Demography of the black grouper, Mycteroperca bonaci (Poey, 1860) (Teleostei: Epinephelidae) from the North Brazil Shelf

Mycteroperca bonaci (black grouper) is one of the most sought species of grouper along its entire distribution, being a prime target for demersal line fisheries because of its high commercial value. Nonetheless, because of population declines the species is considered near threatened according to the IUCN red list. The present study aimed to determine the population parameters of M. bonaci, including growth, reproduction and mortality, and thus contributes to measures towards its conservation and management in the southwestern Atlantic. The sampling area is in the North Brazil Shelf, off Maranhão State, an area of intense fisheries development and yet poorly known. The large continental shelf harbours unique coral reef formations and has been declared an ecologically or biologically significant marine area (EBSA). Sampling on landing sites was carried out monthly between May 2017 and January 2019. A total of 137 black grouper specimens were sampled from commercial landings of artisanal fisheries. The size of the specimens ranged from 44 to 157 cm, and the weight varied from 0.976 to 54 kg. The length-weight was established: log(TW) = -11.26 + 3.01log(TL). Histological analysis of the gonads confirmed only the presence of female individuals, and the occurrence of individuals in the sexual transition was not recorded. Higher GSI values and higher frequency of spawning capable staged individuals occurred during the months of June to August, indicating spawning peaks. The estimated age of sexual maturity A50 for females was 4.62 years ( x _ 93 cm-TL). The growth parameters for the Von Bertalanffy model were TL∞ (cm): 185.5, k: 0.04, t₀ (year): -4.75 (t₀ not fixed) and TL∞ (cm): 141, k: 0.11 (t₀  = 0 fixed). The total estimated mortality rate (Z) according to catch length presented a Z value = 0.11, and the natural mortality was M = 0.04 year^-1 . This is the first study on the age and growth of M. bonaci in the SWA, a region where the species is considered as endangered according to Brazil's red list regional assessment. Only females were present in the samples, results that suggest either differential capturability of sexes because of distinct patterns of behaviour or distribution or an effect of selective mortality upon larger and older individuals, as the species is described as a protogynous hermaphrodite. This indicates the need to closely manage this population to avoid collapses. Recovery plans that have been planned by the Brazilian government but not yet implemented for the species must be put into practice to avoid progressive decline as fisheries target more remote areas.