Growth, mortality and exploitation of buccaneer anchovy (Encrasicholina punctifer Fowler, 1938) from the north Persian Gulf and Oman Sea

The population parameters of Encrasicholina punctifer (buccaneer anchovy) from commercial fisheries in the Persian Gulf and Oman Sea coastal waters were studied from October 2014 to September 2015. A total of 13951 length-frequency data were collected monthly by pair-boat purse seine and beach seine methods. The asymptotic length (L∞) and Von Bertalanffy growth function (K) were 11.5 cm and K=1.4 per year, respectively. The value of to was calculated as -0.14 year. Longevity was estimated as 2 years. The total length ranged from 2.9 to 10.1 cm, with an average of 6.5 cm. The probability of capture was calculated in total length as L25=6.05 cm, L50=6.48 cm and L75=6.93 cm.  Four cohorts were distinguished annually with mean lengths of 4.56, 5.77, 7.21 and 8.50 cm. The length-weight relationship was determined as W= 0.0051 L 3.1114. Total, natural and fishing mortality parameters were estimated as 6.15, 2.84 and 3.32 yr-1 respectively. The current rate of exploitation (E) was 0.54, and the values of exploitation ratio was found reasonable for current fishing effort. From the yield-per-recruit analysis, Emax, was estimated as 0.91. The results indicated that the buccaneer anchovy stock was not overexploited. Since E<Emax, it confirmed the good potential of anchovy stock in the area.