Assessing Cephalopods Fisheries in the Strait of Sicily by Using Poor Data Modeling

Cephalopods, including octopuses, squids, and cuttlefishes, are exploited by both bottom trawl small-scale fisheries (SSF) in most of the Mediterranean areas. Bottom regard cephalopods as a valuable bycatch, whereas for SSF, they among main target species. Cephalopods account relatively small proportion total landings Mediterranean. However, from an economic point view, four cephalopods, Eledone cirrhosa, moschata, Octopus vulgaris , Sepia officinalis approximately 15% landing value. Despite their importance, there very few stock assessments because it is difficult to assess them classical age-based methods, given short life-cycles, highly variable growth recruitment. The production E. cirrhosa moschata Illex coindettii Loligo O. S. Todaropsis eblanae waters off south Sicily accounts 8% yield cephalopods. This study presents first attempt state these Strait using surplus models. Since species-wise statistics may be unreliable morphological similarity, some octopuses ( ) ommastrephid squids I. coindetii T. eblanae) were assessed combined. Landing data abundance indices surveys used describe cephalopod dynamics through Bayesian State Space Schaefer model (BSM) Surplus Production Continuous Time (SPiCT) As survey not considered reliable indicators abundance, L. stocks Catch-Maximum Sustainable Yield (CMSY) model. Overall, squid cuttlefish observed healthy conditions. octopus indicated that condition was critical or recovering. Here, we discuss different statuses light evolving environmental factors area over time. Although priority current management system fisheries, importance species food web relevance SSF underline exploitation status should periodically evaluated.