Perceived length at first maturity in the lane snapper, Lutjanus synagris (Linnaeus, 1758) (Perciformes: Lutjanidae), along the Caribbean coast of Colombia

Fishery management measures based on knowledge of fish reproductive biology involve estimation of indicators like length at first maturity, Lm.This indicator, as the case is for length-based indicators, is attractive due to its easy of calculation, in particular, in settings where sophisticated fishery assessment is not in place.On the basis of data originated in the artisanal fishery (2008-2014) estimation was made of length at first maturity of the lane snapper Lutjanus synagris in the Colombian Caribbean and the existence or not of spatial patterns in this indicator was investigated.Tests via resampling showed that length at first maturity vary significantly among regions in range of 16.9 cm to 28.9 cm, total length.Differences in gear (handlines and longlines, gillnets) regional size selectivity correlate with the Lm observed spatial pattern.It is hypothesised that fishing has gone so far as to alter the demography of Lutjanus synagris along the coast in terms of a feedback loop and concomitantly, has altered its length at first maturity, at least as perceived from the fishery data.A plea is made as to redefine management objectives, practice and research needs for the Colombian Caribbean artisanal fishery in view of new paradigm shifts proposals regarding life-history effects of selective fishing on the species concerned.