Bioecological parameters and exploitation status of the short-beaked garfish (Belone svetovidovi Collette & Parin, 1970) in the Aegean Sea
12/25/2025Bioecological parameters and exploitation status of the short-beaked garfish (Belone svetovidovi Collette & Parin, 1970) in the Aegean Sea
Ali Uyan, Servet Ahmet Doğdu, Funda Turan, Ayşegül Ergenler, Deniz Ergüden, Cemal Turan
ORCID IDs: A.U. 0000-0001-9308-3324; S.A.D. 0000-0003-2939-5838; F.T. 0000-0002-0257-6009; A.E. 0000-0001-9186-3909; D.E. 0000-0002-2597-2151; C.T. 0000-0001-9584-0261
Iskenderun Technical University, Faculty of Marine Sciences and Technology, Molecular Ecology and Fisheries Genetics Laboratory, 31220 Iskenderun, Hatay, TÜRKİYE
Iskenderun Technical University, Maritime Technology Vocational School of Higher Education, Underwater Technologies, 31200 Iskenderun, Hatay, TÜRKİYE
Abstract
The age, growth and exploitation parameters were investigated for the short-beaked garfish Belone svetovidovi collected from İzmir Bay, the Aegean Sea. A total of 505 individuals, 298 female (59.01%) and 207 male (40.99%), were obtained by commercial trawlers and trammel nets. The total length varied between 19.9 and 33.9 cm for females, 19.4 and 32.7 cm for males. The length-weight relationships were calculated for females, males, and all individuals as W = 0.0246 x L2.0717, W = 0.0255 x L2.0612, and W = 0.0251 x L2.0663, respectively. The growth type was detected as negative allometric. The maximum age class was III for both females and males. The von Bertalanffy growth parameters were L∞ = 52.41 cm, k = 0.178 year-1, t0 = -1.912 years for females; L∞ = 44.55 cm, k = 0.182 year-1, t0 = -1.388 years for males; L∞ = 42.41 cm, k = 0.238 year-1, t0 = -0.754 years for all individuals. The total (Z), natural (M), and fishing (F) mortality rates were computed for all individuals as 0.53, 0.22, and 0.31 year-1, respectively. The exploitation rate (E) was 0.58 year-1. The fishing mortality and exploitation rates were higher than the biological reference points (Fopt = 0.11 year-1 and Flimit = 0.15 year-1) and optimum exploitation rate (Eopt = 0.33 year-1), respectively. The study concluded that B. svetovidovi populations in İzmir Bay are experiencing fisheries pressure; however, this can be managed through regular monitoring and periodic assessments to ensure the sustainability of the fishery.
Keywords: Short-beaked garfish, Belone svetovidovi, growth, exploitation, Aegean Sea
Pages: 213-235
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