Population dynamics of Arabian yellowfin seabream, Acanthopagrus arabicus Iwatsuki, 2013 from Iraqi marine waters, Arabian Gulf

Abstract

In this study, the population dynamics of the Arabian yellow fin sea bream, Acanthopagrus arabicus in the Iraqi marine waters, Arabian Gulf were assessed, to contributing towards the development of management plans for its sustainable exploitation. A. arabicus is one of the species caught in large quantities as commercial by artisanal fishers. Fish samples were collected by the Shaheen steel-hulled dhow and from the artisanal fishermen from February 2020 to January 2021. The length-weight relationship was described as W = 0.030L2.867, indicating a negative allometric growth pattern. Of 3484 individuals ranging in total length from 13.0 to 41.0 cm were used to evaluate the growth and mortality parameters. The asymptotic length (L∞), growth rate (K) and growth performance index (Ø') were 44.6 cm, 0.34 and 2.830, respectively. The total mortality (Z) was calculated as 1.17, while the natural and fishing mortality rates were 0.75 and 0.42, respectively, and the current exploitation rate (Epresent) was 0.36. Length at first capture (L50) was 21.9 cm. The recruitment pattern occurs throughout the year, with two recruitment peaks. The yield per recruit analysis indicates that the current exploitation rate was below the economic yield target and the maximum sustainable yield, indicating that this stock underexploited. Virtual population analysis results showed that the mid-lengths (16-22 cm) experienced the highest fishing mortality. So, for management purposes, more yields could be obtained by increasing the fishing activities on this species for a substantial harvest.