A preliminary study on the population dynamics parameters of whiting (Merlangius merlangus euxinus) in Turkish Black Sea coastal waters


Işmen A.

Turkish Journal of Zoology, vol.26, no.2, pp.157-166, 2002 (SCI-Expanded) identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 26 Issue: 2
  • Publication Date: 2002
  • Journal Name: Turkish Journal of Zoology
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, TR DİZİN (ULAKBİM)
  • Page Numbers: pp.157-166
  • Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

Some population parameters of the whiting (Merlangius merlangus euxinus) distributed along the Turkish Black Sea coast, were determined by using age-length data. The mean annual growth rate in length was found to be 3.7 cm. The maximum age group was determined as IX for females and VI for males. The seasonalized von Bertalanffy growth parameters in length were estimated to be Lx=39.1 cm. K = 0.15 year-1, to = -1.53 year. C=0.23, ts=0.48. There was a difference in growth rate between male and female fish. The females grow faster than males and reach a greater maximum length. Total mortality and its components were Z=1.63, M = 0.39 and F = 1.24. The highest trawlable biomass was found in the region between Çaitu Cape and Sarp which is an area closed to trawl fishing in the eastern Black Sea. In the trawl catches, the whiting was the dominant fish.