Análisis preliminar de la explotación de Gelidium robustum (Gardner) Hollenberg y Abbott en Baja California Sur, México

Abstract

Gelidium robustum (Gardner) Hollenberg & Abbott is a red algae distributed from Punta Descanso, B.C. to Margarita Island, B.C.S., in production volumens and it is also economically important dueto agar-agar extraction from this species. The aim of this preliminar study was to assess explotation levels on the resources and the possible use of the catch per effort unit as an abundance index. In this regard, an analysis of explotation on this resource at Baja California Sur was made over the 1968-1986 period. The State contributed with a mean percentage of 12.5 from 1968 to 1978 and increased to a 30 percent in the period of 1979-1986 regarding to the national total production. From the six zones in which the study area was divided, Zone 3 (Comprising Punta Eugenia and Tortugas Bay) yielded the highest volume when harvesting. During 1985-1986 it was rated that although the effort increase, the catch per effort unit decreased. It is confirmed that the highest volumes are extracted from May to September in the time year.