficiales y oblicuos de la red, realizados durante siete cruceros, cada uno a la entrada del Golfo de California a lo largo de un derrotero comparable, y cada uno durante distintos meses. Las mediciones correspondientes de la temperatura superficial, salinidad y de zooplancton se realizaron en cada una de las estaciones de plancton. Las capturas de larvas Auxís sp. fueron examinadas mediante el análisis de la varianza para determinar cuales características ambientales se encontraban asociadas con el desove de este atún según lo indicaba la distribución de las larvas, y para obtener alguna idea del comportamiento de las larvas en sí mismas. Las pruebas indicaron que el desove de Auxis sp. varió significativamente entre los diferentes meses de los cruceros; indicaron también que si las larvas eran capaces de evitar el aparato de muestreo, esta habilidad no se relacionaba a las características asociadas con la hora del día de acuerdo a las condiciones de luz. El análisis no demostró ningún cambio en la distribución vertical de las larvas durante los meses del experimento. Se determinó que las larvas no exhiben un movimiento vertical diario. Las mediciones de temperatura, salinidad, y de los volúmenes de zooplancton fueron tratadas como covariables en el análisis. La temperatura superficial demostró ser un factor altamente importante en la explicación de la distribución de las larvas, pero la salinidad y los volúmenes de zooplancton no lo fueron. Las capturas de Thunnus albacares y Eutbynnus lineatus fueron pocas durante el curso de este estudio; éstas se discuten en términos cualitativos respecto a la época del año y a la temperatura superficial. La distribución de los atunes larvales en el área de estudio fue comparada con la distribución de las masas superficiales de agua. Parece que estas masas no tienen influencia per se en la distribución de las larvas. (PDF contains 40 pages.)

Geographical catch distribution of yellowfin and skipjack tuna in the Eastern Pacific Ocean, 1967-1970, and fleet and total catch statistics, 1962-1970

ENGLISH: Logbook records of tuna vessels fishing in the eastern Pacific Ocean were used to prepare charts showing the distribution of yellowfin tuna and skipjack catches by i-degree area, by quarter of the year, and by gear, for the years 1967-1970. Recent changes in the geographical distribution of yellowfin catch are illustrated. Also given are annual catch statistics and the composition of the international tuna fishing fleets which operated in the Commission's Yellowfin Regulatory Area each year, 1962-1970. SPANISH: Los registros de los cuadernos de bitácora de los barcos pesqueros de atún en el Océano Pacífico oriental se usaron para preparar gráficos que presentan para los años de 1967-1970, la distribución de captura del atún aleta amarilla y barrilete por área de 1 grado, trimestre del año y, por las artes. Se ilustran los recientes cambios en la distribución geográfica de la captura del atún aleta amarilla. Se presentan también las estadísticas de captura anual y la composición de la flota internacional de pesca, que explota cada año el Area Reglamentaria de la Comisión, 1962-1970. (PDF contains 95 pages.)

Geographical distribution of yellowfin and skipjack tuna catches in the Eastern Pacific Ocean, and fleet and total catch statistics, 1971-1974

ENGLISH: Logbook records of purse seiners and baitboats fishing for yellowfin and skipjack tunas in the eastern Pacific Ocean were used to prepare charts showing the distribution of catches by l-degree area and quarter of the year for each gear and regulation status, for the years 1971-1974. Changes in geographical distribution of the catch over the four-year period are discernible. Information on annual catch statistics and fleet composition by country is presented. SPANISH: Los registros de bitácora de los cerqueros y clíperes (barcos de carnada) que pescan atún aleta amarilla y barrilete en el Océano Pacífico oriental se emplearon para preparar los diagramas en los que se indica la distribución de las capturas por área de 1 grado y trimestre, correspondiente a cada arte y condición reglamentaria en los años de 1971 a 1974. Se pueden distinguir los cambios en la distribución geográfica de la captura durante el período de cuatro años. Se presenta la información por país sobre las estadísticas de la captura anual y la composicón de la flota. (PDF contains 116 pages.)

Introduction of collection and distribution programme for the small-scale fisheries in Ondo State

Details are given of a programme for fresh fish collection and distribution in Ondo State, Nigeria. Collection centers, organization and managerial structure, collection scheme, trade system, price determination, management and distribution are described

Geographical distribution of yellowfin and skipjack tuna catches in the Eastern Pacific Ocean, and fleet and total catch statistics, 1975-1978

ENGLISH: Logbook records of purse seiners and baitboats fishing for yellowfin and skipjack tunas in the eastern Pacific Ocean were used to prepare charts showing the distribution of catches by one-degree area and quarter of the year for each gear and regulation status, for the years 1975-1978. Changes in geographical distribution of the catch over the four-year period are described. Information on annual catch statistics and fleet composition by country is presented. SPANISH: Se emplearon los registros de bitácora de las embarcaciones cerqueras y de carnada que pescan atún aleta amarilla y barrilete en el Océano Pacífico oriental, para preparar los diagramas que indican la distribución de captura por zonas de un grado y trimestres del año de cada arte y condición de las reglamentaciones, en los años de 19'75 a 1978. Se describen los cambios de la distribución geográfica de la captura durante un período de cuatro Se presenta la información, por país, de las estadísticas de captura y de la composición de la flota. (PDF contains 120 pages.)