Avaliação da selectividade da rede de emalhar usada para a captura da sardinha branca Sardinella albella, (Valencienne 1847) no centro de pesca de Zalala-Quelimane

Abstract

This study evaluated the selectivity of gillnets used for capturing the White Sardinella (Sardinella albella, Valencienne 1847) at the Zalala fishing center, Zambézia Province. Catches between April and June 2024 were analyzed, involving 48 surface gillnets of 1.5 and 2 inches, with 329 and 323 individuals sampled in the two mesh sizes, respectively. Fish were quantified by size class and recorded in Excel spreadsheets. Net selectivity was determined using Holt’s method, while the mean size at first maturity (L50), defined as the point at which 50% of the population reaches sexual maturity, was estimated using Vazzoler’s (1996) graphical model. Results indicated that the optimal capture size is 14.5 cm, while maturity occurs at 13 cm. The use of 2-inch or larger nets provides greater economic gain and contributes to the sustainability of the fishing activity