Incidental catch of dolphins in trawling fisheries off Patagonia, Argentina: can populations persist?

Abstract

The incidental mortality of dusky dolphins (Lagenorhynchus obscurus) in the Patagonian trawling fishery is a well‐known problem, especially in mid‐water trawl fisheries for shrimp and anchovy. Therefore, it is necessary to determine if recent levels of dolphin bycatch are compatible with the persistence of the dusky dolphin population. This was assessed by comparing annual bycatch rates with a sequence of critical values. These values were based on the maximum rate of increase (rmax) = λ − 1, where λ is the finite rate of increase. The finite rate of increase was estimated from a Leslie matrix where Monte Carlo procedures were employed to incorporate parameter uncertainties (age at first reproduction, survival rates, and fertility). Model life tables were used for survival, and reproductive parameters were estimated from available data on calving interval and age at sexual maturity. Uncertainties associated with annual bycatch rates were also included in the analysis through another randomization procedure that incorporated the variability in dolphin catch per unit effort, nominal fishing effort, and population size. This modeling approach rendered frequency distributions for the parameters of interest. Considering the critical values for incidental mortality rate as (1/2)R = (1/2)rmax and (1/4)R = (1/4)rmax, and a 2‐yr calving interval scenario, the probability that recent dolphin bycatch rates exceed the maximum annual removal rates were higher than 0.3. These results suggest that incidental mortality due to fishing could be, or may become, a threat for the dusky dolphin population off Patagonia. Therefore, a more accurate and intense monitoring program is needed to avoid the decline of this population. Also, this issue should be included in the fishery management strategies to be implemented in the near future.