Population dynamics of Sind Sardine, Sardinella sindensis, in coastal waters of Qeshm Island

Sardinella sindensis is economically the most important small pelagic fish species in the coastal area of Qeshm Island. Population dynamics of Sind sardinella from Qeshm Island coastal waters, during April 2005 to March 2006 were studied. The asymptotic length (Lx) and growth coefficient (K) were estimated at 178mm and 1.11yr ^(-1), respectively. The minimum and maximum T.L was recorded at 42 and 172mm respectively. The value of t0 was calculated at -0.17, and Tmax was estimated at 2.7 year. The Von Bertalanffy growth equation was obtained at L_(t) = 178^(1-exp(-1.1 l(t-(-0.17))) for this species. Total mortality (Z) rate was estimated to be 3.48yr ^(-1) (r ^(2) = 0.88) on length-converted catch curve method. The rates of natural mortality (M) based on Pauly's empirical equation, fishing mortality (F) and exploitation ratio were estimated at 1.13yr ^(-1), 2.35yr ^(-1) and 0.67, respectively. Four cohorts were distinguished annually based on Bhattacharya's method with mean length of 56, 89, 107 and 141mm. Maximum recruitment was in September at 18.62 percent. The length-weight relationship was determined as W= 0.000005 L ^(3.1399)