Growth pattern, mortality and reproductive biology of common sole, Solea solea (Linneaus, 1758), in the Sea of Marmara, Turkey

The study deals with the growth pattern, mortality, and reproduction of common sole, Solea solea (Linneaus, 1758), from the Sea of Marmara (Turkey). A total of 580 fish specimens were sampled monthly from October 2017 to September 2018. The total length of all sampled individuals ranged from 11.1 to 29.5 cm, corresponding to ages from 1 to 3 years. The length–weight relationship was expressed as W = 0.022 TL2.6838, where the slope indicated negative allometric growth. Growth parameters were L ∞ = 33.7 cm, k = 0.48, and t 0 = −0.18 for all samples. A seasonally oscillating growth model, indicating the amplitude of oscillations, revealed an important seasonal growth pattern. Total, natural, and fishing mortality rates were calculated as 1.42, 0.47, and 1.01, respectively. The exploitation ratio (E = 0.68) indicates that the fishing pressure on the common sole in the Sea of Marmara was high. The sex ratio (♀/♂) was 1.18. The gonadosomatic index (GSI) for females showed that two main spawning seasons were observed: one in spring (May) and one in autumn (September–October). Sizes at the onset of sexual maturity were estimated for both females and males at 21.6 and 18.6 cm, respectively.

Bycatch Estimates From a Pacific Tuna Longline Fishery Provide a Baseline for Understanding the Long-Term Benefits of a Large, Blue Water Marine Sanctuary

Bycatch on pelagic tuna longlines has contributed to population declines in several far-ranging, oceanic species and presents a conservation challenge that area-based management tools are increasingly promoted to address. In January 2020 the Republic of Palau, concerned about the impacts of longline fishing in its waters, closed 80% of its exclusive economic zone to all extractive activities, reserving the remaining 20% for a domestic fishing zone (DFZ). One of a growing number of very large marine protected areas, the Palau National Marine Sanctuary (PNMS) spans ∼500,000 km2 and was established inter alia to allow for the recovery of fish stocks adversely impacted by tuna longline fleets. Given that the main tuna stocks targeted in the western Pacific are not overexploited, the benefits of protection potentially afforded by the sanctuary are likely greater for vulnerable bycatch species. Evaluations of the sanctuary’s performance require, in part, a baseline of historical catch rates and effort distribution in the distant-water fleet (DWF) and locally based fleet (LBF) operating in Palau prior to sanctuary implementation. We describe the fishing effort, catch rates, catch estimates and fishing mortality in Palau’s longline fishery based on logbook, observer and electronic monitoring data. We defined bycatch as any species, retained or discarded, other than targeted tunas. Between 2010 and 2020, 104.8 million hooks were deployed, catching over 2 million individuals from 117 taxa at an overall target:bycatch ratio of 1:1, with a retention rate of ∼62%. Pronounced differences in fishing strategies and spatial distribution of effort between fleets were associated with large variations in catch rates and composition. The LBF had a larger effect on populations of at-risk species relative to the DWF, with higher catch rates and magnitudes for several vulnerable species and higher observable fishing mortality rates (64% vs 50% in the DWF). The sanctuary reshaped Palau’s longline fishery, contracting the fishery’s area and capacity. The relocation of the DFZ eliminated the LBF and constrained the DWF to an area where the fleet’s total catch rates and those of a number of vulnerable species were historically lower relative to former fishing grounds now closed by the sanctuary. Our results highlight the importance of consistent bycatch monitoring and emphasize the need for regional area-based approaches for managing longline fisheries.

Age, growth and mortality of the European Seabass, (Dicentrarchus Labrax) in Bardawil lagoon, North Sinai, Egypt

Age, growth, and mortality of European Seabass (Dicentrarchus labrax) were studied from a small-scaled fishery of Bardawil lagoon, (North Sinai, Egypt). 181 specimens (16.6 to 35 cm total Length and 39.8 to 367.2 g total weight). The relationship between length and weight was W = 0.0054L3.1428. Age was determined by otoliths and age groups I to IV years were observed. Growths in length and weight at the end of each year were calculated. The growth parameters of von Bertalanffy equation were calculated as (L∞ = 48.69 cm, K = 0.1677 yr -1 and t0 = -0.447 yr -1). Growth performance index was calculated (φ = 2.60 for length and 1.25 for weight). Mortality rates were 0.867 yr-1, 0.25 yr1and 0.617 yr-1 for total, natural and fishing mortality, respectively. The currently exploitation rate E = 0.712 yr-1 indicating that, the population of this species is being heavily exploited.

Population structure of Indian scad fish (Decapterus russelli) that was landed at the Nusantara Fishing Port of Ternate, North Maluku, Indonesia

Indian scad fish (Decapterus russelli) is a small pelagic fish species commonly caught in Indonesian seas. Excessive fishing efforts can cause population degradation, so it is necessary to understand its population structure. The purpose of this study was to analyze the population structure parameters of Indian scad fish, including growth parameters, cohort, and mortality. Sampling was done by Stratified Random Sampling method. Data analysis used the FISAT II application. Study results showed that there were 4 cohorts. The growth parameters of Indian scad fish obtained asymptote length (L∞) of 296.15 mm, coefficient of growth rate (K) of 0.60 per year, and initial age (t0) of -0.66 years. Value of coefficient of growth rate (K) indicated that growth of scad was relatively slow. The total mortality value (Z) was 0.51 per year, natural mortality (M) was 0.0034 per year, and fishing mortality (F) was 0.51 per year. So that the highest Indian scad fish mortality was caused by fishing mortality. The exploitation rate (E) was 1 per year, indicating that the Indian scad fish resources have been overexploited.

Population parameter, size distribution and sex ratio of the blue shark (Prionace glauca Linnaeus, 1758) caught in the southern of Nusa Tenggara

The blue shark (Prionace glauca Linnaeus, 1758) was a targeted shark caught in the artisanal fisheries in Tanjung Luar, West Nusa Tenggara. This species was caught by drifting longline. The study aims to obtain the parameter population, size distribution and sex ratio of the blue shark from these waters. The research was conducted in Tanjung Luar during 2019-2020, and a total of 1676 blue sharks were caught by drift longline. The data were analyzed by using ELEFAN II. The size blue sharks varied from 73 cm to 397 cm total length (TL), with mean length was 266 cm for males and 72-390 cm with mean length 255,61 cm TL for females. Male was dominated sex ratio. The equation growth for blue shark for male was Lt = 400 (1 – e−0.28 (t-0.2921)) and female was Lt = 390 (1 – e−0.25 (t-0.3307)) . The first captured (Lc ) length for males and females are 267.76 cm and 250.98 cm, respectively. Natural mortality (M) = 0.42/year, the fishing mortality (F ) = 0.50/year. The exploitation rate was > 0.55/year it means that utilization rate of blue sharks in Southern of Nusa Tenggara waters was susceptible to overfishing. This condition needs good management actions for this species.

Mortality and exploitation rate of some reef fish in Ternate Island Waters

Fish population dynamics are determined by the balance between population increase resulted from growth and addition of new individuals (recruitment), and population decrease due to fishing mortality and natural mortality. It is important to understand fish resources condition, including their change pattern caused by pressures on coral reef fisheries resource in coastal area of Ternate Island. This research aimed to analyze mortality and exploitation rate of several reef fishes that caught at coastal area of Ternate Island. Stock assessment method was used to determine the mortality and exploitation rate of some reef fishes. Study results showed that the fishing mortality of the sample species was lower than their natural mortality, while the exploitation rate results also showed the same condition those found in mortality rate, where the fish with high growth coefficient tended to have high mortality rates.

Estimation of Fishing Mortality Rate and Exploitation Status of Yellowstrip Scad (Selaroides leptolepis) in Tomini Bay using Von Bertalanffy Growth Model Approach

Highlight ResearchThe fishing area of S. leptolepis in this study was confirmed to be located in Tomini BayThe fish samples were gathered randomly from fishers’ catch using purse seinesThe growth curve for the male and female fish data were both plotted following the trend of the Von Bertalanffy equationThis study estimates the growth parameters, mortality, and exploitation rates of the male and female fish separately.AbstractComprehensive data is required for implementing sustainable fisheries management. Population dynamic and stock assessment aspects of Selaroides leptolepis species in Tomini Bay have not been entirely reported. This study aimed to determine the fishing mortality rate and exploitation status of S. leptolepis in Tomini Bay by calculating Von Bertalanffy growth model parameters (L∞, K, t0) then plotting them into Pauly's empirical equation. The sampling was conducted monthly from April to September 2020 at Gorontalo City Fishing Port. Samples were collected randomly from five commercial fishing vessels shortly after the fishermen landed their catch at the fishing port. All fish samples were confirmed to be obtained by the fishermen from Tomini waters. The growth parameters of the samples were analyzed using FiSAT II based on Von Bertalanffy mathematical model. While the mortality and exploitation values were calculated manually using Pauly's equation. The study showed that the growth parameter values of S. leptolepis in Tomini Bay were 245.47 mm, 0.49/year, and -3.04/year for males, while 227.80 mm, 0.63/year, and -2.72/year for females separately for L∞, K, and t0. The total, natural, and fishing mortality rates were 3.06/year, 0.61/year, and 2.45/year for males and 0.99/year, 0.74/year, and 0.25/year for females. The analysis results showed that the female's natural mortality (M) was higher than the male. In contrast, the fishing mortality (F) and total mortality (Z) of male fish exceed the female. The exploitation value of males (E=0.80) was greater than that of females (E=0.26).

A study of brown-marbled grouper (Epinephelus fuscoguttatus) population dynamics in Takabonerate National Park Waters, South Sulawesi, Indonesia

Fatma, Mallawa A, Najamuddin, Zainuddin M, Fachrie R. 2021. A study of brown-marbled grouper (Epinephelus fuscoguttatus) population dynamics in Takabonerate National Park Waters, South Sulawesi, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 22: 4298-4307. Understanding aspects of the population dynamics of groupers such as the brown-marbled grouper can provide valuable insights into how to manage grouper stocks effectively. Conducted from February 2020 to February 2021 in Takabonerate National Park waters, Selayar Islands District, South Sulawesi, Indonesia, this study sought to elucidate the size structure and cohorts, population growth rate, total mortality rate, fishing mortality rate, natural mortality rate, exploitation rate and yield per recruit (Y/R) of the brown-marbled grouper. Grouper samples were caught using several fishing gears (i.e., hand line fishing, spearfishing, and trapping) with a total catch of 1042 specimens. The sampled specimens exhibited significant size structure and were classified into five age-specific cohorts. The growth rate coefficient was 0.46/year, with the brown-marbled grouper population tending to exhibit slow growth (K < 0.5/year). The estimated asymptotic length was 109.0 cm. The fishing mortality was higher than the natural mortality, with an exploitation rate of 0.65, indicating that brown-marbled groupers in the waters of Takabonerate National Park have been subjected to extensive and intensive fishing, as also indicated by an estimated Y/R lower than the optimum Y/R rate.