Analysis of Big Game Fishing Catches of Blue Marlin ( Makaira nigricans ) in the Madeira Archipelago (Eastern Atlantic) and Factors that Affect Its Presence

Roi Martinez-Escauriaza, Pablo Pita, Maria Lídia Ferreira de Gouveia, Nuno Manuel Abreu Gouveia, Eduardo Teixeira, Mafalda de Freitas and Margarida Hermida
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Roi Martinez-Escauriaza: Oceanic Observatory of Madeira, Agência Regional para o Desenvolvimento da Investigação Tecnologia e Inovação (ARDITI), Edifício Madeira Tecnopolo, 9020-105 Funchal, Portugal
Pablo Pita: Campus Do Mar, International Campus of Excellence, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
Maria Lídia Ferreira de Gouveia: Direção Regional do Mar, Direção de Serviços de Monitorização, Estudos e Investigação do Mar (DRM/DSEIMar), 9004-562 Funchal, Portugal
Nuno Manuel Abreu Gouveia: Direção Regional de Pescas, Direção de Serviços de Inspeção e Controlo, Edifício da Sociedade Metropolitana de Câmara de Lobos, 9300-138 Câmara de Lobos, Portugal
Eduardo Teixeira: Big Game Club of Portugal in Madeira, 9000-171 Funchal, Portugal
Mafalda de Freitas: Oceanic Observatory of Madeira, Agência Regional para o Desenvolvimento da Investigação Tecnologia e Inovação (ARDITI), Edifício Madeira Tecnopolo, 9020-105 Funchal, Portugal
Margarida Hermida: Oceanic Observatory of Madeira, Agência Regional para o Desenvolvimento da Investigação Tecnologia e Inovação (ARDITI), Edifício Madeira Tecnopolo, 9020-105 Funchal, Portugal

Sustainability, 2021, vol. 13, issue 16, 1-17

Abstract: The archipelago of Madeira (Portugal) is one of the main European big game fishing locations, where the main target species is the blue marlin ( Makaira nigricans ). Catch data for these fish were used to analyze their presence over the years, estimate their average weights, and calculate annual fishing success rates. The results showed a marked seasonal effect, with higher average catch rates in summer (June–July), suggesting a migration from the equatorial waters they inhabit at the beginning of the year to northern areas when the waters become warmer. The influences of some environmental factors were analyzed using generalized additive models, and it was observed that the occurrence of blue marlin may be influenced by water temperature, wind, rain, and atmospheric pressure. This fishery did not register a high mortality rate in blue marlin specimens due to the usual practice of catch and release; individuals captured in this fishery can be used as a source of information that allows for follow-up on the status of the blue marlin population in the region.

Keywords: sport fishing; Macaronesia; GAM; Portugal; catch and release; seasonality (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
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