Spatial Structure and Variation in Density, Biomass, and Growth of Callinectes rathbunae in a Tropical Lagoon System in the Gulf of Mexico
Crabs of the genus Callinectes constitute an important fishery resource in the lagoon systems of the Gulf of Mexico; however, information on the spatial structure and population dynamics of some species remains limited. The objective of this study was to analyze the spatiotemporal variation in density, biomass, and growth of Callinectes rathbunae in the Mandinga Lagoon System, Veracruz. Eight sampling campaigns were conducted between 2008 and 2015 at 13 stations distributed throughout the lagoon system. For each year, descriptive statistics for density and biomass were calculated, as well as the coefficient of variation, dispersion index, and frequency of occurrence, in order to characterize the spatial population structure. Additionally, the weight-length relationship was evaluated using a potential model. The average density of the species was 4.11 ind/100 m², while the average biomass was 23.28 g/100 m², with maximum values recorded in 2013 and minimum values in 2015. The spatial distribution showed a predominantly aggregated pattern during most of the study period, reflecting the environmental heterogeneity of the lagoon system. The species was mainly associated with sandy sediments containing moderate proportions of mud and low levels of organic carbon. Analysis of the weight-length relationship indicated isometric growth (b = 2.998; r² = 0.97). The results demonstrate marked spatiotemporal variation in the C. rathbunae population, associated with habitat structure and the environmental dynamics of the system. This information provides relevant insights for understanding the spatial ecology of the species and constitutes an important scientific basis for the management and conservation of crab fisheries in tropical lagoon systems of the Gulf of Mexico.
Spatial Structure and Variation in Density, Biomass, and Growth of Callinectes rathbunae in a Tropical Lagoon System in the Gulf of Mexico
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.22533/at.ed.5157272624032
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Palavras-chave: Callinectes rathbunae; spatial population structure; coastal lagoons; density and biomass; Gulf of Mexico
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Keywords: Callinectes rathbunae; spatial population structure; coastal lagoons; density and biomass; Gulf of Mexico
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Abstract:
Crabs of the genus Callinectes constitute an important fishery resource in the lagoon systems of the Gulf of Mexico; however, information on the spatial structure and population dynamics of some species remains limited. The objective of this study was to analyze the spatiotemporal variation in density, biomass, and growth of Callinectes rathbunae in the Mandinga Lagoon System, Veracruz. Eight sampling campaigns were conducted between 2008 and 2015 at 13 stations distributed throughout the lagoon system. For each year, descriptive statistics for density and biomass were calculated, as well as the coefficient of variation, dispersion index, and frequency of occurrence, in order to characterize the spatial population structure. Additionally, the weight-length relationship was evaluated using a potential model. The average density of the species was 4.11 ind/100 m², while the average biomass was 23.28 g/100 m², with maximum values recorded in 2013 and minimum values in 2015. The spatial distribution showed a predominantly aggregated pattern during most of the study period, reflecting the environmental heterogeneity of the lagoon system. The species was mainly associated with sandy sediments containing moderate proportions of mud and low levels of organic carbon. Analysis of the weight-length relationship indicated isometric growth (b = 2.998; r² = 0.97). The results demonstrate marked spatiotemporal variation in the C. rathbunae population, associated with habitat structure and the environmental dynamics of the system. This information provides relevant insights for understanding the spatial ecology of the species and constitutes an important scientific basis for the management and conservation of crab fisheries in tropical lagoon systems of the Gulf of Mexico.
- Asela del Carmen Rodríguez-Varela
- Jaqueline Becerril-Aguilar
