Biology and fisheries of cephalopods
The research on cephalopods, designated as teuthology, has deserved scientific attention since almost the beginning of DOP/UAç. The main reason for this, was the economic importance of the cephalopods in the Azores as they are valuable fishing resources, mainly because of the veined squid (Loligo forbesi). Martins (1982) presented the first results on the biology and fisheries of this species in the Azores. Several other papers on the biology and fishery of this squid followed in subsequent years (e.g. Porteiro et al., 1990; Porteiro, 1994; Porteiro & Martins, 1994). Graduation thesis have been developed on the embryology and behaviour (Porteiro, 1988), ageing and growth (Estácio, 1996) and experimental fishing (Cardigos, 1996) on this squid. The majority of these studies result from international projects (EUROSQUID-I EC-FAR nº MA-1-146; and EUROSQUID-II - EC-AIR1 no. CT92-0573) made in collaboration with other European universities and research institutes. Another cephalopod species that has received attention is the common octopus (Octopus vulgaris), in spite of having less economic importance than the squid in the Azores. Taxonomic studies on these cephalopods have been presented (Gonçalves, 1991; Gonçalves & Martins, 1992). A review on the octopus biology and fisheries was also presented in the thesis by Gonçalves (1993). These studies were funded through a regional grant by the SRAPA/ DRP and were carried out during 1990-91. Future research on teuthology in the Azores will address:
Relevant references:
- new fishing methods for squid and octopus;
- application of genetic methodologies (isozyme electrophoresis and eventually mt-DNA) in order to solve or clarify taxonomic problems in this species of cephalopods as well as, the degree of isolation of the populations of this species in the Azores an nearby areas.
The second goal will be carried out essentially as a research work conducted by a Ph.D. student.
To achieve these goals, a national project, involving 3 other Portuguese partners (DOP/UAç, IPIMAR, University of the Algarve, DSEIP/Madeira) was submitted in 1995 to the PRAXIS-XXI, Marine Sciences Program and is pending decision. This year, another proposal for a regional project was submitted to the Directorate of Fisheries of the Azores and is presently pending decision. Several graduate students will be accepted to carry out the research related with the improvements in cephalopod fishing methods.
1) Cardigos, F.A. 1996. Contributo para a compreensão da pesca de Loligo forbesi nos Açores. Relatório de Estágio da Licenciatura em Biologia Marinha e Pescas. Universidade do Algarve, 82 pp.
2) Estácio, S. V. 1996. Leitura de estatólitos da lula-mansa, Loligo forbesi Steenstrup, 1856, dos Açores - para estudo da idade e crescimento - e experiências de marcação química. Relatório de Estágio da Licenciatura em Biologia Marinha e Pescas. Universidade do Algarve, 78pp.
3) Gonçalves, J. 1991. The Octopoda (Mollusca: Cephalopoda) of the Azores. Arquipélago, Ciências da Natureza, 9: 75-81.
4) Gonçalves, J. 1993. Octopus vulgaris Cuvier, 1797 (polvo-comum): Sinopse da biologia e exploração. "APCC" Thesis. University of the Azores. 470 pp.
5) Gonçalves, J. & H. R. Martins 1992. Additions to the Octopoda (Mollusca: Cephalopoda) fauna of Madeira. Bocagiana, 157: 11 p.
6) Martins, H. R. 1982. Biological studies of the exploited stock of Loligo forbesi (Mollusca: Cephalopoda) in the Azores. J. mar. Biol. Assoc., U. K., 62: 799-808.
7) Porteiro, F. M. 1988. Embriologia em Loligo forbesi e comportamento de adultos de L. forbesi em cativeiro. Relatório de Estágio Científico da Licenciatura em Biologia. Faculdade de Ciências de Lisboa, 130 pp.
8) Porteiro, F.M. 1994. The present status of the squid fishery (Loligo forbesi) in the Azores archipelago. Fish. Res., 21: 243-253.
9) Porteiro, F. M. & H. R. Martins 1994. Biology of Loligo forbesi Steenstrup, 1856 (Mollusca: Cephalopoda) in the Azores: sample composition and maturation of squid caught by jigging. Fish. Res., 21: 103-114.
10) Porteiro, F. M., H. R. Martins & R. T. Hanklon 1990. Some observations on the behaviour of adult squids, Loligo forbesi, in captivity. J. mar. Biol. Assoc., U. K., 70: 459-472.
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