Abstract
We describe the size frequency distribution, sex ratio and weight-length relationship of the IndoPacific sailfish Istiophorus platypterus off the coast of Mazatlan, Sinaloa, Gulf of California. Data were collected from the sports fishery during several sampling periods from 2002 to 2009. A total of 354 Sailfish were sampled, including 185 females, 161 males and 8 of unknown sex. Total weight (TW) varied from 14 to 41 kg, and sizesranged between 128 and 195 cm postorbital length (PL), with significant differences between the sexes (P < 0.05). The sex ratio throughout the period analyzed was 0.87: 1 (M:H). The total length (TL) and postorbital length (LPO) of organisms were related through the linear fit model for both sexes TL = 57.204 + 1.15 x LPO (r2 = 0.65). There were no significant differences in the weight-length relationship between the sexes (ANCOVA, P>0.05).The general equation relating weight and length for both sexes was TW = 0.0009 x PL2.009. The value of the slope b was significantly different from 3, indicating negative allometric growth (t, P < 0.05). Indo-Pacific sailfish exploitation is currently limited to the sports-recreational fishery; however, there are initiatives to promote the commercial exploitation of this resource. Therefore, results derived from this study are of importance, since they providebasic information on the biology of this species, and can serve as a baseline for the management of this resource.
Highlights
We describe the size frequency distribution, sex ratio and weight-length relationship of the IndoPacific sailfish Istiophorus platypterus off the coast of Mazatlan, Sinaloa, Gulf of California
Data were collected from the sports fishery during several sampling periods from 2002 to 2009
The total length (TL) and postorbital length (LPO) of organisms were related through the linear fit model for both sexes TL = 57.204 + 1.15 x LPO (r2 = 0.65)
Summary
Los datos fueron registrados a partir de especímenes capturados en torneos de pesca deportiva realizados en el puerto de Mazatlán, Sinaloa, México, durante noviembre-diciembre, en el periodo 2002 a 2009. El intervalo de las tallas de los individuos capturados por la flota de pesca deportiva del área de Mazatlán, Sinaloa osciló entre 128 cm y 195 cm de LPO, dicho rango coincide con lo reportado en estudios previos para la misma zona (Alvarado-Castillo & Félix- Uraga 1996; Ramírez-Pérez et al 2011), por lo que la frecuencia de tallas capturadas durante los diferentes periodos puede ser tomada como un indicador de la selectividad del arte de pesca. En el presente estudio no se encontraron diferencias significativas en la relación peso-longitud entre sexos (Fig. 3), lo cual ya ha sido reportado previamente por otros autores (Ramírez-Pérez, 2005) para la misma zona.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
