Abstract

NOGUEZ FUENTES, Jorge Federico; DREYFUS LEON, Michel Jules  and  ROBLES RUIZ, Humberto. Analysis of the long-line tuna fishery in the Gulf of Mexico during the new and full moon phases. Hidrobiológica [online]. 2007, vol.17, n.2, pp.91-99. ISSN 0188-8897.

Data from the long-line fishery in the Gulf of Mexico during 2001 was analyzed with the aim of detecting differences during full and new moon phases. A preference for fishing during new moon is observed although the catches of yellowfin tuna, Thunnus albacares (aimed specie), and of bluefin tuna, Thunnus thynnus, in terms of catch per unit effort (CPUE), was similar in both periods. In addition catches of sailfish, Istiophorus albicans, swordfish, Xiphias gladius, and marlins (Makaira and Tetrapturus) were also analyzed, all as a group. Differences are detected with billfishes (incidental catch with commercial value), detecting higher CPUE values during full moon, although significant differences were observed only in the case of swordfishes (P=0.005). Two areas of high effort concentration were detected (one of them relatively coastal). During new moon both areas had high effort concentrations; however, with full moon effort was concentrated only in the coastal area. Both zones are located in deep waters, off the continental platform.

Keywords : Tuna; long-line; lunar phase; Gulf of Mexico.

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