ABSTRACT
The abundance of cutlassfish was studied in the fishing grounds of Bushehr waters between May to August 2010. Stratified random sampling scheme from 40 trawl stations was used. Catch rates (catch per unit area, CPUA) and total biomass of all the samples were estimated. Mean CPUA and the total biomass of Trichiurus lepturus were estimated as 6104.6 ± 956.4 kgnm-2 and 3765.9 tonnes respectively. There was a significant difference between the mean CPUA of different depths and seasons. This study has provided the first study of biomass and CPUA in Bushehr Waters. The data collected in this study can be used as the basis for a long-term stock monitoring program in the region.
ABSTRACT
Length-weight and length-girth relationships (LWR and LGR), relative weight (Wr) and relative condition factor (Krel) of four commercial fish species (Lethrinus nebulosus, Carangoides talamparoides, Lutjanus argentimaculatus and Argyrops spinifer) from northern Persian Gulf (Bushehr coastal waters) were calculated. Samples were collected on monthly basis during December 2006 to June 2008 using pot nets. The LWR had a significant correlation for all species and the exponent b ranged from 2.6657 (L. nebulosus) to 2.8353 (L. argentimaculatus). All length-girth relationships also were highly significant and the exponent b ranged from 0.2776 (L. nebulosus) to 0.3591(A. spinifer). Relative weight ranged from 0.50±0.59 (C. talamparoides) to 1.02±1.35 (L. argentimaculatus). Relative condition factor also ranged from 1.01±0.17 (A. spinifer) to 1.05±0.5 (L. nebulosus). In conclusion, this study provides basic information for fishery biologists and managers in the Persian Gulf.