Crecimiento y producción somática de la concha de abanico (Argopecten purpuratus) en Bahía Independencia, Pisco (Perú) comparados entre eventos El Niño y La Niña

Abstract

Argopecten purpuratus is the most economically important shellfish resource in the central coast of Peru. In the last years, the information about its stock, population structure and temporal changes (recruitment, reproduction, etc.) has increased. However, some aspects of its dynamics during the ENSO periods are still unknown. The present study compares various population parameters of the scallop Argopecten purpuratus between the warm El Niño 1997-98 event and the cold La Niña 1999-2000 event. During El Niño, growth rate was about three times higher than that registered during La Niña, while the population's somatic production and the annual turnover rate (P/B) were respectively tenfold and twice higher than that observed during La Niña. These results demonstrate positive effects of El Niño on the growth and secondary production of A. purpuratus. This knowledge is an important contribution for fishery management system.