Diversity, most important species and size composition of mollusks in coastal fisheries in Acapulco, Guerrero, Mexico

Abstract

Fishing of marine mollusks in Acapulco de Juarez, Guerrero, is intense and diverse and there is little knowledge about this resource. Therefore, for most of species subject to fishing there is no regulation. Due to this, the aims of this study were update inventory of mollusks that are fished for human consumption, determine species that are most important and analyze composition of catch sizes. Biological samples were taken from 2011 to 2014, directly from catches of fishermen. 72 interviews were conducted. 48 species were identified and 16 were the most important. In most species, organisms that did not reach size that would allow them to participate in renewal of reproductive stock were captured. Fishery biological studies are necessary to contribute to regulation of coastal fishing of mollusks.