REPRODUCTIVE AGGREGATION OF DEEP WATER SHRIMP SOLENOCERA AGASSIZI (CRUSTACEA: DECAPODA) IN THE COLOMBIAN PACIFIC

Abstract

In Colombia, Solenocera agassizi is a species that supports the Deep Water Shrimp (DWS) fishery operating in the Pacific, and is one of the most relevant for the national economy. Knowledge of reproductive aspects is essential for resource conservation, and to date little information has been published concerning the distribution of the spawning aggregations. To determine the spatial structure of S. agassizi and its relationship with environmental conditions during the spawning season, a survey was conducted from January to February 2009 in the Colombian Pacific (6°59’N, 1°33’S). The spatial structure was analized using geostatistical techniques and the relationship with the environment through generalized additive models. Solenocera agassizi showed a reproductive aggregation near Bahía Solano and Juradó in the northern of study area. This spatial pattern was associated mainly with cold water (< 13 °C) and high phytoplankton productivity, due to the upwelling that occurs in the Panamá Gulf at the beginning of the year. The oceanographic conditions in the north zone of Colombian Pacific modulate the reproductive strategy of S. agassizi, due to mainly food availability for larvae and postlarvae. Also, mangrove forests along the coastline provide shelter and food for juvenile stages, which is key to the survival and recruitment success. Fishery management decisions for this resource are suggested, based on spatial-temporal fishing closures, which protect the spawning stock.