AN APPROXIMATION OF BATOID ABUNDANCE FROM ARTESIAN FISHERY, SANTA MARTA (COLOMBIA)

Abstract

Relative abundance of batoids fished in Playa Salguero and Don Jaca (Santa Marta) between March and October (2006) was estimated. Data taken at sampling periods varying between 12 and 26 days were used. 674 fishing operations with trawl net at Playa Salguero were analyzed. The general capture per effort unit (CPEU) mean in abundance was 0.46±0.07 individuals/hour and in biomass 0.09±0.02 kg/hour. The most abundant species was the endemic Urotrygon venezuelae, previously considered rare. At Don Jaca, 129 fishing operations with horizontal lines and 54 with gill nets were evaluated. CPEU at that locality was estimated in 8.53±2.04 kg/15hours for the horizontal lines and 11.00±5.90 kg/12hours for gill net; Dasyatis guttata was the most important species.