Assessment of species composition and CPUE (catch per unit effort) of commercial fish caught with bottom gillnet in Jask coastal waters

Tiger– toothed croaker (Otolithes ruber) is considered as a commercially important target species for fishermen in south of Iran, due to its high economic value and marketability. This investigation was carried out using bottom monofilament gillnet with mesh size (stretch mesh) of 8.5 cm and net height of 6 m, made of nylon twine (Polyamide) and a hanging ratio of 50% in order to determine species composition and Catch Per Unit Effort (CPUE) in Jask coastal waters during 2011- 2012 fishing season. A total of 7651 individuals belonging to 39 species and 36 families at 178 times shooting were captured and measured. O. ruber was the dominant species in this area (26.81 %.). The length range of this species was between 17.3– 58 cm and the maximum frequency was in 35-38 cm length class and the length average was 36.93 ± 5.02 cm. The current fishing pattern showed that 37.19% of catch is below length at first maturity. The CPUE of O. ruber was the highest in March. (2463.33 g/ panel days) and the lowest in November (11224 g/ panel days).