Stock assessment of Scomberomorus commerson along the Indian coast

Abstract

Analysis oflength frequency data on Scomberomorus commer.wn gave the growth parameters as L •• 146cm and K. 0.78. Twng MIK as I and 1.5, the MSY values for KeraJa were estimated as 5 ,23 tonnes and5030 tonnes respectively. The annual average catch here stood at 4 909tonnes. Yield per recruit studies revealedthe exploitation as beyond the MSY level. A reduction in exploitation rate is necessary to bring the yield backto MSY level.The estimated total mortality (Z)forTamil Nadu was 3.09. MSY stood at4 417 tonnes and 3 624 tonnesfor MIK values of I and 1.5 respectively. With the average annual yield of 3488 tonnes during 1984-88, areduction in the exploitation rate IS required here also.The estimates raised to all-India catch gave an MSY value of23 284 tonnes and 19 733tonnes for MIKvalues of I and 1.5 respectively. The average annual all-India catch atl9 17 I tonnes showed the Scomberomoru.,commer.wn fishery slightly beyond MSY. Further increase in exploitation rate can only reduce the catchwhereas a decrease will give an increased yield and CPUE.