Abdul-Razak M. Mohamed
Biography
Fisheries & Marine Resources Department, Agriculture College, Basrah University, Iraq
Research Interest
Stock assessment of the Jinga shrimp, Metapenaeus affinis from Iraqi waters
Abstract
This study presents the initial stock assessment of the Jinga shrimp, Metapenaeus affinis, one of the most productive fisheries in Iraqi waters. The growth, mortality, recruitment, yield-per-recruit, and virtual population analysis (VPA) of the species from the nursery grounds in East Hammar marsh and the fishing grounds in Iraqi marine waters were analyzed using the FiSAT II software between November 2022 and October 2023. The length-weight relationship exhibited a positive allometric growth pattern. The asymptotic length, growth coefficient and growth performance index were 16.3 cm, 0.92 and 2.388, respectively. Total, natural and fishing mortalities were 3.69, 1.82 and 1.87, respectively. The current exploitation rate (Ecur) was 0.51. Length at first capture (Lc50) was lower than the length at first maturity (Lm50). Recruitment was continued throughout the year with one major peak in April. The analysis of relative yield per recruit and relative biomass per recruit indicated that the Ecur of the stock was equal to its optimal level (E0.1= 0.511) and below its maximum sustainable yield (Emax= 0.628). To effectively manage the M. affinis stock, it is essential to adjust the mesh size so that the total length of the species at first capture must not be less than the length at first maturity, consequently may have a chance to breed, and the nursery grounds should be protected from illegal fishing.
