Application of the Gómez-Muñoz model to estimate catch and effort in the artisanal fishery for the squid Loligo vulgaris (Mollusca: Cephalopoda) in the Ría de Vigo (NW Spain)

Abstract

The Gómez-Muñoz model was developed to aid the management of small-scale or artisanal fisheries and is based on interview data from fishermen and other personnel directly related to the fishery. The non-targeted and targeted Loligo vulgaris fishery in the Ría de Vigo and the Aldán Cove is explored. Eighty-one interviews were carried out. This survey yielded 38 valid interviews, which were used to estimate the parameters of the model for the period 2011-2015. Comparison between official landings and catches estimated by this model showed discrepancies varying between 41.8% and 98.4%, depending on the fish markets considered. An 82.2% decrease of the squid catches over the period 2011-2015 was recorded. The reasons for that drop as well as the sensitivity and accuracy of the model are discussed.