Study of some dynamic characteristics and catching status golden grey mullet, Chelon auratus (Risso, 1810), case study: south-east of Caspian Sea (Golestan Province)

Document Type : Research Paper

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Abstract

Golden grey mullet (Chelon auratus) is one of the most important commercial species of the Caspian Sea. Considering its economic importance, some characteristics population dynamics indices  catching status were studied in south-east of Caspian Sea (Golestan coasts). In this study, 886 speciements were collected and became biometrics during the period of 2014-2015.  Speciemens were range fork length 20-52 cm and 125-1235 g and most frequency (11.2%) belong to 29-30 cm groups. Infinity length (L∞) and growth coefficient (k) were estimated 54.08 cm and 0.34 year-1, repectively. The relationship between length and weight, the value of b was 2.8368, indicating a negative allometric growth model. Total mortality, natural, fishing and exploration rates were calculated 1.13, 0.58, 0.55, and 0.49 year -1, respectively. Its biomass and maximum sustainable of yield  (MSY) were estimated 994749 kg and 305824 kg, respectively in 2016, while catch ration was 330770 kg in Golestan coasts. Thus it was 8% overfishing from permitted limit. Overall, regardness the maximum allowable catch is essential for sustainable management and conservation of stocks.

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