COSTECH Integrated Repository

Length Frequency Distribution, Mortality Rate and Reproductive Biology of Kawakawa (Euthynnus affinis-Cantor, 1849) in the Coastal Waters of Tanzania

Show simple item record

dc.creator Johnson, M. G.
dc.creator Tamatamah, Rashid A.
dc.date 2016-07-08T12:34:59Z
dc.date 2016-07-08T12:34:59Z
dc.date 2013
dc.date.accessioned 2018-03-27T08:23:38Z
dc.date.available 2018-03-27T08:23:38Z
dc.identifier Johnson, M.G. and Tamatamah, A.R., 2013. Length frequency distribution, mortality rate and reproductive biology of kawakawa (Euthynnus affinis-Cantor, 1849) in the coastal waters of Tanzania. Pakistan Journal of Biological Sciences, 16(21), p.1270.
dc.identifier http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11810/2964
dc.identifier 10.3923/pjbs.2013.1270.1278
dc.identifier.uri http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11810/2964
dc.description This study explored important aspect of the basis for the highly complex population of kawakawa (Euthynnus affinis) within the coastal waters of Tanzania; by investigating length frequency distribution, mortality rate and reproductive characteristics. This information is essential for the sustainable management of the regionally-important recreational and economic E. affinis fishery. Fish were sampled on a monthly basis for two monsoon seasons using a ring net and artisanal fishermen boat. Maximum and minimum total length was 85 and 31 cm, respectively. Nonlinear least square fitting provided a complete set of von Bertalanffy growth estimates: L8 = 89.25 cm total length and K = 0.78. The estimated value of total mortality based on length converted catch curve using these growth parameters is Z = 1.78 year(-1). Natural mortality based on growth parameters and mean environmental temperature (T = 26.9 degrees C) is M = 1.09 year(-1). The estimated annual instantaneous fishing mortality (F = 0.69 year(-1)) was considerably grater than the target (Fopt = 0.43 year(-1)) and limit (Flimit = 0.58 year(-1)) biological reference point indicating that E. affinis is heavily overexploited. Reproductive aspects were assessed whereby female E. affinis was reported to reach maturity earlier than males which is an indication of phenotypic response toward a decline in population. Two peaks was revealed by the use of Gonad-Somatic Index (GSI), however an extended spawning period was noticed in a period between November to February following an increased water temperature. Although, these findings presents a snapshot concerning population structure and reproduction of E. affinis, further studies covering the entire coastal waters of Tanzania are recommended to aid the management and conservation strategies
dc.language en
dc.subject Euthynnus affinis
dc.subject Mortality
dc.subject Over-exploited
dc.subject Fishing mortality
dc.subject Tanzania
dc.title Length Frequency Distribution, Mortality Rate and Reproductive Biology of Kawakawa (Euthynnus affinis-Cantor, 1849) in the Coastal Waters of Tanzania
dc.type Journal Article, Peer Reviewed


Files in this item

Files Size Format View

There are no files associated with this item.

This item appears in the following Collection(s)

Show simple item record

Search COSTECH


Advanced Search

Browse

My Account