POPULATION DYNAMICS OF THE “CORONCORO” FISH MICROPOGONIAS FURNIERI (PISCES: SCIAENIDAE) FROM THE CIÉNAGA GRANDE DE SANTA MARTA, COLOMBIAN CARIBBEAN

Abstract

The “Coroncoro” fish Micropogonias furnieri has been one of the most important traditional fish resources in CGSM and CP. In order to determine exploitation status of its stock, aspects related to its biology and population parameters have been assessed. 38 Boletín de Investigaciones Marinas y Costeras - Vol. 35-2006 Mean maturity size was estimated in 20.7 cm at total length; whereas sex ratio was 2.39 females per male. Ripe individuals occurred throughout the whole year, with a maturation and spawning peak in the rainy season (november). Length-weight relationship showed no difference between sexes and a common equation with allometric growth W = 0.0064LT3.2 was estimated. The estimated parameters of von Bertalanffy growth function were L∞ = 34.0 cm, K = 0.44 yr-1, t0 = 0.301 yr and C = 0.5; with a growth index ranging between 2.67 and 2.73. Total (Z), natural (M) and fishing (F) mortality rates were estimated as 2.16, 0.84 and 1.32 yr-1, respectively. The estimated exploitation rate (E = 0.61) indicated that M. furnieri is being overexploited and thus it is recommended to adopt management actions to ensure resource sustainability.