RESUMOEste estudo avaliou se a reprodução e o recrutamento temporal e espacial das principais espécies de camarões marinhos explotados no Estado de Sergipe (Xiphopenaeus kroyeri, Farfantepenaeus subtilis e Litopenaeus schmitti) estão sendo protegidos, em comparação com normativa MMA nº 14, de 14 de outubro de 2004. As coletas foram realizadas de setembro/2013 a agosto/2014 na plataforma continental de Sergipe, em nove transectos, distribuídos nas profundidades de 5, 15 e 30m, utilizando um barco camaroeiro equipado com rede de arrasto de portas. Após as coletas os indivíduos foram identificados ao nível específico, subamostrados, sexados, mensurados quanto ao comprimento da carapaça e classificados quanto à morfologia gonadal. O recrutamento e a reprodução das três espécies ocorreram continuamente ao longo do ano, apresentando picos de intensidade. Indivíduos reprodutivos e juvenis foram mais abundantes nos 30m para F. subtilis, enquanto para X. kroyeri e L. schmitti foram mais abundantes nos 5m e 15m. A atual instrução normativa protege parcialmente as categorias reprodutivas e juvenis dessas espécies, principalmente F. subtilis. Portanto, sugere-se a adequação dos períodos de defeso para as épocas de reprodução e recrutamento de F. subtilis, uma vez que a área estipulada pelo IBAMA já protege as demais espécies ao longo do ano.Palavras chave: Xiphopenaeus; Farfantepenaeus; Litopenaeus; recrutamento; período reprodutivo; pesca. ABSTRACTThis study evaluated if the temporal and spatial reproduction and recruitment of the main species of marine shrimps exploited in the state of Sergipe (Xiphopenaeus kroyeri, Farfantepenaeus subtilis, and Litopenaeus schmitti) are being protected, in relation to the closed season based on the normative instruction MMA n° 14, of October 14 th 2004. The samples were collected monthly from September 2013 to August 2014 at the continental shelf of Sergipe, in nine transects, distributed in the depths of 5, 15, and 30 m using a shrimping boat equipped with double ring nets. After sampling, we identified shrimps to the species level; subsampled, sexed them, measured carapace length, and observed the gonads. Recruitment and reproduction in the three species occur continuously, albeit with intensity peaks. Regarding space, reproductive individuals and recruits were more abundant at 30 m in the case of F. subtilis, while for X. kroyeri and L. schmitti, higher abundances were found at 5 and 15 m. The current normative instruction partially protects the reproductive and juveniles categories of these species, mainly F. subtilis. Thus, we suggest closed seasons at breeding and recruitment seasons of F. subtilis, since the area set by IBAMA already protects other species throughout the year.

This study evaluated the population structure, growth and longevity of Xiphopenaeus kroyeri in the State of Sergipe. The obtained data were compared with other populations on a latitudinal scale in order to evaluate whether the latitudinal paradigm applies to this species. Shrimp sampling took place monthly from September 2013 to August 2014, in nine stations distributed at 5, 15 and 30 m depths, using a shrimp fishery boat equipped with a ‘double rig’ net. Sexual maturity was estimated by the logistic function y = a/(1 + b*exp(-cx)), and the sex ratio was analysed with the Chi-square test. The individual growth rate was estimated using the von Bertalanffy model, and the longevity was estimated by the inverse form of this formula. A total of 6418 (3457 females and 2961 males) was analysed. The size at onset of sexual maturity was 12 mm of carapace length (CL) for males and 12.5 mm CL for females. The total sex ratio did not differ from the expected (1:1). Males exhibited higher growth coefficients (k) and smaller asymptotic growth (CC∞ = 28.74 mm, k = 0.0081 day−1) than females (CC∞ = 30.79 mm, k = 0.0058 day−1). The estimated longevity (years) was 1.55 for males and 2.15 for females. No evident latitudinal pattern was observed regarding the size at onset of sexual maturity or the growth parameters for X. kroyeri. The information found, besides contributing to the knowledge about the biology of this shrimp, can also clarify hypotheses presented in relation to the latitudinal paradigm along the Brazilian coast.

The objective of this study is to report seven decapod crustacean species for the first time from Sergipe state, northeastern Brazil. The specimens were sampled from January 2012 to June 2015, on continental shelf and estuaries. Alpheus buckupi,Synalpheus ul, Lysmata bahia, L. cf. intermedia, Paguristes tortugae, Macrocoeloma laevigatum and Pilumnoides coelhoi are reported. This study records fill gaps in the geographical distribution of these decapods that have previous records for adjacent areas.

Abstract:The red mangrove crab, Goniopsis cruentata, influences the recruitment and composition of plant species in the mangrove ecosystem and it is an important fishery resource. Nevertheless, no current management and conservation plans are available for this species for the Brazilian coast. This investigation evaluated the population structure and reproductive biology in populations of G. cruentata under contrasting fishery pressures. The sampling program was carried out in two mangroves, Vaza-Barris and Sergipe River, from January through December 2011. Crabs from both mangroves were randomly collected by a professional fisherman during daytime low tide periods, using a fishing rod baited with pieces of a locally abundant gastropod, Pugilina morio, during 20min/area (catch per unit effort). Monthly measurements of air, sediment surface layer and water temperatures were obtained with a digital thermometer and salinity with an optical refractometer. Both crab populations were compared concerning their abundance, body size, sex ratio, size at onset of sexual maturity and fecundity (FI). Abiotic factors (air, water and mud temperature; and salinity) showed no significant differences between sampling localities. A total of 4 370 crabs were sampled, 2 829 from the Sergipe River and 1 541 from the Vaza-Barris River. The abundance and body size of crabs were compared between mangroves, and statistically significant differences were found. The sex ratio for both populations differed from the expected 1:1 ratio, and a significant deviation in favor of juvenile males was obtained, while adults showed a bias toward females. The estimated size at onset of sexual maturity for both sexes was similar in both populations. However, the populations differed significantly in the number and volume of eggs: a higher FI was obtained in females from the Sergipe River, while a higher egg volume was observed in females from the Vaza-Barris River mangrove. These results indicated a tendency to decrease the body size, the abundance of crabs and the reproductive potential of the species, with higher fishing intensities, reinforcing the need to develop a management plan as well as to establish conservation units for G. cruentata in the Northeastern Brazilian coast. Habitat loss in conjunction with long-term overfishing can have irreversible consequences, which can impact not only the populations of commercially exploited crabs, but the dynamics of virtually the entire mangrove ecosystem. Rev. Biol. Trop. 63 (2): 443-457. Epub 2015 June 01.