A FISHERY-ECOLOGICAL ANALYSIS OF THE RED SQUAT LOBSTER (PLEURONCODES MONODON) RESOURCE, AND ITS INTERACTION WITH CHILEAN HAKE (MERLUCCIUS GAYI) AND BIG-EYE FLOUNDER (HIPPOGLOSSINA MACROPS)

Abstract

In a fishery-ecological perspective, the State of Pleuroncodes monodon stock, at present, and its changes in Central-Southem Chile are analized. The daily ration of P. monodon by Merluccius gayi and Hippoglossina macrops is especifically estimated, whit information of the "Red Squat Lobster Surveys" carried out in March and november 1984. In 1984, the consumption upon P. monodon by M. gayi and H. macrops should have been ca. 5,800 t, wich is equivalent to 18% of the P. monodon standing stock. The predation mortality of P. monodon is high and it should play a complementary role to the fishing. At present, both causes of mortality (predation and fishing mortality) should maintain the P. monodon standing stock in a lower equilibrium level than before the fishery colapse, in 1978. TheTheory of Catastrophes supports this conclusión.