Stock assessment of the pomfret (Pampus argenteus) in Kuwaiti waters

Abstract

Although it is not yet possible to age the pomfret (Pampus argenteus; locally known as zobaidy) analysis of regular monthly length samples taken during 1982 has enabled estimates of growth, mortality, and mean selection length to be made for the stocks in Kuwaiti waters. The basis of the analysis was the estimation of growth parameters using the ELEFAN I technique of Pauly and David (1981). A length-converted catch curve was then constructed from which total mortality and mean selection length were estimated. Natural mortality (M) was estimated using the relationship between M, the growth parameters, and mean environmental temperature (Pauly, 1980). Yield-per-recruit analysis indicated that the zobaidy stocks are not heavily exploited and an increase in yield per recruit may be expected if fishing effort is increased. However, no significant increase in yield per recruit could be expected from manipulation of size at first capture. Pauly, D. 1980. J. Cons. int. Explor. Mer, 39: 175–192. Pauly, D., and David, N. 1981. Ber. dt. wiss. Kommn Meeresforsch., 28: 205–211.