Comparative assessment of population biology of three popular pomfret species, Pampus argenteus, Pampus chinensis and Parastromateus niger in the Bay of Bengal, Bangladesh

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 PhD Sch.,College of Fisheries, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China and Senior Scientific Officer, Bangladesh Fisheries Research Institute (BFRI)

2 Ocean University of China

Abstract

Pomfrets is one of the amplest high priced fishery among all the fisheries of Bay of Bengal, Bangladesh. The present study featuring the comparison of the life history parameters of three Pomfrets i.e. Silver (Pampus argenteus), Chinese (Pampus chinensis) and Black (Parastromateus niger) based on the monthly length frequency data from the commercial landings during July 2015 to June 2016. Length(TL) range of all three Pomfrets were 8 to 55cm and weight(W) varied from 24 to 1302g. Allometric growth pattern was found in all cases during estimating LWR. The VBGF parameters for Silver was L∞= 54.6cm, K= 0.39yr-1 while 54.6cm, 0.62yr-1 & 57.75cm, 0.94yr-1 for Chinese and Black Pomfrets respectively. Based on LCCC analysis the total mortality(Z), natural mortality(M) and fishing mortality(F) for Silver and Chinese were found lowest comparing with some previous studies related to the Indian Ocean, whereas Black Pomfret showed higher in some extent. The exploitation ratio(E= F/Z) of Silver and Chinese Pomfrets were found lower than the Gulland(1971b) criterion of demarcation point of 0.5 and higher for Black which showed over-exploited stock.  The YPR analysis also showed the heavily exploited state of Black Pomfret fishery, therefore, immediate management approach should be required to maintain sustainable stocks.
 

Keywords