Distribution, abundance and fishing potential of mega-invertebrates in the sub-euphotic zone (150–535 m) in the Colombian Caribbean

Abstract

There are no commercial fishing activities in the deep water of the Colombian Caribbean, but initial surveys have spotted species of great abundance that may have harvest potential. In this study, we report the findings of a systematic trawling of soft seafloor mega-invertebrate assemblages along the Colombian Caribbean coast (from the Gulf of Urabá to Punta Gallinas in La Guajira) in a depth range between 150 and 535 m (three strata: 150–300 m; 300–400 m; 400–535m). We analysed the spatial distribution, species composition, and size structure, as well as the relationship between species abundance and biomass (ABC curves) as an indicator of the state of the system. In the medium depth stratum of the northern zone, general species richness and abundance were highest, and the ABC curves suggest a pristine system state with no signs of community disturbance. The species Pleoticus robustus, Penaeopsis serrata, Aristaeomorpha foliacea, Metanephrops binghami and Plesionika longipes showed the highest abundance (> 60%), biomass (> 72%) and widest range of geographical and bathymetric distribution and may be candidates for a future fishery. However, prior to opening any fishery for these species, studies should be conducted on their life history parameters to estimate the catch fraction of the annual production that may be sustainably be harvested.