ECONOMIC EVALUATION OF THE SEABOB SHRIMP, Xiphopenaeus kroyeri (HELLER, 1862), FISHERIES IN CARAVELAS - BA, BRAZIL

The objective of this study was to evaluate the management and economic return of the seabob shrimp (Xiphopenaeus kroyeri) fisheries in Caravelas, Bahia, Brazil. Monitoring data of fisheries landings from October 2010 to November 2011 were analyzed. An increase in the number of vessels that operated in the trolling fisheries in the period subsequent to the season closure was observed, as well as greater total catch compared to the remaining days of the year. Consequently, the price paid for the shrimp to the fisherman dropped 35% compared to the period before the closure, causing an economic loss to the community. An increase of the catch-per-unit-effort (CPUE) was observed in the period following the closure season, as well as a lower cost for shrimp capture, which incentivizes fishing regardless of the lower price.