Shrimp Trawl Research Articles

Evaluating management reforms in a Colombian shrimp fishery using fisheries performance indicators

This study compares the performance of the industrial deep-sea shrimp trawl fishery in the Colombian Pacific prior to (year 2012) and following (year 2018) important management reforms (2013–2017 period) aligned with the FAO Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries. The Fishery Performance Indicators (FPIs) methodology was applied to examine changes in the ecological, economic and social outcomes brought about by the reforms (e.g. spatial-temporal fishing closure). The analysis revealed that regulatory reforms improved ecological performance through increases in stock size and reduction of bycatch. Positive social outcomes were also observed as food security and improving of local labor status. In addition, resource rents were partially restored with positive impacts reverberating through the supply chain. However, economic performance is still constrained by high operating costs, inefficient harvest technologies and low product value. Adjustments to the management system were grounded on scientific advice but also benefited from substantial feedback from the artisanal and industrial fisheries, i.e., co-management, which contributed to the overall success of the reform process.

Shore-based competitive recreational fisheries in southern Bahia, Brazil: A baseline study

This study describes shore-based competitive fishing events in Ilhéus, southern Bahia (Brazil), including catch composition, and provides information on the profile of recreational fishers participating in these events. Information was collected in all events promoted by the Clube de Pesca de Ilhéus (CLUPESIL) in 2007-2008. A total of 26 competitive fishing events were organized during this period, with 47 species caught. The top species were: Cathorops spixii, Menticirrhus littoralis, Trachinotus goodei, Eucinostomus melanopterus, Polydactylus virginicus, Atherinella brasiliensis, and Eucinostomus argenteus. These seven species represented 87% of the total catch in number and 78% in weight. Menticirrhus littoralis and Polydactylus virginicus are species of commercial interest and their catch was dominated by juveniles. Local recreational fishers were predominately middle-aged men, who tended to use small hooks and mainly shrimp as bait. They were consumption-oriented, but also released small fishes. During competitions, fishers used even smaller hooks. Most of them perceived shrimp trawling as the main factor affecting recreational fisheries. The use of larger hooks and a minimum size of 20 cm are suggested to decrease the capture of juveniles, mainly those of commercial importance. This study sets a baseline from which new studies can be proposed to access the current status of local recreational fisheries.

Biological activities of the protein hydrolysate obtained from two fishes common in the fisheries bycatch

Shrimp trawling is an important socio-economic activity; however, the bycatch can be problematic to the environment. Thus, the present study investigated potential uses of the bycatch to generate value-added products. The biological activity of the protein hydrolysates obtained from the two most abundant fish species (Micropogonias furnieri and Paralonchurus brasiliensis) was evaluated. Muscle and skin samples of both species were hydrolyzed using two enzymes, Alcalase 2.4 L® or Protamex®. The in vitro antioxidant capacity against peroxyl radicals, DPPH, and sulfhydryl groups were analyzed. Cell viability, Western Blotting, Zymogram, and Real-time PCR analyses were performed. The results showed that the hydrolysates have antioxidant activity and no effect on cell viability at doses lower than 16 mg/mL. In addition, they can modulate extracellular remodelling and intracellular pathways related to cell adhesion. Thus, the hydrolysis of the fish bycatch allows the release of bioactive peptides with potential use in the food industry.

Population Structure and Reproductive Biology of Two Sympatric Species of Persephona (Brachyura: Leucosiidae) off Northeastern Brazil

The objective of this study was to evaluate the population structure and reproductive biology of Persephona lichtensteinii and P. puncata off Sergipe, two common species found in the bycatch of shrimp trawlers. Four samples of 6 kg were collected monthly from trawlers based in Pirambu-Sergipe. All individuals of Persephona were separated, identified, and weighed (TW, total weight, g). Carapace length (CL, mm) and width (CW, mm) were measured, and the sex and stage of morphological maturity identified. A total of 312 individuals of P. lichtensteinii (174 females; 138 males) and 160 specimens of P. punctata (46 females; 114 males) were analyzed. The overall sex ratio differed from 1:1 for both species. Size and weight of Persephona lichtensteinii were lower than P. punctata. Females of P. lichtensteinii were larger and heavier than males, while P. punctata did not show this sexual dimorphism. Morphometric relationships (CL-CW and TW-CW) were different between sexes for both species. The size at first morphological maturity (CWm) of P. lichtensteinii was 17.0 mm and 18.2 mm for females and males, respectively. For P. punctata, CWm was 23.5 mm for females and 26.5 mm for males. At lower latitude, both maximum size (CWmax) and CWm were lower, which may be associated with maintenance of the CWm/CWmax ratio. The reproduction was continuous, with a peak in May–October for P. lichtensteinii. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study analyzing the population structure and reproductive biology of these leucosiids in lower latitude regions along the Brazilian coast.

DNA Barcoding for the Assessment of the Taxonomy and Conservation Status of the Fish Bycatch of the Northern Brazilian Shrimp Trawl Fishery

Trawling is a controversial fishing method due to the perceived lack of selectivity of the net and the resulting capture of a large quantity and diversity of non-target species. Here, we used DNA barcode methods to identify the composition of the bycatch produced by the trawl fishery of the Brazilian North coast. A total of 182 species belonging to 18 orders and 62 families were captured, including 17 species under some degree of threat in the wild according to the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species (IUCN). These results highlight the impact on the marine biodiversity of northern Brazil caused by the bycatch of small-scale industrial and unregulated fishery operations, and support the application of DNA-based methods for the identification of the bycatch species taken by data-poor fisheries, as a powerful tool for the improvement of the the quality of fishery catch statistics and more precise bycatch records.

Comparing the size selectivity of a novel T90 mesh codend to two conventional codends in the northern shrimp (Pandalus borealis) trawl fishery

The size selectivity and usability of three codends were quantified and compared for the first time in the inshore Northern shrimp (Pandalus borealis) trawl fishery of Iceland using the covered codend method: a conventional diamond-mesh codend (T0), conventional square-mesh codend (T45), and a 90° turned mesh codend (T90) constructed of four panels and with shortened lastridge ropes. Fishers, wanting to increase the average-individual size of captured shrimp, had requested the T90 codend to be compared with conventional codends for consideration in the fishery. Results showed that, on average, the T45 and T90 codends had better size selectivity than the T0 codend in terms of releasing individuals smaller than 13 mm carapace length (Minimum References Size; MRS). The T90 codend retained significantly less Northern shrimps between 9 and 19 mm than the T0 codend and between 15 and 19 mm than the T45 codend. No significant difference of size selectivity between T45 and T0 codends was observed. All three codends presented high retention ratios of Northern shrimps above MRS (>63%) for the population encountered. However, the T0 codend was not effective at sorting out small Northern shrimps; at least 86% of Northern shrimps smaller than 13 mm were retained in the T0 codend if encountered. Catches from T45 and T90 codends had a lower proportion of shrimp below MRS. Since discarding of undersized Northern shrimps is prohibited in Iceland and fishers wanted to catch on average larger shrimp, using the novel T90 codend would enable fishers to use their quotas more efficiently.

Length‐weight relationship of 74 fish species caught in the continental coast of Ecuador

This work analysis the length-weight relationships for fish species captured by artisanal fishery along the continental coast of Ecuador. Fishermen used the following fishing gear: beach seine nets (5.1–31.8 mm), shrimp trawl nets (21.8–31.8 mm) and bottom gill nets (54.1–203.2 mm). Sampling took place during the years 2012 and 2014. Frequency of sampling was monthly, and it was completed systematically from Southern toward Northern Provinces. Length-weight relationship (LWR) was realized by the power model (y = a × xb), for species with a bivariate dataset >70. A total of 59 commercial and 15 non-commercial species were registered. For 74 species, our analysis including a higher total length not reported in LWR estimates previously. The determination coefficient (r2) value was always above 0.95.

Flatfish (Pleuronectiformes) species richness and depth distribution in the Gulf of Nicoya, Golfo Dulce, and two adjacent areas on the Pacific coast of Costa Rica

Abstract: Flatfish diversity and depth distribution in the Gulf of Nicoya, Golfo Dulce, and two adjacent areas on the Pacific coast of Costa Rica. Introduction. Information on flatfish diversity and depth distribution is scarce for the Eastern Tropical Pacific. Historical data is important to evaluate changes in ecosystems due to local, regional and global stressors. Objective. To provide information on the presence, depth distribution and lengths of flatfish species collected by trawl nets. Methods. Fish studies were conducted by trawling at four sites along the Pacific coast of Costa Rica by the survey vessels Skimmer (1979-1989), Nishin Maru (1987-1988) and Victor Hensen (1993-1994). The published lists of species were consulted, museum specimens were accessed, and a list of flatfishes assembled. Results. A total of 36 species were found at the four sites over a depth range of 8 to 359 m. The family Paralichthyidae included 13 species followed by the Cynoglossidae with 12 species. Achiridae had six and Bothidae had five. The most speciose genus was Symphurus with 12 species. Thirty-five species were collected at depths from 10 to 235 m in the Gulf of Nicoya and Golfo Dulce. The Gulf of Nicoya estuary yielded 27 species during the Skimmer expedition and over a depth range of 8 to 60 m, while 31 species were found there during the V. Hensen survey at depths from 10 to 228 m. The V. Hensen survey in Golfo Dulce (20 to 235 m) captured 19 species, and 17 in Coronado Bay (21 to 187 m). Off the Nicoya Peninsula (56 to 359 m) 13 species were collected by the Nishin Maru shrimp trawler. A total of 21 species (58 %) were found at depths greater than 100 m and were probably exposed the low oxygen concentrations characteristic of hypoxia. During the V. Hensen survey Symphurus chabanaudi and S. elongatus were captured more frequently in the Gulf of Nicoya, while S. leei was so in Golfo Dulce. Cluster analyses based on presence-absence data for the Gulf of Nicoya and Golfo Dulce revealed low station similarity indicating habitat partitioning among the species. The size (Total length) of 33 species measured from both the Gulf of Nicoya and Golfo Dulce ranged from 8 cm (Syacium cf longidorsale, Trinectes xanthurus) to 50 cm (S. ovale). Only 12 species were found with lenghts over 20 cm. Of the species collected, A. mazatlanus (30 cm) and S. ovale (50) appear to be length records for the region. Data on flatfish landings by the semi-industrial fishing fleet for the period 2000-2016 indicates that this group represents less than 1% of the total landings (shrimp and bycatch), with a minimum of 365 kg in 2001 and a maximum of 13.414 kg in 2013. Conclusions. The diversity of the flatfish fauna of the Pacific coast of Costa Rica appears relatively high but comparable to that found in other tropical regions. The number of trawling ships has declined significantly on the Pacific coast of Costa Rica after 2014. This reduced fishing impact on the populations provides a good opportunity for updating the trophic models available for both the Gulf of Nicoya and Golfo and their use as tools for better management of the ecosystems.

Distribuição e abundância de isópodes gigantes Bathynomus (Crustacea, Isopoda, Cirolanidae) da Plataforma Continental Amazônica

The present study focuses on the distribution and abundance of the giant isopod community, based on specimens collected using the bottom shrimp trawling on the Amazon continental shelf during fishery surveys, at depths between 81 m and 626 m, conducted during the REVIZEE/Score-North Program between 1996 and 1998. The study area is located within the exclusive economic zone of Brazil, between the States of Amapá and Pará. In total, 170 specimens were collected, distributed in the two species Bathynomus giganteus (n = 49) and Bathynomus miyarei (n = 121), in which 54% of the material were collected in the northern and 46% in the southern sector of the study area. B. miyarei was considered to be the dominant species in both sectors, whereas B. giganteus was uncommon in the northern sector, but abundant in the southern sector. Both species preferred gravelly bottoms in the northern sector, and gravelly sand in the southern sector and were more abundant during the dry season in the northern sector, but during the rainy season in the southern sector. The smallest female B. giganteus was collected in the northern sector, and the largest in the southern sector, whereas both the largest and the smallest female B. miyarei were captured in the southern sector. All the male specimens collected in this study were captured in the northern sector.

Biological observations on the Bengal guitarfish Rhinobatos annandalei Norman, 1926 from the Eastern Arabian Sea, India

Biological data for the little known Bengal guitarfish Rhinobatos annandalei Norman, 1926 (Rhinopristiformes: Rhinobatidae) are presented based on specimens collected from bycatch of commercial shrimp trawlers, gill netters and bag or dol netters operating in the Arabian Sea at depths of 2-70 m off the north-west coast of India. Five hundred ninety-three specimens measuring 30.0 to 95.0 cm total length (TL) and weighing between 64.0 to 3300 g total weight (TW) were collected for the study. The length-weight relationships (LWR) were significantly different between the sexes (p<0.001) and for the combined sexes was derived as TW= 0.000604 TL3.408256 (r2= 0.997). The co-efficients ‘a’, ‘b’ of the LWR were estimated as 0.000621, 3.410115 (r2= 0.999) for females and 0.000766, 3.333872 (r2= 0.999) for males. The length at maturity (TL50) for females and males was estimated to be 61.0 and 63.3 cm TL, respectively. In a single female, the number of embryos ranged from 2 to 11 and the size at birth was estimated between 25.0 to 30.0 cm TL. The overall sex ratio favoured females at the rate of 1.6:1. An analysis of the stomach contents (%IRI) revealed that R. annandalei mainly fed on Solenocera spp. (18.7% IRI), along with P. sculptilis (0.5% IRI), P. stylifera (0.4% IRI), Loligo spp. (0.4% IRI) and sciaenids (0.3% IRI). Since, the species is poorly studied and assessed as ‘Data Deficient’ in the IUCN red list criterion, it is anticipated that the biological results from the present study, will update information on the species thereby enabling more effective management decisions.

Hermit crabs associated to the shrimp bottom-trawl fishery along the Pacific coast of Costa Rica, Central America

Studies of the bycatch associated to the shrimp trawling fishery in the Pacific coast of Costa Rica do not assess small organisms (< 10 cm TL) and non-dominant species (< 0.1% of total catch). There is a void in assessing the maintenance of the ecology and ecosystem on which the fishery depends. Furthermore, the Constitutional Court of Costa Rica prohibited the renewal of existing and the issuing of new shrimp bottom-trawl licenses, indicating the necessity of more scientific information on the impacts of this fishery. We present the results of a 23-month study of the shrimp bottom-trawl fishery performed between 50 and 350 m deep in the Pacific coast of Costa Rica. A total of 109 hermit crabs were collected (six species and two families). Paguristes cf. holmesi was the most common species. Zone II presented the highest species richness and abundance. Most specimens (81.8 %) were caught in shallower waters (50-149 m). More than 45% of the trawls presented hermit crabs. It is imperative to further assess the trawling effects on non-commercial benthic fauna and changes on predator-prey relationships before issuing new shrimp licenses

Reproductive biology of the dart squid, Lolliguncula diomedeae (Cephalopoda: Loliginidae) from Gulf of Tehuantepec, Mexico

ABSTRACT Lolliguncula diomedeae is captured incidentally in the by-catch of the shrimp trawl fishery, however, there is little information about its life history. Therefore, data on reproductive indicators were collected in this study to evaluate the reproductive biology of L. diomedeae in the Gulf of Tehuantepec. A total of 1525 specimens, 1354 females with dorsal mantle length (ML) ranging from 18.9 to 90.3 mm and 171 males with 29.2 to 63.1 mm ML. The sex ratio was 8:1 females/males, with two reproductive peaks, one more intense in November and the other moderate in May. The first maturity size (L50) for females was 66.65 and 40.79 mm in males. The histological analysis showed five stages of development: pre-vitellogenesis, vitellogenesis, post-vitellogenesis, spawning, and post-spawning; with the simultaneous presence of oocytes at different stages. In relation to the results found and the consistent presence of post-ovulatory follicles and oocytes of different sizes and developments, we can infer that L. diomedeae is a multiple reproducer, as it spawns in batches in different periods of time in the study area, which can be considered as an adaptation strategy in response to regional environmental changes.

Changes in Shrimping Effort in the Gulf of Mexico and the Impacts to Red Snapper.

Despite a complex management landscape and decades of overfishing, Red Snapper (Lutjanus campechanus) stocks have grown substantially in the Gulf of Mexico and restrictions on the fisheries that catch them are being loosened. This year, annual shrimping effort was allowed to increase by 21% after National Marine Fisheries Service scientists concluded that the resulting bycatch of Red Snapper would only reduce the annual allowable catch in other fisheries by ∼1% and have no impact on population growth. Nonetheless, the recreational fishing sector intensely campaigned against this rule, fueled by wild mischaracterization of shrimp trawl bycatch in media outlets targeting anglers. Here, we aim to elevate the debates surrounding Red Snapper management by presenting scientific and historical context for the potential impacts from shrimping. We discuss our views of the current problems facing Red Snapper and key ecological questions to address for more effective management of this resource.

Bycatch and discards of shrimp trawling in the Saudi waters of the Arabian Gulf: ecosystem impact assessment and implications for a sustainable fishery management

Shrimp trawl fishery has evoked serious concerns at both regional and global levels due to its strong association with the bycatch and its significant contribution to the total global discards. Using three data methods (examination of fishermen log-books, questionnaire survey and observer monitoring), the bycatch and discards associated with shrimp trawl fishery were studied, for two consecutive seasons (2013-2014 and 2014-2015), in the main shrimp fishing ground off Safaniya, along the Saudi coast in the Arabian Gulf. Safaniya fishing ground, with 37 large shrimp trawlers, was found to contribute a total shrimp catch of 500 to 755 t (up to 11% of the total national shrimp landings). Total bycatch (281-563 t) and discard (114-339 t) were substantial. A total of 104 fish and shellfish species were recorded in the bycatch, including 93 Osteichtyes, 3 Chondrichthyes, 6 Crustaceans and 3 Molluscs. The blue swimming crab, Portunus segnis, prevailed the bycatch (145-160 t), followed by the pharaoh cuttlefish Sepia pharaonis (2-16 t). Safaniya shrimp fishery was found to have high impacts on the shrimp (Penaeus semisulcatus; target species) juveniles and other commercial species. Estimations of total number of turtles captured in the catch ranged between 1492 and 2018, indicating a serious threat of shrimp fishery on local turtle populations. The results of this study emphasize the urgent need to adopt appropriate bycatch reduction devices in shrimp fishery, in addition to enforcement of fisheries management regulations in order to protect the non-target resources and ensure a sustainable shrimp production in the Arabian Gulf.

Migration Corridors and Threats in the Gulf of Mexico and Florida Straits for Loggerhead Sea Turtles

Along migration corridors, animals can face natural and anthropogenic threats that differ from those in breeding and non-breeding residence areas. Satellite telemetry can aid in describing the timing and location of these migrations. We use this tool with switching state-space modeling and line kernel density estimates to identify migration corridors of post-nesting adult female loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta, n = 89 tracks) that nested at five beaches in the Gulf of Mexico. Turtles migrated in both neritic and oceanic areas of the Gulf of Mexico with some exiting the Gulf. High-use migration corridors were found in neritic areas to the west of Florida and also in the Florida Straits. Repeat tracking of post-nesting migrations for eight turtles showed variability in track overlap, ranging from ~13-82% of tracks within 10 km of each other. Migration primarily occurred in July and August. We document the longest known post-nesting migration to-date of a wild adult female loggerhead of > 4300 km, along with an apparent stopover of about one month. Migration corridors overlaid on three spatially explicit anthropogenic threats (shipping density, commercial line fishing, and shrimp trawling) showed hotspots in the Florida Straits, off the northwest Florida coast and off the coast of Tampa Bay. Identifying where and at what intensity multiple human activities and natural processes most likely occur is a key goal of Cumulative Effects Assessments. Our results provide the scientific information needed for designing management strategies for this threatened species. Information about this loggerhead migration corridor can also be used to inform adaptive management as threats shift over time.

TUBARÕES E RAIAS COMO CAPTURA INCIDENTAL NA PESCA ARTESANAL DO LITORAL DO PARANÁ: CONDIÇÃO REPRODUTIVA E VARIAÇÕES SAZONAIS EM COMPOSIÇÃO E ABUNDÂNCIA

Monitoraram-se os desembarques de elasmobrânquios no litoral do Paraná nos anos 2009 e 2010. Descrevem-se atributos de frota e petrechos empregados. As espécies foram caracterizadas quanto ao tamanho dos indivíduos e à condição reprodutiva. Acessaram-se 4.941 indivíduos, 51% tubarões e 49% raias. Foram desembarcados inteiros 82% dos indivíduos, 3,68 t de tubarões e 2,35 t de raias. Identificaram-se 14 espécies de tubarões, peso médio de 1,46 kg (0,067-16,0 kg; DP = 3,83), predominando em número Rhizoprionodon lalandii e Sphyrna zygaena. Os tubarões foram mais capturados na primavera/verão, com maior frequência de neonatos ou imaturos. Registraram-se 12 espécies de raias, peso médio de 0,971 kg (0,394-10,0 kg; DP = 2,80), predominando em número Zapteryx brevirostris e Pseudobatos percellens. As raias foram mais capturadas no outono, em pescarias dirigidas a camarões e pequenos teleósteos, com maior frequência de imaturas ou maduras. Onze das 26 espécies são classificadas como vulneráveis, em perigo ou criticamente ameaçadas. Para fins de conservação, recomendam-se ações educativas pró-descarte de: animais vivos – neonatos em geral, Narcine brasiliensis no arrasto camaroeiro, e jovens e adultos de espécies com captura proibida; e priorização à proteção de Carcharias taurus, P. percellens acompanhante da pesca de linguado, e jovens de Squatina sp., cujos adultos são alvo em redes de emalhe.
 Palavras-chave: reprodução, neonatos, arrasto, captura incidental, Rhizoprionodon lalandii, Sphyrna zygaena, Zapteryx brevirostris.

Length-Weight Relationships of Four Fish Species Associated to Shrimp Trawl Fishery as by-Catch in the Persian Gulf, Iran

Length-length relationships (LLRs) and length-weight relationships (LWRs) were determined for four marine fish from Iranian waters of the Strait of Hormuz: Pseudotriacanthus strigilifer, Rhinobatos annandalei, Muraenesox cinereus, Nematalosa nasus belonging to four families Triacanthidae, Rhinobatidae, Muraenesocidae, Clupeidae. Specimens were collected monthly between October to December 2018 from artisanal shrimp vessels equipped with non-selective bottom trawl net (with mesh size of 20 and 40 mm, respectively at cod-end and body of trawl net). Trawling operation carried out in a depth range of 2 to 20 m. Total length (TL) (nearest to 0.1 cm) and body weights (nearest 0.1 g) were taken each individual. The result of this research provides first length-weight relationship references for R. annandalei and P. strigilifer and first LLR for R. annandalei and new maximum total length for M. cinereus. Estimated parameters of the LLR and LWR models (a and b value) of the equation WB = a(TL)b and TL = a + b(SL) were highly significant (P < 0.01) with a reliable coefficient of determination (R2) ranged from 0.967 to 0.99.

First record and range extension of the Jewel Box clam crab Gemmotheres chamae (Roberts, 1975) to the Gulf of Mexico, with comments on the systematics of the pinnotherines with a 2-segmented palp on the third maxilliped (Crustacea: Brachyura: Pinnotheridae)

Abstract An adult female of the Jewel-Box clam crab Gemmotheres chamae (Roberts, 1975) was collected from a shrimp trawl during a biological exploration off Campeche coast, Mexico. This finding represents its first record in the Gulf of Mexico and the second locality for this species along the Atlantic coast of America, the first being from off North Carolina, U.S.A. As an adult, G. chamae has a soft, thin carapace, and a subconical protuberance on article 1 of the antennae (with the nephridiopore of the antennal gland), so it is considered to belong to the Pinnotherinae sensu stricto. G. chamae and Nannotheres moorei Manning and Felder, 1996 (Atlantic) are the only members of the American Pinnotherinae sensu stricto that have the maxilliped 3 with a 2-segmented palp. The asymmetry of pereiopod 3 is confirmed, as well as that of the pereiopod 4, but the right legs are the longest. All these features are diagnostic for G. chamae.

Simple gear modifications for achieving greater than 40% bycatch reduction in an estuarine shrimp trawl fishery

Simple gear modifications for achieving greater than 40% bycatch reduction in an estuarine shrimp trawl fishery

Population structure, size at first sexual maturity, and feeding ecology of Conodon nobilis (Actinopterygii: Perciformes: Haemulidae) from the coasts of Pernambuco, north-eastern Brazil

Background. Although the information on fish ecology and population dynamic are fundamental for fisheries assessment and the development of sustainable management practices, there is still a gap for bycatch species, mainly in tropical coastal areas. The aim of the presently reported study was to describe the feeding habitats, mean length of maturation, and the population structure of Conodon nobilis (Linnaeus, 1758) caught as bycatch of the shrimp trawl fisheries in the south of Pernambuco, north-eastern Brazil. Materials and methods. Specimens of C. nobilis were collected monthly from August 2011 through July 2012, using an artisanal shrimp outrigger trawler from the local fleet. The population structure was analysed by sex, length, and seasons. Stomachs and gonads were removed and examined to define the length at first maturity (L50) and the feeding habits of C. nobilis in north-eastern Brazil. Results. A total of 272 specimens were caught. The sex ratio was similar among females and males in the area. The mean size at first maturity (L50) was estimated as 14.3 &plusmn; 0.65 cm. The diet of the species was mainly based on crustaceans (Penaeidae) and fish, however, it was not observed differences in the diet between juvenile and adults, and climate seasons. Conclusion. Conodon nobilis was classified as a zoobenthivore species, and showed a higher proportion of individuals caught above the L50. The information here provided, combined with other studies in the region, may contribute to the development of improved management strategies to species conservation and exploited marine habitats in northeast Brazil, which is still mostly unknown.