Changes in growth of juvenile southern bluefin tuna (Thunnus maccoyii): an analysis of length-frequency data from the Australian fishery

2000 ◽  
Vol 51 (2) ◽  
pp. 143 ◽  
Author(s):  
George M. Leigh ◽  
William S. Hearn

Modal analysis is applied to historical length–frequency records of the Australian southern bluefin tunafishery, in order to quantify the variation in mean length from year to year. In the South Australian fishery in the first half of March, the mean length has ranged between 54 cm and 64 cm for 1-year-old fish, 73 cm and 85 cm for 2-year-old fish, and 85 cm and 100 cm for 3-year-old fish. The mean lengths of 2-, 3- and 4-year-old fish, and the increment from age 1 to age 3, have increased substantially over the history of the fishery. This increase in growth is probably a response to a decline in the population due to heavy fishing. In many years in the Western Australian fishery, two or more groups of 1-year-old fish were found: the mean lengths of these groups typically differed by 10 cm. Growth rates also varied markedly according to the season of the year.

1990 ◽  
Vol 47 (2) ◽  
pp. 301-317 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. A. Fournier ◽  
John R. Sibert ◽  
Jacek Majkowski ◽  
John Hampton

We present a method for simultaneously analyzing multiple length frequency data sets. The method utilizes a robust likelihood-based estimation procedure that provides an objective criterion for hypothesis testing. The method is applied to length frequency data from southern bluefin tuna (Thunnus maccoyii) for which independent estimates of growth parameters based on tag return data are available. The estimates of the growth parameters from the new method were found to be in substantial agreement with the values previously obtained for these parameters. The strength of the likelihood approach is demonstrated by discriminating between alternative structural hypotheses for describing the data. The ability to simultaneously analyze multiple samples permits the method to exploit the extra information not available when analyzing samples one by one. The computer program maintains a database of fits to the data which enable the user to organize the results of the analysis. Graphical displays permit the user to view any of the fits, and an interactive graphics routine aids the user to find good initial parameter estimates.


1977 ◽  
Vol 26 (2) ◽  
pp. 219-247 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yasunobu Matsuura

Data on distribution and abundance of larvae of the Brazilian sardine, Sardinella brasiliensis, are presented based on samples collected in waters off southern Brazil during 1969 to 1971. The distribution pattern and relative abundance of sardine larvae during three spawning seasons are discussed. Relative abundance, using regional census estimates, was calculated each year. In general, larval abundance in each subarea coincided with that of eggs, although the area of distribution of larvae was larger than the spawning area. Estimates of larval abundance showed that the 1970-71 spawning season was the poorest, both in larval and egg abundance, despite the enlarged size of the area surveyed. The average temperature at stations where sardine larvae occurred was 23.4º C, ranging from 14.6 to 27.4º C, and the average salinity was 35.6º /oo, ranging from 35.0 to 36.7º /oo. Distribution of the larvae in different depth zones was analysed. Larvae usually were most abundant in the 51-100 m depth zone. No tendency for a unidirectional transport of larvae was observed; apparently they move from the spawning ground in all possible directions, spreading over the continental shelf. An estimate of survival rate of larvae, based on length frequency data pooled from the three years, was calculated. Undersampling of larvae during daytime was observed. The mean night-day catch ratio, based on larvae from all length classes sampled, was 3.93.


Parasitology ◽  
2009 ◽  
Vol 136 (9) ◽  
pp. 1023-1032 ◽  
Author(s):  
N. G. H. TAYLOR ◽  
R. WOOTTEN ◽  
C. SOMMERVILLE

SUMMARYThis study uses a novel method for discriminating cohorts and investigating the population dynamics of the parasitic crustacean, Argulus foliaceus. Analysis of parasite length-frequency data was carried out in order to elucidate the timings and drivers behind the parasite's life cycle. Up to 6 cohorts of the parasite emerge through the course of 1 year in still-water trout fisheries in England. Recruitment ceases over the winter months; however, 3 cohorts of the parasite over-winter, 2 as eggs and 1 as a hatched stage. The technique, when used in conjunction with temperature data, also allowed for the reliable prediction of growth rates and provided estimates of egg incubation times and the length of hatching periods. These data showed that growth rates increased exponentially between the observed temperatures of 4 to 22°C. The method allowed for the time taken from hatching to egg laying under field conditions to be predicted and produced estimates that were validated against independent laboratory studies on the growth of the parasite.


2021 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 16-23
Author(s):  
Joseph Aggrey-Fynn ◽  
Divine Worlanyo Hotor

Sphyraena sphyraena (Linnaeus, 1758) and Apsilus fuscus (Valenciennes, 1830) are commercially important fish species in Ghana. The stocks are exploited mainly by the artisanal and semi-industrial fisheries. Growth and mortality rates, and exploitation levels of the two stocks in inshore waters of Ghana were assessed as a contribution to fill the knowledge gap on the species. Samples were obtained from three landing sites along the coast of Ghana from February to July, 2017. Length-frequency data were used to estimate growth, mortality and exploitation ratios. The modal class for S. sphyraena was 37.0–39.9 cm total length (TL) and 34.0–35.9 cm TL for A. fuscus. The length and weight relationships established that growth in S. sphyraena was negative allometric, whereas that of A. fuscus was isometric. The estimated growth parameters from the length frequency data fitted with the von Bertalanffy growth function were asymptotic length (L∞) of 69.9 cm TL for S. sphyraena and 53.5 cm TL for A. fuscus. The growth constant (K) was calculated as 1.64 yr-1 for S. sphyraena and 0.50 yr-1 for A. fuscus. The mean length-at-first capture (Lc) was found to be lower than the mean length at sexual maturity (Lm) for both species. The sex ratio showed a dominance of females over males in S. sphyraena, and 1:1 for A. fuscus. The total mortality rate (Z) for S. sphyraena was more than for A. fuscus. The estimated natural mortality (M) was 1.88 yr-1 for S. sphyraena and 0.74 yr-1 for A. fuscus whilst fishing mortality (F) rate was 3.04 yr-1 for S. sphyraena and 0.93 yr-1 for A. fuscus. The exploitation ratio showed that both fish stocks were exploited over the optimum levels. The estimated population parameters of the species obtained from the study, therefore, might be useful for the sustainable management of the stocks.


2004 ◽  
Vol 61 (2) ◽  
pp. 307-322 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tom Polacheck ◽  
J Paige Eveson ◽  
Geoff M Laslett

Estimates of long-term temporal trends and variability in growth are often not available for many commercially exploited fish stocks. An integrated estimation framework that combines growth information from tagging studies, direct age estimates from hard parts, and modal progression estimates from length–frequency data is applied to data on southern bluefin tuna (Thunnus maccoyii, SBT) collected over four decades, from 1960 to 2000. By using an integrated approach, a comprehensive set of growth estimates can be obtained for each of these four decades even though substantive deficiencies exist in the coverage of the historical data from any single source. The results confirm previous findings that cohorts from the 1980s grew substantially faster at young ages than cohorts from the 1960s. The results also suggest that the 1970s was a period of transition and that growth of fish up to about age 4 was faster in the 1990s than in the 1980s. The changes in SBT growth over these four decades are consistent with density-dependent responses given the history of exploitation and stock assessment estimates of changes in population size.


2020 ◽  
Vol 40 (3) ◽  
pp. 247-255
Author(s):  
Paulina Okpei ◽  
Joseph Aggrey-Fynn ◽  
Isaac Okyere

Abstract The Guinea shrimp, Holthuispenaeopsis (= Parapenaeopsis) atlantica (Balss, 1914) is exploited by traditional and commercial fisheries in the Gulf of Guinea, West Africa. We assessed growth, mortality, ovarian maturity, and exploitation of the population of the species in inshore waters of Ghana as a contribution of filling the knowledge gap on the species. Samples were obtained from fish landing sites from three different coastal towns in Ghana from October, 2017 to May, 2018. Length-frequency data were used to estimate growth, mortality and exploitation ratio. The modal class for males was 6.0–6.9 cm total length (TL) and 9.0–9.9 cm TL in females. The length and weight relationship established that growth in both sexes was negatively allometric. The estimated growth parameters from the length frequency data fitted with the von Bertalanffy growth function were asymptotic length (L∞) of 10.08 cm for males and 15.4 cm for females. The growth constant (K) was calculated as 0.99 yr–1 for males and 0.89 yr–1 for females. The mean length-at-first capture (Lc) was found to be lower than the mean length at sexual maturity (Lm). The sex ratio showed a preponderance of females over males throughout the period, with 76.21% females. The total mortality rate (Z) for males was more than for females. The estimated natural mortality was 2.32 yr−1 for males and 1.93 yr−1 for females (M) whiles fishing mortality (F) rate was 1.22 yr−1 for males and 1.46 yr−1 for females. The exploitation ratio showed the stocks were not over-exploited. The estimated population parameters of the species obtained should be significant for the sustainable management of this resource.


2000 ◽  
Vol 51 (1) ◽  
pp. 35 ◽  
Author(s):  
Malcolm P. Francis ◽  
Caoimhghin Ó Maolagáin

Rig (Mustelus lenticulatus) specimens were aged by counting growth bands in whole vertebrae that were illuminated laterally with fibre-optic lights. Bands were counted by two readers who used information on the diameter of the vertebrae of new-born young and 1-year-old juveniles to identify the inner bands. The greatest estimated age was 12.1 years for a female of 137 cm total length, but few rig were more than 8 years old. For west coast South Island (WCSI) rig, there was no significant difference in growth rates of males and females. After pooling both sexes, there was no significant difference in growth rates between WCSI and east coast South Island (ECSI) rig. The combined WCSI and ECSI von Bertalanffy growth curve was Lt = 147.2 (1 – e −0.119[t + 2.35]). This curve agreed well with growth curves derived from length–frequency data, but validation of the ageing technique is still required. WCSI males mature at ~85 cm and 5–6 years, and females at ~100 cm and 7–8 years. ECSI rig probably mature at similar lengths and ages. Tagged rig have been recaptured after nearly 14 years at liberty. Longevity probably exceeds 15 years, and may exceed 20 years.


2019 ◽  
Vol 76 (7) ◽  
pp. 2125-2139 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tanja Miethe ◽  
Yves Reecht ◽  
Helen Dobby

Abstract In the absence of abundance indices from scientific surveys or commercial sources, reliable length frequency data from sampled commercial catches can be used to provide an indirect assessment of fishing mortality. Length-based indicators are simple metrics which describe length frequency distributions. The length-based indicator Lmax5%, the mean length of the largest 5% of individuals in the catch, combined with appropriately selected reference points, can be used to evaluate the presence of very large individuals in the catch and hence determine exploitation level. Using analytical per-recruit models, we derive reference points consistent with a spawning potential ratio of 40%. The reference points depend on the life history parameters for natural mortality, maturity, and growth (M, Lmat, L∞, k, CVL∞). Using available simulation tools, we investigate the sensitivity of the reference points to errors in these parameters and explore the usefulness of particular reference points for management purposes for stocks with different life histories. The proposed reference points are robust to uncertainty in length at first capture, Lc, and take into account the maturation schedule of a species. For those stocks with high M/k ratios (>1), Lmax5%, combined with the appropriate reference point, can be used to provide a data-limited stock assessment.


2018 ◽  
Vol 24 (2) ◽  
pp. 125
Author(s):  
Sevi Sawetri ◽  
Subagdja Subagdja ◽  
Dina Muthmainnah

The Malayan leaf fish or locally named as kepor (Pristolepis grooti) is one of important biotic components in Ranau Lake ecosystems. This study aimed to estimate population dynamic and exploitation rate of kepor in Ranau Lake, South Sumatera. The population parameters are estimated based on length frequency data which were collected in March to October 2013. Growth parameters and fishing mortality rates were calculated using FiSAT software package. The results showed that kepor’s growth was negative allometric, which tended to gain length faster than weight. Kepor population was dominated (42%) by individual length of 10.0 to 11.0 cm. Predicted length infinity (L) was 17.28 cm with high value of growth rates (K) of 1.4 year-1. The natural mortality rate (M) is 2.57 year-1, the fishing mortality rate (F) is 5.36 year-1 and total mortality rate (Z) is 7.93 year-1. The exploitation rate of Malayan leaf fish in Ranau Lake (E = 0.68 year-1) has passed the optimum score.  


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