Aspectos da pesca e biologia da tainha, mugil curema (Osteichthyes: Mugilidae), no estuário do Rio Vaza Barris, Sergipe, Brasil

Abstract

Of the seven species of the genus Mugil that occur in Brazilian waters, four are present in greater abundance in the Northeast region (M. curema, M. gaimardianus M. curvidens, M. incilis), where they are captured by the artisanal fisheries. This study aimed to identify aspects of fisheries and biology of Mugil curema, target of artisanal catches, which occur in the Vaza Barris River estuary. The results pointed out to four species of mullet identified in the study area: M. curema, which represented 85% of the catch, M. gaimardianus (fire eye), M. curvidens (with perceptible teeth) and M incilis (known as ‘azeitera’) the last three accounting for 5% of the total landed catch. The study also showed that 45% of females and 47% of the males are caught below the size at first maturity. The upshot of this fishery in Sergipe State is that there are not two fleets (artisanal and industrial) in operation, which minimizes conflicts and promotes the establishment of rules. It is important to start the planning process involving all the local fishermen, so that a participatory management can succeed.