CPUE and Environmental Variables as Indicators of Snapper and Grouper Spawning Aggregation Areas in Brazil

ABSTRACT

Many snapper and grouper species form predictable spawning aggregations that are highly vulnerable to overfishing. This study used artisanal fishery landing records from 2005 to 2007 and 2017 to 2018 to identify preliminary spatial and temporal indicators of possible aggregations for Mycteroperca bonaci , Epinephelus morio , Ocyurus chrysurus , Lutjanus jocu , and Lutjanus analis . Catch per unit effort (CPUE) was standardized by fisher and trip duration, and records exceeding four times the species‐specific mean were mapped and related to environmental variables using exploratory Gamma generalized linear models. The Abrolhos Bank was the primary fishing area among monitored sites. High‐CPUE records occurred mainly over reefs, rhodolith beds, seamounts, and unconsolidated bottoms. Habitat was significantly associated with CPUE for M. bonaci , L. jocu , and L. analis , whereas sea surface temperature was significant only for M. bonaci . These patterns are preliminary indicators, not confirmation of spawning aggregations, and identify priorities for field validation, monitoring, and spatial management.