Estrategias óptimas de explotación del pulpo de la Sonda de Campeche, México

Abstract

The concept of maximum sustainable yield is applied to an age structure simulation model based on difference equations, of the octopus fishery, in the south eastern Gulf of Mexico. In 1989 and 1994, catch was 12,000 tones and 15,000 tons in 1991, amounting about 8% of the world octopus yields. Size of each cohort and population parameter changes (fishing mortality and recruit numbers) were analyzed year by year. Simulations were carried on to examine the variability of yield based upon changes in recruitment throughout a 46-year period. Optimum yield and maximum benefit/cost ratio are evalueated as harvesting options and their consequences in direct employment were assessed to recommend the best management strategy. It was found that the maximum sustainable yield and high economic yields can be achieved simultaneously under the same exploitation strategy if it is adopted as management goal, with a fishing intensity of F=0.43, wich may be the most convenient choice because the fishery lays above the economic equilibrium level (B/C=1) and the uncertainty in recruitment that may lead to an economic crisis seems very unlikely. The economic equilibrium level is attained with a fishing mortality of F=1.29. Current levels of exploitation allow yields near the optimum level, and in order to ensure higher yields (higher than 18,000 tons per year), high profits (Benefit/Cost=3.6) and aceptable social benefits, maintenance of the current level of fishing effort is adviced, as long as new fishing grounds are dicovered in the study area.