Abstract: In this article we analyze state selectivity in environmental agenda setting and legislative process in the State of Paraná, over the course of two four-year legislative sessions, between 2007 and 2014. On the basis of a qualitative-quantitative approach, we investigated the characteristics and proceedings of 180 environmental bills. The analysis looked at the party of the proponent, its ideological identification and the role of the executive branch in the legislative process. The findings indicate that, despite the executive’s strong ability to influence the legislature, the latter assumes greater autonomy in its agenda and imposes defeats on the former, depending on the power relations and environmental issues at stake. The little attention given to the legislative process has obscured its critical and strategic position in the selectivity of environmental policy. The legislature plays an important role in legitimizing the executive’s actions while barring projects and extinguishing laws that threaten hegemonic economic sectors.

Resumen: En este artículo, analizamos la selectividad estatal en la fijación de la agenda y en el proceso legislativo de los proyectos de ley ambientales en dos legislaturas del estado de Paraná, entre 2007 y 2014. Con base cualitativa y cuantitativa, investigamos las características y el procesamiento de 180 proyectos de ley ambientales, considerando el partido político proponente, el espectro ideológico y el rol del Poder Ejecutivo. Los hallazgos indican que, a pesar de la fuerte capacidad de influencia del Poder Ejecutivo sobre el Legislativo, este último asume mayor autonomía en su agenda e impone derrotas al primero, dependiendo del equilibrio de fuerzas y de los temas ambientales en juego. La poca atención prestada al proceso legislativo contribuye a ocultar su posición crítica y estratégica en la selectividad de la política ambiental. El Poder Legislativo juega un papel importante en la legitimación de las acciones del Ejecutivo, al tiempo que bloquea proyectos y extingue leyes que amenazan a los sectores económicos hegemónicos.

Resumo: Neste artigo analisamos a seletividade estatal na formação da agenda e no processo legislativo de projetos de lei ambientais em duas legislaturas do estado do Paraná, entre 2007 e 2014. Com base quali-quantitativa, investigamos as características e a tramitação de 180 projetos ambientais considerando o partido proponente, o espectro ideológico e o papel do Poder Executivo. Os achados apontam que, apesar da forte capacidade de influência do Executivo sob o Legislativo, este assume maior autonomia na sua agenda e impõe derrotas àquele, conforme as relações de forças e os temas ambientais em jogo. A pouca atenção dada ao processo legislativo tem obscurecido a sua posição crítica e estratégica na seletividade da política ambiental. O Legislativo tem um papel importante na legitimação das ações do Executivo, ao mesmo tempo em que barra projetos e extingue leis que ameacem setores econômicos hegemônicos.

Resumo O objetivo deste estudo foi descrever e ilustrar os estágios larvais iniciais, ou seja, o desenvolvimento naupliar completo e a primeira protozoea (PZI) de Sicyonia dorsalis e S. typica obtidos em laboratório. Também fornecemos observações a partir de uma análise comparativa da morfologia desses estágios entre representantes do gênero e as características morfológicas para distingui-los de outros Penaeoidea no plâncton. Nossos resultados indicam que o desenvolvimento naupliar de Sicyonia é composto por cinco estágios (NI a NV). Não foram encontradas diferenças na morfologia dos estágios naupliares e PZI das duas espécies estudadas, apesar de serem consideradas filogeneticamente distantes dentro do gênero. Nossa hipótese é que as diferenças morfológicas surgem mais tarde durante o desenvolvimento ontogenético. As comparações com as descrições larvais de congêneres revelaram que os estágios naupliares e PZI são muito semelhantes, no entanto, algumas diferenças morfológicas foram observadas. Conforme ilustrado aqui, há uma clara necessidade de novas descrições do grupo estudado e generalizações e conclusões de padrões na morfologia larval neste momento precisam ser feitas com cautela, pois dados de um número ainda insuficiente de espécies estão disponíveis.

Abstract The aim of this study was to describe and illustrate the early larval stages, i.e., the complete naupliar development and the first protozoea (PZI) of Sicyonia dorsalis and S. typica obtained under laboratory conditions. We also provide remarks from a comparative analysis of the morphology of these stages among representatives of the genus and furnish morphological characteristics to distinguish them from another penaeoidean in the plankton. Our results indicate that the naupliar development of Sicyonia is composed of five stages (NI to NV). No differences were found in the morphology of the naupliar and PZI stages of the two studied species, even though they are considered phylogenetically distant into the genus. We suspect that morphological differences arise later during ontogenetic development. The comparisons with larval descriptions of congeners revealed that naupliar stages and PZI were very similar, nevertheless, some morphological differences were observed. As illustrated here, there is a clear need of new descriptions of the studied group and generalizations and conclusions of larval morphology patterns at this point need to be made with caution, because data of a still insufficient number of species is available.

Resumo O objetivo deste trabalho foi estimar os parâmetros genéticos de genótipos de mandioca (Manihot esculenta) cultivados em campo, bem como a divergência genética entre eles, para identificar quais apresentam maior resistência à antracnose e à bacteriose. Foram realizados três experimentos independentes, tendo-se avaliado 133 acessos e nove cultivares comerciais de mandioca distribuídos em cinco blocos, com cinco plantas por parcela, em cada experimento. No primeiro experimento, as plantas foram submetidas à inoculação de Xanthomonas phaseolis pv. manihotis (bacteriose). No segundo, as plantas foram submetidas à inoculação de Colletotrichum gloeosporioides f. sp. manihotis (antracnose). No terceiro, realizado em delineamento de blocos aumentados e sob ocorrência natural das doenças, foram feitas avaliações visuais das plantas por escala de notas. A herdabilidade foi utilizada como parâmetro genético, e o método de grupos de pares não ponderados com média aritmética foi aplicado para determinação de divergência genética e agrupamento. No terceiro experimento, detectaram-se diferenças genéticas entre os acessos, que foram avaliados quanto à área abaixo da curva de progressão da doença (AUDPC) para antracnose e bacteriose. No primeiro e no terceiro experimento de bacteriose, as chances de sucesso na seleção de acessos resistentes são maiores, em razão dos altos valores de herdabilidade obtidos. Os acessos BGM-1170 e BGM-1134 mostram as menores médias de AUDPC e são considerados resistentes à antracnose e à bacteriose.

Abstract The objective of this work was to estimate the genetic parameters of cassava (Manihot esculenta) genotypes cultivated in the field, as well as the genetic divergence between them, in order to identify which ones show a greater resistance to anthracnose and bacteriosis. Three independent experiments were carried out, evaluating 133 accessions and nine commercial cultivars of cassava distributed in five blocks, with five plants per plot in each experiment. In the first experiment, the plants were subjected to inoculation with Xanthomonas phaseoli pv. manihotis (bacteriosis). In the second, the plants were subjected to inoculation with Colletotrichum gloeosporioides f. sp. manihotis (anthracnose). In the third, carried out in an augmented block design and under naturally occurring diseases, visual evaluations of the plants were performed using a rating scale. Heritability was used as a genetic parameter, and the unweighted pair group method with arithmetic mean was applied to determine genetic divergence and clustering. In the third experiment, genetic variability was detected among accessions, which were evaluated for the area under the disease progress curve (AUDPC) for anthracnose and bacteriosis. In the first and third experiments of bacteriosis, the chances of success in the selection of resistant accessions are higher due to the high heritability values obtained. The BGM-1170 and BGM-1134 accessions show the lowest mean for AUDPC and are considered resistant to anthracnose and bacteriosis.

Abstract The morphology of the first zoeal stage of Pilumnus vinaceus is described and compared with the zoea I of Pilumnus all species in the literature. Two ovigerous females of P. vinaceus were maintained in the aquarium facilities until the larvae hatch. The larvae of each ovigerous female were dissected using a stereoscopic microscope. The zoea I of P. vinaceus has common characteristics among the Pilumnidae as: [1] antenna of type 2; [2] maxilliped 1 with 2+2+3+3 setae on the basis and with 3,2,1,2,5 setae in the endopod; [3] maxilliped 2 with 1+1+1+1 setae on the basis and 1,1,6 setae on the endopod; [4] telson with furcal rami armed with dorsal and lateral spines. Considering the species of Pilumnus that occur in the western Atlantic, it becomes possible to identify P. vinaceus zoea I by means of the verification of the following characteristics: [1] pleonites with mediolateral processes; [2] number of setae on the antennule. It is however, important to consider that there is still a great deficit in the knowledge about the morphology of the larval forms of the species assigned to Pilumnus and we argue in favor of new descriptions to build a more robust dataset on zoeal morphology characters and use it in a phylogenetic context on the genus.

Resumo: Foi realizada uma descrição completa e detalhada da primeira zoea de Ogyrides occidentalis. As larvas foram obtidas em laboratório a partir de uma fêmea com embriões coletada em Ubatuba, estado de São Paulo, Brasil. Os caracteres morfológicos são comparados com a descrição anterior da espécie proximamente relacionada O. alphaerostris. Apesar de algumas semelhanças (número de apêndices, somitos abdominais e cerdas na maioria dos apêndices) foram encontradas diferenças substanciais entre as duas espécies, como o tamanho das larvas e do rostro, e segmentação de algumas estruturas (exopodito da antena e entre coxa e base do primeiro maxilípede). No entanto, essas diferenças devem ser interpretadas com cuidado porque a descrição larval de O. alphaerostris foi realizada antes da padronização proposta para as descrições da morfologia larval de decápodes. A presente descrição larval forneceu informações adicionais para corroborar a recente ressurreição de O. occidentalis e será útil para futuros estudos ecológicos e comparativos.

Abstract: A complete and detailed description of the first zoeal stage of Ogyrides occidentalis is provided. Larvae were obtained in the laboratory from a female with embryos collected in Ubatuba, State of São Paulo, Brazil. The morphological characters are compared with previous description of the close related O. alphaerostris. Despite of some similarities (number of appendages, pleonites, and setae on the majority of appendages) substantial differences were found between the two species, as the size of larvae and rostrum and segmentation of some structures (antenna exopod, first maxilliped coxa and basis). However, these differences must be interpreted carefully because larval description of O. alphaerostris was conducted before the proposed standardization for decapod larval morphology descriptions. The present larval description furnished additional information to corroborate the recent resurrection of O. occidentalis and will be useful for future comparative and ecological research.

Resumo: Este é um estudo de caso único de abordagem fenomenológica, exploratória e qualitativa, com recorte temporal horizontal. O objetivo do estudo foi fazer emergir o estágio atual de uma pequena indústria aeronáutica catarinense em relação às ferramentas de offset e transferência de tecnologia. Para atingir este objetivo a coleta de dados envolveu entrevistas, observação da linha de montagem e análise de páginas da internet. Os resultados indicam visão positiva em relação ao offset, apesar do seu não emprego. A percepção sobre a transferência de tecnologia é negativa, constatando-se que a organização necessita de tecnologias externas no seu dia-a-dia.

Abstract: This is a unique case study of a phenomenological, exploratory and qualitative approach, with a horizontal temporal cut. The goal of the present study was to bring up the current stage of a small aeronautical industry in Santa Catarina in regards to offset and technology transfer tools. In order to achieve this goal, data collection involved interviews, assembly line observation and web page analysis. The results indicate a positive outlook regarding the offset, despite its non-use. The perception about technology transfer is negative, being verified that the organization needs external technologies.

RESUMO Maturidade sexual morfológica do caranguejo marinho Xanthodius parvulus no Parque Estadual Marinho Laje de Santos, São Paulo, Brasil. O caranguejo marinho Xanthodius parvulus (Fabricius, 1793) tem distribuição natural ao longo do Atlântico Ocidental, comumente encontrado no litoral nordeste brasileiro. Contudo, essa espécie vem sendo amplamente registrada ao longo do litoral sudeste, especialmente na costa do estado de São Paulo, em ilhas próximas a regiões portuárias, (que são regiões recorrentes para introdução de espécies exóticas). O presente estudo tem como objetivo estimar a maturidade sexual morfológica (utilizando crescimento relativo) de X. parvulus para que seja possível compreender o funcionamento de padrões biológicos da mesma em uma área de preservação ambiental, subsidiando assim, possíveis intepretações para futuros estudos de conservação e manejo da espécie. Os caranguejos foram amostrados no Parque Estadual Marinho Laje de Santos, uma importante área de preservação do estado de São Paulo, utilizando substrato artificial de refúgio e captura ativa com mergulho autônomo como metodologia. A maturidade sexual morfológica das fêmeas foi estimada em 7,28 mm, considerando a relação da Largura do Abdome vs. Largura da Carapaça, enquanto para os machos, este valor foi de 8,83 mm baseando na relação Comprimento do Gonopódio vs. Largura da Carapaça, as fêmeas apresentaram um incremento no crescimento abdominal, mesmo durante os estágios mais maduros para alcançar um maior sucesso reprodutivo, uma vez que as estruturas abdominais são usadas na proteção dos embriões. A relação Comprimento do Gonopódio vs. Largura da Carapaça indicou que os machos, por sua vez, podem copular com fêmeas em diferentes tamanhos, uma vez que um crescimento não exagerado da estrutura mantém o gonopódio em tamanho adequado a todos os tamanhos de poros genitais das fêmeas, corroborado pelo crescimento alométrico negativo em juvenis e crescimento isométrico nos adultos. Sendo assim, estimando o tamanho da maturidade sexual das espécies, torna-se possível o desenvolvimento de um modelo para reconhecimento da biologia e padrões reprodutivos dos animais, sendo uma importante ferramenta no conhecimento comportamental e para registro de um dos parâmetros para se avaliar o status de conservação da espécie na área.

ABSTRACT The marine crab Xanthodius parvulus (Fabricius, 1793) is naturally distributed in the Western Atlantic, being commonly found in the northeastern Brazilian coast. However, this species has been also recorded in the southeastern coast, especially in São Paulo State, on islands located close to harbors, which are becoming a place of occurrence for exotic species. This study aimed to estimate the morphological sexual maturity (relative growth) of X. parvulus the functional biological patterns of the species in a No-take marine reserve. The crabs were sampled at the Marine State Park of Laje de Santos, an important protected area from São Paulo that is located close to the largest Brazilian harbor, Santos, using an artificial substrate and active search methods (scuba diving). The morphological sexual maturity of females was estimated in 7.28 mm, according to the Abdomen Width vs. Carapace Width relationship, while for males this value was 8.83 mm based on the Gonopod Length vs. Carapace Width relationship, the females presented an increase in abdominal growth, even during the mature stage in order to achieve higher reproductive success, since the abdominal structure is used to protect the embryos. The Gonopod Length vs. Carapace Width relationship showed that males copulate with different sized females, since a non-exaggerated growth of the gonopods keeps them adequate to the size of the female genital pore, i.e., juveniles exhibited negative allometry and adults presented isometry. Thus, estimating the size of the sexual maturity of a species requires the development of a model to acknowledge its biological and reproductive pattern, being an important tool to increase the knowledge about the behavior of this species and one of the parameters to evaluate its conservation status.

Abstract The aim of this study was to evaluate the gonadosomatic index (GSI) and the weight/length ratio in important shrimp populations (Xiphopenaeus kroyeri (Heller, 1862), Litopenaeus schmitti (Burkenroad, 1936), Rimapenaeus constrictus (Stimpson, 1874)) from the northern littoral of São Paulo State. The samples were collected between 2015 and 2016, with 212 females that were identified, classified according to their gonadal development stage, and measured (CL). The gonads were macroscopically classified into immature, spent and developed, and were then removed. Both body (BodW) and gonad (GonW) dry weights were obtained in order to calculate the gonadosomatic index. Weight/length relationship and weight gain rate were assessed. The weight gain presented negative allometry, indicating that the animals grow faster than they gain weight. The weight/length relationship showed a pattern of continuous reproduction, as previously determined for tropical species. From the GSI values, it was possible to separate the three predetermined gonadal stages, proving that macroscopic evaluation is reliable for evaluating the reproductive period of these shrimps. These results can be used as a guide for fishery stocks management and monitoring.

RESUMO Este estudo descreveu os padrões reprodutivos e de recrutamento do siri Achelous spinimanus (Latreille, 1819) na região de Ubatuba, litoral norte de São Paulo, Brasil. Os siris foram coletados mensalmente, de janeiro de 1998 a dezembro de 1999, em 18 locais em três enseadas (Ubatumirim, Ubatuba e Mar Virado), utilizando um barco de pesca comercial. Em cada área de amostragem foram registrados a temperatura de fundo, salinidade e teor de matéria orgânica. Um total de 1.911 indivíduos foram coletados: 350 machos adultos, 475 fêmeas adultas não ovígeras, 584 fêmeas adultas ovígeras e 502 jovens. As fêmeas reprodutivas foram mais abundantes em áreas profundas; essa migração pode ser uma estratégia para melhorar a dispersão e a sobrevivência das larvas. As fêmeas ovígeras foram encontradas durante todo o ano, indicando uma reprodução contínua, com sua abundância positivamente correlacionada à temperatura. Durante a pesquisa de dois anos, foram encontrados caranguejos em todos os estágios de desenvolvimento gonadal. Podemos inferir que a região de Ubatuba fornece recursos adequados para o estabelecimento e desenvolvimento de A. spinimanus.

ABSTRACT This study describes the reproductive and recruitment patterns of the swimming crab Achelous spinimanus (Latreille, 1819) in the Ubatuba region of the northern coast of São Paulo, Brazil. Crabs were captured monthly from January 1998 to December 1999 in 18 sites located in three bays (Ubatumirim, Ubatuba, and Mar Virado), using a commercial fishing boat. In each sampling area, bottom temperature, salinity, and organic matter content were recorded. A total of 1,911 individuals were captured: 350 adult males, 475 non-ovigerous adult females, 584 adult ovigerous females, and 502 immature individuals. Reproductive females were more abundant in deeper areas; this migration might be a strategy to improve larval dispersion and survival. Ovigerous females were found year-round, indicating a continuous reproduction, and their abundance was positively correlated with temperature. During the 2-year survey, crabs with all gonadal development stages were found. We can infer that this region provides suitable resources for the development of A. spinimanus.

Abstract We estimated the growth parameters of the spider crab, Libinia ferreirae (age, asymptotic size and growth rate) using the von Bertalanffy growth equation model. We obtained nine cohorts for female carapace asymptotic width (CW∞) = 64.32 mm, growth coefficient (day-1) (k) = 0.0027 e t0= 0.77 days) and seven for males (CW∞ = 81.93 mm, k= 0.0021 e t0= 0.49 days). The longevity for males was higher than that for females, estimated 2,156 days (5.91 years) and 1,706 days (4.68 years), respectively. The growth curves for males and females differed (F = 34.67 e p < 0.001). Males reached gonadal maturity before morphometric maturity and occurred at 8.8 and 16.6 months of life, respectively. Females reach gonad and morphometric maturity synchronously and this was estimated to occur at about 11.42 months of life. These crabs invest a great amount of energy in growth during a brief period of their development until reaching the terminal moult. This growth strategy would bring less wear to the organism and consequently a greater longevity.

Resumo Objetivo Avaliar a força de resistência à tração de diferentesmétodos de fixação tibial na reconstrução do ligamento anterolateral (LAL). Além disso, comparar os mecanismos de falha da fixação tibial dessa reconstrução em joelhos suínos. Métodos Foram usados 40 membros recém-congelados de suínos, divididos em quatro grupos de dez espécimes, conforme as técnicas de fixação tibial usadas. No grupo A, a fixação tibial do enxerto tendíneo foi feita por meio de uma âncora e seu fio transpassou o enxerto. No grupo B, a fixação tibial foi feita por meio de parafuso de interferência metálico em túnel ósseo único. No grupo C, a fixação tibial incluiu uma âncora associada à sutura de ponto sobre o tendão (sem a presença de fio que transpassasse o tendão) e, no grupo D, foram usados dois túneis ósseos confluentes associados a um parafuso de interferência em um dos túneis. Resultados A força média menos elevada (70,56 N) ocorreu no grupo A e a mais elevada (244,85 N), no grupo B; as médias dos outros dois grupos variaram entre 171,68N (grupo C) e 149,43 N (Grupo D). Considerando-se a margem de erro fixada (5%), foi observada diferença significativa entre os grupos (p < 0,001). Conclusão A fixação com parafuso de interferência em túnel ósseo único apresentou a maior força de resistência à tração dentre as técnicas avaliadas. Abstract Objective The present study aims to evaluate different methods of tibial fixation in the reconstruction of the anterolateral ligament (ALL). In addition, the present paper aims to compare the effectiveness of these methods and theirmechanisms of failure in swine knees.

Abstract Objective The present study aims to evaluate different methods of tibial fixation in the reconstruction of the anterolateral ligament (ALL). In addition, the present paper aims to compare the effectiveness of these methods and theirmechanisms of failure in swine knees. Methods A total of 40 freshly frozen swine limbs were divided into 4 groups of 10 specimens, according to the tibial fixation technique used. In group A, the tibial fixation of the tendon graft wasmade through an anchor passing the graft. In group B, the tibial fixation was performed through a metal interference screw in a single bone tunnel. In group C, the tibial fixation included an anchor associated with a tendinous suture (but not with a wire crossing the tendon). In group D, two confluent bony tunnels were drilled and combined with an interference screw in one of them. Results The lowest mean force (70.56 N) was observed in group A, and the highest mean force (244.85 N) was observed in group B; the mean values in the other 2 groups ranged from 171.68 N (group C) to 149.43 N (group D). Considering the margin of error (5%), there was a significant difference between the groups (p < 0.001). Conclusion Fixation with an interference screw in a single tunnel bone showed the highest tensile strength among the evaluated techniques.

Analisamos as relações entre desordem institucional da política ambiental e ordenamento territorial capitalista, por meio de um estudo de caso qualitativo e exploratório-descritivo em Goiás (Brasil). Destacando o papel do Estado e apoiados na premissa de ocupação capitalista contraditória do território, procuramos pensar a política ambiental estadual como uma expressão da dialética ordem-desordem. O declínio orçamentário, a instabilidade e a retração institucional da política ambiental deram-se em um momento de expressiva expansão econômica e prolongado domínio político de uma frente de centro-direita e direita e pouco sensível às demandas ambientais. Enquanto expressão de relações de forças históricas, a política ambiental, embora marginal e errática, ganha relevância político-institucional ao viabilizar e legitimar a apropriação dos recursos naturais e a externalização de impactos e custos socioambientais segundo formas particulares de ordenamento capitalista.

In this qualitative and exploratory-descriptive case study, we analyze the relations between institutional disorder of environmental policy and capitalist territorial planning in Goiás (Brazil). Stressing the State’s role and supported by the contradictory capitalist territory's occupation premise, we try to think about state’s environmental policy as an expression of the order-disorder dialectic. The budgetary decline, the instability and the institutional retraction of environmental policy took place at a moment of significant economic expansion and prolonged centre-right and right front political dominance, less sensitive to environmental demands. As an expression of historical forces relations, environmental policy, although marginal and erratic, gains political-institutional relevance by enabling and legitimizing the natural resources’ appropriation and the externalization of socio-environmental impacts and costs according to particulars forms of capitalist’s territorial planning.

ABSTRACT Macrobrachium amazonicum is a commercially important freshwater prawn with a high degree of reproductive plasticity. The species is classified into two groups: coastal populations, with larger individuals exhibiting high fecundity and needing brackish water for larval development; and continental populations, with smaller specimens exhibiting low fecundities and completing metamorphosis in freshwater. The objective of this study was to investigate the influence of environmental factors in the fecundity, egg size and volume, and reproductive output in females of M. amazonicum from a continental population during a two-year period. We also compared our results with those obtained for other continental and coastal populations. Reproductive parameters differed markedly between continental and coastal populations in most cases. The continental population studied here, however, exhibited reproductive characteristics similar to those of coastal populations. The present study found a correlation between the reproductive parameters and the environmental variables analyzed. This result corroborates the hypothesis that wide variation in reproductive parameters in the geographical distribution of M. amazonicum is related to the environmental characteristics in which populations are inserted. We suggest that further studies could investigate the potential of continental populations for aquaculture, which could significantly reduce production costs.

ABSTRACT This is the first study to evaluate in broad spatiotemporal scales the growth parameters and population structure of Rimapenaeus constrictus, a barely damaged species composing the bycatch from shrimp fishing in the Western Atlantic. The abundance and size-class frequency distribution, growth, longevity and sex ratio were evaluated from monthly samples obtained in the northern littoral of São Paulo state from Jan/1998 to Jun/2003. We measured 5,812 individuals in which the sex ratio was skewed toward females; this was more evident in size classes greater than 10 mm in CL (carapace length) (binomial test, p<0.05). We selected 16 growth cohorts of females, and 8 of males, the majority consisting of younger individual cohorts excluded from the fisheries closure period. Growth estimates resulted in a CL∞ of 17.42 mm, a growth coefficient of 0.008 and a longevity of 579 days (1.60 year) for females, as well as a CL∞ of 16.3 mm, a growth coefficient of 0.01 and a longevity of 425 days (1.17 year) for males. Our results provide information of incontestable relevance to our knowledge of fishing management. We therefore strongly recommend that the fisheries closure period be changed to protect this species' recruitment period and consequently its adult individuals.

Abstract This study investigated the temporal abundance, periods of reproduction and recruitment, gonad sexual maturity, and population structure of the swimming crab Achelous spinimanus (Latreille, 1819) in Macaé, a region of the Brazilian coast affected by upwelling events. The samples were collected monthly during one year. The crabs were counted, sexed and measured for maximum carapace width (MCW). Four developmental stages were described in males and females. Environmental variables as temperature, salinity, organic matter and Phi were measured. A Principal Components Analysis indicated that environmental variables were strongly correlated with seasons, affecting the abundance of this species, which was high during summer and autumn. The periods of reproduction and recruitment were also seasonal, with a peak of females with developed gonads and ovigerous females during autumn and immatures during summer and autumn. Males and females did not differ in size at gonad sexual maturity, estimated at 39.9 and 42.9 mm MCW, respectively. The environmental conditions in this upwelling region may have induced this population of A. spinimanus to show different characteristics and behaviors from other populations on the Brazilian coast, since alterations linked to the periods of reproduction and recruitment, as well as the population structure and distribution, may reveal different survival strategies of the species.