20 Years Later: Updated Stock Assessment of Snappers in Northeast Brazil Using an Integrated Stock Assessment Framework Fisheries Management and Ecology

We updated the stock status of Lutjanus analis, Lutjanus jocu, Lutjanus synagris, and Ocyurus chrysurus harvested along the Brazilian northeastern coast. Stock boundaries were defined according to the Marine Ecoregion classifications at a finer scale, to reflect the population structure of each species. Data were exclusively from the handline fishing fleet, with removals obtained from fisheries national statistics and published commercial fishery records. Length compositions were from commercial and scientific surveys. Abundance indices were estimated from data from three projects and Brazilian official fishery statistics reports. Growth parameters were from the literature, and natural mortality was estimated using the Natural Mortality Tool. Data were analyzed using the Stock Assessment Continuum Tool. Three of the four species were currently overexploited, with populations having declined by > 70% from 1950 to 2021. In contrast, O. chrysurus yield did not exceed sustainable thresholds, although stocks were declining. Without appropriate management measures, O. chrysurus could also become overexploited. Our results emphasize the need to integrate these species into Brazil's fishery management plans to prevent further stock depletion and ensure long-term sustainability.