| Popis: |
The growth and population parameters of spotted seabass (Dicentrarchus punctatus) in Bardawil Lagoon were investigated to assess their fishery status and propose concrete recommendations for sustainable exploitation. The samples (n = 271) were collected from commercial catches during 2021. As revealed by examining the otoliths, D. punctatus has a short life span of a maximum of four years based on the mean lengths of 20.2, 25.3, 29.7, and 33.5 cm for age groups from I to IV, respectively. The total length-weight relationship equations were W = 0.0120TL2.9672 for males, W = 0.0127TL2.9486 for females and W = 0.0124TL2.9563 for the combined sexes. The von Bertalanffy growth function was Lt = 40.50(1-e-0.38(t+0.66)). The study determined the total and natural mortality rates as 1.58 and 0.79 year−1, respectively, with an exploitation rate (E) of 0.49, which was found close to the optimum value (0.5). However, based on management policies, E was greater than the value corresponding to 50% relative biomass per recruit (E0.5), which indicates that the current fishing effort is unsustainable. Therefore, to maintain the biomass of spawning stocks, the study recommends a 22.4% reduction in the current exploitation rate through the application of fishing regulations that decrease fishing efforts. Such recommendations can help ensure the sustainable exploitation of spotted seabass in Bardawil Lagoon. |
