Some aspects of the population dynamics of the crevalle jack Caranx hippos (pisces: carangidae) in Bocas de Ceniza, colombian Caribbean

Objetive. To evaluate the biological aspects and the population dynamics of the Crevalle jack (Caranx hippos) from Bocas de Ceniza, colombian Caribbean. Materials and methods. Between June 2005 and June 2006 length frequency data were collected to determine fork length?weight relationship, mean maturity size (L50%), Von Bertalanffy’s equation growth parameters (K, L∞ y t0), mortality (M, F y Z) and exploitation (E) rates. A total of 1151 individuals were sampled, and 264 were used for biologic analysis. Results. Fork lengthweight relationship showed differences between genders. L50% was estimated in 63.6 cm FL. Growth parameters values were: L∞ = 91 cm FL, K= 0.38 year-1 y to=0.32 year. The comparative growth index (Ф’) values ranged from 3.33 to 3.73. Total mortality rate (Z) was estimated as 1.85 year-1, fishing mortality (F) as 0.72 year-1 and natural mortality (M) as 1.13 year-1. Exploitation rate (E) was determined as 0.31 year-1. Conclusions. The exploitation rate indicated that Crevalle jack from Bocas de Ceniza was not overexploited; before 50% of the population reach its sexual maturity. We propose a framework for a fishery management system, assuring the conservation and suitable use of this resource.