Evaluation of the artisinal fisheries of the blue crab (Callinectes spp.) with longline in La Ceiba harbour, Trujillo state, Venezuela

The data from 2002 to 2007 on catches and fishing effort (f), the catch per unit of effort (CPUE), lift frequency (FL), catches per lift (CL), transfer numbers (NT) and catch per transfer (CT) for blue crabs ( Callinectes spp.) in La Ceiba Harbour, Trujillo state, Venezuela were evaluated. A seasonal pattern was observed, with maximum captures in March to June (16,51 t) and peak in June (27,95 t), and lower catches from November to February (4,93 t) and September (7,76 t). The fishing effort was higher in the rainy season (May-June and October-November) and lowest in September and December. Catches changed largely during the study period, with lowest catches in 2002 and 2003, and significantly higher catches (P≤0,5) from 2004 to 2007 -average 167,46 t- during the latter period. The fishery of Callinectes spp. in La Ceiba Harbour is seasonal and it has increased gradually after 2003, primarily related to an increase in the fishing effort for this resource.