We estimated the prevalence of the bopyrid Pseudione galacanthae parasitizing the population of the squat lobster Munida gregaria in San Jorge Gulf and analysed some aspects concerning the effect of the parasite on host reproductive potential. The relationship between the development stages of the parasite and the host size was also analysed. The squat lobsters were caught as by-catch in the coastal area of the gulf from vessels operating in the fisheries of hake Merluccius hubbsi, southern king crab Lithodes santolla and Argentine red shrimp Pleoticus muelleri. The samples were collected between October 1997 and June 2009. In the laboratory, squat lobsters were sexed and the length of their carapace was measured. In males, the length of the right cheliped was recorded and gonadal development was examined. In females, the size and number of carried eggs were determined and the length of the pleopods III, IV and V were measured. All squat lobsters parasitized exhibit a gross bulge in the right side of carapace. Prevalence ranged between 0 and 1.43% (N = 21,519). No significant differences in prevalence were found for sexes, depths and seasons. The prevalence was higher for the size interval 7–10 mm CL (0.79%) than for the rest of the intervals. Parasitism had no effect on the secondary sex characters. Parasitized males displayed gonad development. There was no difference in prevalence between ovigerous and non-ovigerous squat-lobster females. Parasitized females had smaller eggs than non-parasitized ones, but their fecundity was similar. The linear relationship between the parasite and host sizes and the presence of larvae and immature stages of P. galacanthae in small-sized squat lobsters suggest that the host is infected early in its development. The low prevalence could be related to oceanographic conditions which favour larval dispersal of the parasite and host. The infestation by P. galacanthae has little impact on the M. gregaria population, mostly due to the low prevalences of infestation and the minor impact in reproductive function.

Two new species of Munidopsis from the hydrothermal vent area, Kairei Field, Central Indian Ridge in the Indian Ocean and Forecast Vent Field, Mariana Back Arc Basin in the west Pacific are described and illustrated. Their affinities to closely related species are discussed. The number of Munidopsis species associated to hydrothermal vents in the world oceans has increased to 16. The habitat of new species is briefly described and the pattern of abundance of vent associated Munidopsis is briefly discussed.

A preliminary economic evaluation of the feasibility of establishing a fishery to process red crab meal (Pleuroncodes planipes) was conducted. Risk assessment indicated that a fishery of nine boats could operate with an average 1.53 benefit-cost ratio (B C−1) and annual net revenues (NR) of US$427 840, and that there is certainty of obtaining economic profit in every season, with a B C−1 > 1 and NR > 0. Total catch and average catch per trip could be reduced from a total baseline catch of 10 328 tons (1735 t meal) to 6061 (1844 t meal), and from a baseline catch per trip of 11.4 t (4.78 t meal) to 6.73 tons (4.85 t meal) without economic losses. There was no possibility for profit when total catch and average catch per trip were, respectively, lower than 5365 t (1648 t meal) and 5.96 t (4.71 t meal). For a single-fishing trip operation, average B C−1 was 1.5 and NR was US$480. We determined that there was a confidence level of 84% to generate profits. To guarantee profits, a catch of 13.5 t per trip (1.35 t meal) should be obtained. Single trips catching less than 3.3 t (0.94 t meal) cannot make a profit. Sensitivity analysis indicated that plant processing efficiency for converting fresh red crab to meal, catch per trip, and sales price of red crab meal were most important in determining B C−1 and NR values. Plant efficiency constitutes the main element that needs to be optimized, particularly management practices to preserve fresh catch quality. A low sensitivity to costs for processing suggests the possibility of negotiating a higher price and the opportunity for processing plants to venture into processing of red crab meal.