Determining Sexual Development and Size at Sexual Maturity of Sardinella tawilis and its Implications on Management

Reproductive biology is important in formulating management interventions for fish stocks. Limits on catch size are established based the identified at first sexual maturity of target species, which can be accurately determined through histological analysis gonads. The study investigated reproductive characteristics endangered Sardinella tawilis and analysis. Between 2017 2018, 312 samples with different lengths were collected Taal Lake's northern southern basins. length-weight relationship S. shows that species exhibits negative allometric growth. Female tawilis, characterized by larger sizes, significantly more abundant our catches than male individuals (mean sex ratio p<0.05) exhibit an asynchronous oocyte development. Histological gonads showed both female 75 to 79 mm FL, was smaller reported morphological Smaller average maximum lengths, as well maturity, could suggest has experienced growth overfishing a slowly degrading lake environment time. Results highlighted importance ensuring immature enter contribute population reproduction. It also highly recommended targeted fisheries above 100 exhibited highest proportion spawning capable individuals.