Fisheries Reference Point and Stock Status of Croaker Fishery (Sciaenidae) Exploited from the Bay of Bengal, Bangladesh

This research evaluated fisheries reference points and stock status to assess the sustainability of croaker fishery (Sciaenidae) from Bay Bengal (BoB), Bangladesh. Sixteen years (2001–2016) catch-effort data were analyzed using two surplus production models (Schaefer Fox), Monte Carlo method (CMSY) Bayesian state-space Schaefer model (BSM) method. applies a Stock–Production Model Incorporating Covariates (ASPIC) software package run Fox model. The maximum sustainable yield (MSY) produced by all ranged 33,900 35,900 metric tons (mt), which is very close last year’s catch (33,768 mt in 2016). estimated B > BMSY F < FMSY indicated safe biomass fishing status. calculated F/FMSY was 0.89, 0.87, 0.81, B/BMSY 1.05, 1.07, 1.14 for Fox, Schaefer, BSM, respectively, indicating fully exploited BoB, representation Kobe phase plot suggested that exploitation started yellow (unsustainable) quadrant 2001 gradually moved green (sustainable) 2016 because reduction efforts pressure after 2012. Thus, this suggests current needs be maintained so yearly does not exceed MSY limit croaker. Additionally, specific management measures should implement guarantee other BoB.