Population Dynamics of the Caroun Croaker Johnius carouna (Cuvier, 1830) in Coastal Fishing Ground in the Middle Gulf of Thailand

The stock status of coastal species is currently high concern among the people. In Gulf Thailand, Croakers are important economic commonly found in fishing ground, especially Nakhon Si Thammarat province. population dynamics Caroun croaker, Johnius carouna (Cuvier, 1830), was investigated using length-frequency distribution data collected from February 2019 to January 2020. length-weight relationship equation suggested that J. isometric growth. asymptotic total length (L∞) and curvature growth (K) were 22.28 cm 0.72 year-1, respectively. Based on L∞ K, mortality rate during study period estimated at 3.66 year-1; natural rates 1.62 1.74 While biological revealed matured size 15.3 cm, average catch (15.12 cm) slightly smaller than size. exploitation 0.52 year-1. result this research suggests current pressure high. This increasing by mesh gillnets seems be a better solution improve Thasala ground future. HIGHLIGHTS first report onJohnius fishery biology middle Thailand Johniuscarouna an fish Matured Current GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT