Age, growth, and reproduction traits of i Pontinus sierra /i , captured by the artisanal fisheries in Ecuador

this study evaluated the age, growth, and reproduction traits of Pontinus sierra, captured by the artisanal longline fleet in the Las Piñas Fishing Cove, Manabí, Ecuador, from May 2018 to April 2019, with an analysis of 253 specimens. Samples were transported to the biology laboratory of the Faculty of Marine Sciences at the Universidad Laica Eloy Alfaro de Manabí, where the corresponding morphometric analyses were conducted. The length-weight relationship was established (W=0.02TL2.69), indicating negative allometric growth. Otolith analysis identified up to 16 age groups and was consistent among the three readers, APE=1.70, CV=5.64. Bayesian multimodel analysis selected the von Bertalanffy model as the best fit (Looic=639.40), with growth parameters L∞=43.44cm TL, k=0.10. The mean size and age at sexual maturity were 22.64cm LT and 7.41, respectively. Reproductive dynamics, evaluated using the Gonadosomatic Index (GSI), showed reproductive activity and significant differences throughout the study period (K-W=89.01 P 0.05). P. sierra exhibited moderately slow growth, being a long-lived species with continuous reproduction. These findings provide crucial information for the sustainable management of this important fishing resource in the region.