Changes in stocks of anchovy kilka, Clupeonella engrauliformis in Iranian coastal zone of the Caspian Sea (1995-2011)

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Abstract

The main objective of the present study was qualitative and quantitative assessment of
anchovy stock, Clupeonella engrauliformis in Iranian waters of the Caspian Sea during (1995-
2011). Over this period, total catch of anchovy kilka increased from 32000 tonnes in 2005 to
67000 tonnes in 1999 and decreased sharply to 80 tonnes in 2011. In the years 1995-1999,
catch per unit effort (CPUE) was fairly constant (2.92-3.52 tonnes/(Vessels×Nights) which
fell to 0.01 tonnes/(Vessels×Nights) in 2011. Total biomass and spawning stock biomass
(SSB) had the same trend as CPUE. During 1995-1999, total biomass of anchovy kilka ranged
between 158500-185900 tonnes which dropped to 2000 tonnes in 2007. The SSB showed a
downwardtrend from 105500 tonnes in 1997 to 1950 tonnes in 2007. In age compositions of
the catch, age 3+ was the largest age group. From 2001 to 2003, age 2+ predominated. Finally,
number of young specimens declined and age 6+ and 7+ groups were predominated in the last
years. Present study indicated that the situation of the anchovy kilka is critical. A coordinated
international effort is needed to provide implementation of sustainable management and
responsible fishing activities in the whole Caspian Sea.
*Corresponding author

Keywords

Iranian Scientific Fisheries Journal
Volume 21, Issue 4 - Serial Number 81
May and June 2013
Pages 57-66

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