A comparison between the biology and the exploitation level of two pink shrimp (Aristeus antennatus) stocks from two different areas in the Spanish Mediterranean

This study compares the biology and fishery of Aristeus antennatus in the Ibiza Channel and in the Gulf of Vera. Monthly sampling data were obtained from commercial catches landed in two representative ports (Santa Pola and Garrucha) from each area from 1992 through 1994. The sizes of the catches showed similar length distribution, with sexual dimorphism in size, although those from Ibiza were slightly smaller. The biological parameters were very similar between the two areas. The values of biomass, yields and mortality obtained through LCA, VPA, and Y/R analysis showed an exploitation scheme that was slightly skewed towards overexploitation, which was clearer in Ibiza. The results showed that the resource was more important in the case of the Gulf of Vera.