Work

Estimation of life history parameters of the Gangetic leaffish, Nandus nandus from southern coastal waters of Bangladesh: Implications for sustainable management

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: Nandus nandus (Hamilton, 1822) is an important food fish with significant nutritional and commercial value, found in Indian subcontinent including Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Malaysia, Myanmar, Thailand and Viet Nam. This species, recognized as near threatened by the IUCN Bangladesh, is experiencing a gradual decline in its population. Urgent measures are required to effectively manage the fishery in this region, necessitating comprehensive insights into its life history parameters. To this end, this study was undertaken to ascertain the growth characteristics, length at recruitment, sexual maturity, mortality rates, exploitation rate, and maximum sustainable yield of N. nandus from southern coastal waters of Bangladesh, using monthly samples collected during January to December 2021. Our results reveal that N. nandus exhibit an isometric growth pattern. The asymptomatic length of this species is approximately 17.95 cm TL, with a growth coefficient of 1.30 year-1. The growth performance index was calculated as 2.62, and the estimated lifespan of the species was determined to be 2.31 years. Length at recruitment was identified at 9.5 cm TL. The estimated size at first sexual maturity was recorded at 9.4 cm TL. In terms of mortality, we observed that the total mortality rate accounts for 4.12 year-1, with the contribution of natural mortality 2.49 year-1 and fishing mortality 1.63 year-1. The exploitation rate, which was calculated at 0.40, is exceeding the maximum sustainable yield threshold of 0.37. Thus, it is imperative to take necessary steps in order to prevent overfishing and ensure the sustainable management of N. nandus populations.

Source: Heliyon

DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e38167