Pagellus genus catches time series in the FAO Major Fishing Areas 27 and 34: Analysis of fishery behaviour

Abstract

Based on, catch reconstructed data, we constructed the fisheries of the Pagellus genus between 1950 and 2014 in FAO Major Fishing Areas 27 and 34 and overall by continent and by species, namely, Pagellus acarne, Pagellus bellottii, Pagellus bogaraveo and Pagellus erythrinus. Additionally, we considered the group Pagellus sp. to include species identified to the genus level only. Regression of estimates of linear time trends, change point analysis and autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) models revealed significant variations and historical changes in catch time series, the trend being a primarily downward with a progressive increase in the intensity of fishing pressure on the populations of this genus. This situation may be attributable to regulatory and technological transitions and environmental variability, as well as the biology of the species. For this reason, the results of this multi-species study may be useful, in guiding changes for more management and more sustainable fisheries, helping to achieve proper governance of this resource.