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Reproductive maturity in the edible Chilean crab Cancer edwardsii: methodological and management considerations

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  06 May 2009

Luis Miguel Pardo ,
Juan Pablo Fuentes ,
Andrés Olguín  and
J.M. (Lobo) Orensanz
Luis Miguel Pardo*
Affiliation:
Universidad Austral de Chile, Instituto de Biología Marina, Laboratorio Costero Calfuco, Valdivia, Chile
Juan Pablo Fuentes
Affiliation:
Universidad Austral de Chile, Instituto de Biología Marina, Laboratorio Costero Calfuco, Valdivia, Chile
Andrés Olguín
Affiliation:
Instituto de Fomento Pesquero, Blanco 839, Valparaíso, Chile
J.M. (Lobo) Orensanz
Affiliation:
CENPAT, 9120 Puerto Madryn, Argentina
*
Correspondence should be addressed to: L.M. Pardo, Universidad Austral de Chile, Instituto de Biología Marina, Laboratorio Costero Calfuco, Valdivia, Chile email: luispardo@uach.cl
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Abstract

Size-at-maturity, often used by fisheries managers to specify reference points, was estimated for Cancer edwardsii, the most intensely exploited brachyuran crab in Chile, using morphometric data and observation of the gonadal cycle. Sampling was conducted in Chiloé Island, the principal landing region. Several morphometric measurements of secondary sexual characters were recorded for both sexes. Their size-dependence was investigated in search of ontogenetic allometric changes. Six stages of maturity were established for females, and four for males, on the basis of macroscopic and histological observation of the reproductive system, allowing distinction between adults and juveniles. Females and males, on average, attained full development of secondary sexual characters at 106 and 118 mm carapace width (CW) respectively. The CW at which 50% of females and males have gonads of adult appearance was around 101 mm. Current minimum legal size is 120 mm CW, seemingly high enough for conservation purposes. This management control, however, is unlikely to provide effective protection due to the high proportion of crab of sub-legal size in the landings. Traps with escape vents could be introduced in this fishery in order to ensure its sustainability.

Keywords

Cancer edwardsiiChilecrab fisherylegal sizegonadal developmentallometrysize at maturity
Type
Research Article
Information
Journal of the Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom , Volume 89 , Issue 8 , December 2009 , pp. 1627 - 1634
Copyright
Copyright © Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom 2009

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