A study was carried out the white fish landings made by the artisanal fisheries in mainland Ecuador in 1982. There were four main groups of landings: the fishery for large pelagic fish, the demersal longline fishery on hard grounds; the set net fisheries for corvina and other medium and large bottom fish and the landings of shrimp by-catch. The fishes caught and their nomenclature; the gears used, the vessels and the fishing communities are briefly described. The landings of with fish by these fisheries in 1082 are given and discussed. The total landings were between 15.000 t and 20.000 t. Of this about 40% was large pelagic fish; 20-30% shrimp by-catch, 20% good quality demersal fish and 10% shark. It should be possible to increase the landings in some categories, but feasibility studies would be needed any development could be recommended and at present the fishermen are not receiving a good return for their efforts.
