Population Dynamics of the Tigertooth croaker, Otolithes ruber in the Persian Gulf

Research PaperGrowth parameters and mortality of the tigertooth croaker (Otolithes ruber) were estimated from length\ud frequency data collected during trawl surveys in the Persian Gulf (Bushehr waters) from 1997-1998. LFDA and\ud FiSAT Programs were used for data analyses. Growth parameters were estimated as L∞ = 58 cm and K = 0.8 per\ud year. The estimate of total mortality is Z = 2.7 year⁻¹ giving a fishing mortality of F=1.46 year⁻¹ and on\ud exploitation ratio of E = 0.55. Natural mortality was estimated from the Pauly’s formula (1980) which resulted in\ud M=1.24 year⁻¹. Biomass estimation of swept area survey in 1994 was applied to calculate MSY. The MSY of\ud Otolithes ruber is assessed between 145.8-154.4 tonnes. Results of the research indicate the fishery is operating\ud very close to its maximum sustainable yield (MSY) level and that no further increase in fishing effort is\ud advisable