Reproductive output of Fissurella latimarginata and Loxechinus albus under different fishing regimes along the central Chilean coast

Abstract

Normal 0 21 false false false ES-CL JA X-NONE /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:Tabla normal; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-parent:; mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0cm; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:Calibri; mso-ansi-language:ES-CL; mso-fareast-language:ES-CL;} The performance of fully and partially marine protected areas beyond the limits of the reserve is essential for fishing grounds recovery and to gain support among stakeholders. The benefits may reach larger distances through the export of dispersive propagules, which seem to be enhanced inside protected areas. Although most studies emphasizing the value of protection for egg production have evaluated the influence of enhanced size and density, little is known about the direct influence of protection on reproductive investment. We analyzed the influence of fishing regime on gonadosomatic index, and also body dry weight, of two economically and ecologically important species: the keyhole limpet, Fissurella latimarginata and the red sea urchin, Loxechinus albus . We compared restricted access areas (territorial use rights for fisheries and no-take areas) and open access areas in central Chile. We also evaluated the independent influence of upwelling on both variables. Our results show (a) lack of effect of fishing regime on the rate of increase in individual body dry weight with size in both species, (b) little influence of fishing regime on the rate of increase of gonadosomatic index with size, and (c) lack of effect of upwelling on both response variables. Our findings help disentangling the main factors determining reproductive patterns under human impact, which is critical for decision making, suggesting that site selection seems to be less relevant than efficient control of fishing effort and minimum legal size to assure seeding, as these two variables are major indirect determinant of egg production.