Biodiversity and biomass of bentho-demersal megafaunal assemblages of the yellow and red squat lobster fishing grounds in Central Chile (Eastern Pacific Ocean)

Biodiversity and biomass patterns of megafaunal assemblages were assessed from the yellow (Cervimunida johni) and red (Pleuroncodes monodon) squat lobster fishing grounds in the Southeastern Pacific Ocean during four years. Bottom trawls were conducted applying the swept-area method in a stratified sampling design, obtaining global and specific catch per unit area (CPUA). We recorded two target and 47 by-catch species, with a total CPUA of 80.000 t/km2 (cumulative from 2005 to 2008) Fishes and crustaceans dominated over other taxonomic groups. Classes Actinopterygii and Malacostraca attained the highest specific richness; the presence of a few dominant and many rare species in terms of CPUA and frequency, was characteristic of the studied assemblages, hence, the general CPUA pattern parallels that of the most abundant species in the bathymetric and latitudinal gradients. The three most conspicuous non-target species, Heterocarpus reedi, Merluccius gayi gayi and Hippoglossina macrops accounted for 91% of the by-catch CPUA, whereas Class Malacostraca also represented 91% of the total CPUA. The highest average specific richness occurred at intermediate depths (300–400 m) and the lowest in shallow waters (50–100m); the highest overall CPUA occurred at 100–200m and the lowest at both 400–600m and 50–100m. Depth was the most significant factor in the variability of our assemblages. However, particular features of the Humboldt Current System might act as drivers of important effects across the latitudinal gradient on the high productivity and dynamism of the squat lobster fishery, despite the homogeneous composition of the community. This study shows the importance of considering the whole biodiversity within appropriate management actions, in order to achieve ecological benefits (e.g. resilience, functional diversity, water quality, primary productivity) in communities subjected to fishing pressure. •49 species were recorded from the crustacean fishing ground at central Chile.•Actinopterygii and Malacostraca attained the highest specific richness and CPUA.•Both rare and common species are considered relevant in this homogeneous community.•One shrimp and two fish species accounted for 91% of the non-target CPUA.•A combination of bathymetric and latitudinal gradient drives the biodiversity patterns.