Biological reference points for the fisheries management of Ageneiosus pardalis (Auchenipteridae) in The Urrá Reservoir

Biological reference points of the doncella Ageneiosus pardalis in the Urrá resevoir and tributaries rivers were estimated as maximum fishing mortality (Fmax), fishing mortality at level 10 % (F0.1), current fishing mortality (F2015), fishing mortality at maximum economic yield (FMEY), maximum economic yield (MEY) and maximum sustainable yield (MSY). In addition, the situation of the doncella was analyzed under three scenarios: (1) current status, (2) fishing ban with meshes for two months (april and november) and (3) fishing ban with mesh for two months plus fulfillment the reserve zone (tailings of the reservoir with Sinú and Verde rivers). Estimates of Fmax (1.1 year-1), F0.1 (0.6 year-1) and F2015 (1.2 year-1); suggests that the doncella is at the limit of overfishing. To obtain a MEY ($ 130.6 million), the FMEY must be 0.6 year-1 and the MSY of 28.8 mt. In 2015, 81% of the captured doncella was below the legal minimum size (32 cm SL) and 51 % below the average estimated maturity size (26.6 cm SL). The results of the present study allow us to conclude that the doncella population is an initial stage of overfishing and recommends the prohibition of gill net fishing and fishing ban in the dam tails with the Sinú and Verde rivers like best scenario for this species.