Paloma Alcorlo*, Victor Noguerales, Salvador Mollá
The aim of this work is to propose an alternative management and control strategy of crayfishing Procambarus clarkii in the Doñana area. A simulation model was developed (Stella 8.0) to evaluate the effects of different fishing effort on crayfish populations during certain times of the year. Then different management options were simulated: Strategy 0: No fishing activity, Strategy 1: Obtaining the maximum yield of crayfish following the current fishing effort regulations, and Strategy 2: Obtaining the maximum yield of crayfish by restricting the fishing effort to the period of the greatest production. The model explained 73.68% of the variance in population biomass. A review and resetting of the crayfishing regulations in this area according to the periods proposed in Strategy 2, was recommended. This management proposal in the developed model was the one that ensures sustainable yields at the same time that preserves biodiversity by restricting the harvesting of crayfish to rice fields and channels from April to September.
