Biomass and distribution of the jumbo squid (Dosidicus gigas; d'Orbigny, 1835) in the Gulf of California, Mexico

The objective of this study was to estimate the total biomass and distribut ion of the population of jumbo squid Dosidicus gigas in the Gulf of Califor nia and its relation to sea temperature. Data were collected on the R/V BIP XI during a 20-day cruise (16 May to 3 June 1996). The cruise covered a gr id of 59 stations within 25 degrees 10'-28 degrees 50'N and 109 degrees 30' -112 degrees 45'W. At each station, fishing was done by using attraction of light and jigs with six rings of barbless hooks. Biomass was estimated by stratified random sampling, and swept area by strata. The first method yiel ded an estimate of 85 513 metric tons (t), 95% interval of 79 613-93 413 t, and the second method 118 170 t (95% interval of 113 243-123 097 t). Squid were found in almost all the area covered by the cruise, There was a north to south gradient in catch, with the highest catch between 28 degrees and 28 degrees 30'N and lower catch along the coast of Sonora, south of 27 degr eesN. There was no relationship between biomass, distribution, and water te mperature from surface to 70 m depth. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All ri ghts reserved.