Stock assessment and management of hilsa shad (Tenualosa ilisha) in Iraqi marine waters, northwest Arabian Gulf

Abstract

The stock assessment and management of Hilsa shad (Sbour), Tenualosa ilisha in Iraqi marine waters, northwest Arabian Gulf were assessed using FiSAT II software from November 2012 to October 2013. Fish total lengths ranged from 12.2 to 48.0 cm and the lengths of 26 to 44cm dominated the population comprising >93% of the total catch. Length-weight relationship was obtained as W= 0.0041 L. 3.2683 The asymptotic growth (L ) was 61.47 cm, growth rate (K) was 0.275. The annual instantaneous rate of total mortality (Z) was 1.66 and the natural mortality (M) was 0.55. Fishing mortality was 1.11 and the exploitation rate was 0.67. A bimodal recruitment pattern of unequal strength was observed. The maximum yield per recruitment could achieved at E = 0.72 and L = 27.8 cm. Result showed that T. ilisha is over exploited and some max c management policy should be taken to the stock in the areas of migration reproductive and nursery in inlands waters.