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This one-year study investigated spatial and temporal variations in the abundance and biomass of the pink shrimp species, Farfantepenaeus paulensis and Farfantepenaeus brasiliensis, in the Conceição Lagoon, southern Brazil (September 2003–August 2004). The influence of salinity, water temperature, and rainfall on shrimp distribution was evaluated. Shrimps were caught monthly at three areas within the Conceição Lagoon (Canto, CA; Centro, CE; and Costa, CO). A total of 744 shrimps were sampled, with F. brasiliensis being the dominant species. The two penaeid species were present throughout the year and significant differences were observed between seasons, with F. paulensis being more abundant during the summer and F. brasiliensis in the autumn, suggesting differential migration timing to the sea, differences in recruitment time and an ontogenetic temporal partitioning. Farfantepenaeus paulensis exhibited a homogeneous spatial distribution, whereas F. brasiliensis was more abundant in CE and CO, suggesting that habitats in this coastal lagoon are heterogeneous. Among the abiotic factors, temperature and salinity seemed to be important variables in defining seasonal and spatial patterns, respectively, of the abundance of F. brasiliensis.

ABSTRACT. On the southern Brazilian coast, the penaeid pink shrimp Farfantepenaeus paulensis (Pérez-Farfante, 1967) is intensively captured by both artisanal and industrial fisheries. In the Ibiraquera Lagoon, artisanal fishing of juvenile stocks has declined sharply over the last 15 years. The traditional management methods used by fishermen are no longer sustainable due to conflicts with the demands of tourism and weak environmental and public agencies. The dynamics of the timing of the artificial opening and natural reformation of a sandbar across the mouth of the lagoon are regarded as a central socio-ecological problem. We evaluated the abundance and biomass variation of F. paulensis throughout the year and along a spatial gradient measured from the sandbar into the lagoon. We also explored the influence of opening the sandbar on the shrimp population. Samples were collected monthly from February 2004 to February 2005, using a 27 mm mesh cast net, in four different areas, with three sites being sampled per area. Small numbers of large shrimps were captured in the upper area, while greater biomass and abundance of small shrimps were observed near the sandbar, suggesting the role of the inner area as a refuge for growing. The highest records for biomass and abundance were recorded during warm months, regardless if the lagoon was open or closed by the sandbar. The Ibiraquera Lagoon could be more productive for fishermen if the sandbar opening was coincident to the period of natural post-larvae influx. Furthermore, coastal stocks could be improved by opening the sandbar again during summer in conjunction with fishing quotas. KEYWORDS.Farfantepenaeus paulensis, coastal lagoon, artisanal fishery, Brazil. RESUMO. Variação espaço-temporal do camarão rosaFarfantepenaeus paulensis (Crustacea, Decapoda, Penaeidae) associado à abertura sazonal da barra de conexão com o mar em uma lagoa subtropical. O camarão rosa Farfantepenaeus paulensis (Pérez-Farfante, 1967) é intensivamente capturado, tanto pela frota pesqueira industrial quanto artesanal na costa sul brasileira. Na Lagoa de Ibiraquera (SC), a captura artesanal de camarões tem diminuído gradativamente nos últimos 15 anos. Os métodos de gestão tradicionais utilizados pelos pescadores não são mais eficientes devido aos conflitos com o turismo e a gestão pública e ambiental. A dinâmica de abertura artificial e reestruturação natural do banco de areia no canal de contato da lagoa com o mar é considerada um problema socio-ecológico central no local. Neste estudo foi avaliada a variação na biomassa e abundância do F. paulensis ao longo do ano e em um gradiente espacial a partir do canal da barra e até o interior da lagoa. Foram realizadas coletas mensais de fevereiro de 2004 a fevereiro de 2005 com tarrafa de 27 mm de malha nas quatro lagoas que compõe a Lagoa de Ibiraquera, em três pontos em cada lagoa. Um número pequeno de grandes camarões foi significativamente (p < 0,05) capturado na área mais interna da lagoa, enquanto que maior biomassa e abundância de pequenos cam...

This study examined the fish communities of Peri Lagoon in southern Brazil to aid in the development of an effective management plan because the area is under threat from human activities. Sampling of fish fauna, ichthyoplankton and limnological data were compared between sites, differing by habitat type and characteristics such as depth, substratum composition and vegetation type. Results were significantly related to site, with the highest diversity and abundance recorded at shallow vegetated sites. A total of 14 fish species were recorded throughout the lagoon, with the most abundant being Hyphessobrycon luetkenii. Of the 14 species, half were sampled at their larval stage, suggesting a healthy and protected system. Significantly more larvae and eggs were collected during colder months (autumn to winter) and at sites closer to stream flow, possibly owing to increased food sources and habitat protection. This study highlights the importance of Peri Lagoon as a nursery ground for a wide range of fish species, providing essential information for incorporation into the future protection of fish stocks throughout Brazil.