Biology and fishery of shrimp Litopenaeus schmitti in the Laguna de Tacarigua, Venezuela

In the coastal lagoon Laguna de Tacarigua there is an important fishing activity focused on shrimp and other fishes; however, very few fisheries evaluations on its resources have been conducted. We discuss aspects of reproduction, growth, mortality, recruitment and fishing of Litopenaeus schmitti in this zone. Sampling of artisanal fisheries were conducted from July 2009 to September 2010, where 3927 individuals were examined. The sex ratio showed significant differences (1:1.48) and females were more abundant. Length at maturity (Lm50) was 13 and 13.5 cm for males and females, respectively. Spawning of the species was continuous throughout the year, with higher intensity between December and April. The estimated growth parameters of von Bertalanffy model were expressed as: Lt= 17.5(1–e-1.66(t–0.016)) for females and Lt= 14.8(1–e-1.56(t–0.039)) for males. The relative abundance (CPUE) varied throughout the year, with maximum value in December (4.40 kg h-1). Mortality values (Z= 5.49 year-1 and M= 1.63 to 2.99 year-1) and the exploitation rate suggest that the resource is likely in a state of overexploitation, so it is necessary to establish management measures aimed at reducing fishing effort and to increase the catch length of L. schmitti.