Biological aspects of fish species from subsistence fisheries in “Bons Sinais” estuary, Mozambique

Costa, E.F.S.; Mocuba, Jeremias; Oliveira, Daniel; Teodosio, Maria; Leitão, Francisco

http://hdl.handle.net/10400.1/14665

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PUBLISHED_2020_Biological aspects of fish species from BSE.pdf		1.97 MB	Adobe PDF	Download

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Abstract(s)

Knowledge on biological aspects of commercially exploited fish is an important tool for assessing and managing of data-poor fisheries. In this study, we have collected information on biological aspects of commercial fish species, namely in the Bons Sinais estuary (BSE), Mozambique. Fish species were caught using a beach seine and a traditional fishing gear known as Chicocota, both used by local fishing communities for subsistence fisheries. The results revealed that most specimens caught were juveniles and below the size at first maturity. In general, mean body height (BH) estimated across all species (2.24 cm) was below the minimum mesh size established by Mozambique Fisheries Law (3.8 cm). Estimated W–L regression analysis were statistically significant with the coefficient of determination (r 2 ) explaining from 91 to 98% of the variance. The allometric coefficient b ranged from 2.728 (Stolephorus indicus) to 3.357 (Johnius dussumieri). All the species exhibited positive or isometric allometric growth, except S. indicus, which exhibited negative growth. This study provides new information that can be used to enhance sustainable fishery management in data-poor fisheries.