Population Dynamics of Yellowfin Tuna <i>Thunnus albacares</i> (Bonnaterre, 1788) in the Fisheries Management Area 573 of the Indian Ocean

Abstract Yellowfin tuna Thunnus albacares is one of the major species caught in Fisheries Management Area (FMA) 573 Indian Ocean. Its production contributed to 35.83% total 2013. The study was conducted assess population dynamics this FMA 573, based on length-frequency data collected 2013-2017, and analysed using FiSAT II software. results obtained show length-weight relationship W = 0.000052 FL 2.78 , negative allometric growth equation Lt 194.25 (1-e -0.51 (t + 0.1889) ). length at first capture estimated 140 cm FL. Recruitment season occurs between July September, with a peak August. rate mortality (Z) 2.32 yr -1 including natural (M) 0.69 fishing (F) 1.63 . exploitation rates yellowfin were be 0.70, indicating that it has exceeded optimum (E 0.5) overexploitation had occurred. There an obvious need for consistent monitoring surveillance fleet, type size gear, as well fish quantity catch.