The sociology and habits of recreational anglers on the Island of Majorca (western Mediterranean) were evaluated using telephone and on-site surveys, as well as fishing logbooks and recreational fishing competitions. The recreational fishery is one of the island's main leisure activities, 5.14% of the population (37 265 people) participating. Enthusiasts tend to be mainly middle class (most anglers own boats moored at marinas), middle-aged males (90% male, mean age 46 ± 2 years). The most popular fishing method is from a boat (62.9%), followed by fishing from shore (32.4%), and spearfishing (3.6%). The mean time spent fishing is 3.86 ± 0.03 h d−1, and more than one type of gear (mean 1.27 ± 0.21) is used simultaneously by a single angler. The frequency of fishing is 4–6 times per month, mainly on holidays and weekends, increasing in summer. The activity has a sizeable impact on the coastal fauna, with diverse catches of at least 1209.25 t year−1 (about 615 000 fishing outings year−1). Thus, the amount of carbon extracted annually is at least 137.34 kg C km−2 year−1, and the recreational fishery removes about 31% of production at trophic level 4. Although these are gross estimates and more detailed study of the effect on trophic level and local production is needed, the values do highlight the pressure the recreational fishery exerts on coastal fish communities. Assuming that this level of exploitation is common to north-shore Mediterranean countries, there may be cause for concern about sustainable exploitation in the recreational fishery, and the effectiveness of current protection measures is discussed. Despite the limitations of the study, recreational fisheries clearly should be taken into account when considering measures for fisheries management. Moreover, fishing has considerable social import, and the benefits must be taken into account when investments to protect exploited resources are being contemplated.

Density, population structure and spatial distribution of the invasive crab Percnon gibbesi in western Mediterranean waters were investigated. Densities appeared highest within pebble substrates, reaching up to 3 ind. m -2. Modal length was 20 mm carapace length (CL), with the presence of ovigerous females from 18 mm CL. Maximum densities were observed at 1 m depth. There were significant differences in habitat preference toward boulders of variable size with algal cover not higher than 0.5 cm. Although individuals were highly active during the daytime, activity patterns were highest at sunset. Further studies are required on the biology and ecology of this grapsid crab to better understand the reasons for its population growth along Mediterranean coasts and to ascertain the means of colonization. KEY WORDS: Percnon gibbesi · Grapsidae · Mediterranean · Alien speciesResale or republication not permitted without written consent of the publisher

Summary Short‐term mortality and size selectivity resulting from different hook types and sizes were studied. Special emphasis was on derbio, Trachynotus ovatus, as it is commonly caught as an undersized species in recreational fisheries of the Balearic Islands (Western Mediterranean). Results showed that mortality was generally low (0–17.9%). The anatomical hook location (AHL) (the anatomical region where the hook penetrated) was the main significant predictor of mortality, as more than 85% of fish caught in deep locations of the body, such as the oesophagus, stomach or gills, died over a 2 h‐holding period. Hook size was also a significant predictor of mortality because the mortality rates caused by the smallest hooks (sizes 14 and 12) were higher than those of the largest hooks (sizes 10, 8 and 6). For circle hooks, mortality and deep‐hooking incidences were not observed, confirming the conservation properties of this hook type. To estimate size selectivity parameters, applied logistic models normally used in commercial fisheries were fitted to estimate descriptors of slope of selectivity curves and L50 (length at 50% selection). Results showed that larger hooks were more size‐selective than smaller hooks, but also fewer fish were caught. However, the yield (g h−1) between hook sizes did not change dramatically (large hooks 1345.0 ± 179.8 g h−1; small hooks 1467.8 ± 66.5 g h−1), since large hooks tended to catch much larger fish than the smaller hooks. As a strategy to conserve resources the use of larger hooks in recreational fisheries is therefore recommended since they result in minimal mortality to released fish and reduce incidental catch of undersized fishes.

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