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Further observations on the use of length conversion equations to address length data deficiencies for swordfish (Xiphias gladius), Indo-Pacific sailfish (Istiophorus platypterus), black marlin (Istiompax indica) and blue marlin (Makaira nigricans) in the Indian Ocean, using images of billfish caught by Sri Lanka's artisanal and semi-industrial multi-day fishing vessels

Year: 2025
Type: conference-paper
Abstract: Accurate length data are essential for billfish stock assessments, yet obtaining standard morphometric measurements is challenging in Sri Lanka due to common dressing practices that remove key body parts before landing. This study evaluated the use of Pectoral Second Dorsal Length (PDL) and Pectoral Anus Length (PAL) as proxies for Lower Jaw Fork Length (LJFL) in swordfish (Xiphias gladius), Indo-Pacific sailfish (Istiophorus platypterus), black marlin (Istiompax indica), and blue marlin (Makaira nigricans). Morphometric data were collected from artisanal and semi-industrial multi-day fishing vessels using field measurements and image-based analysis. Results showed strong linear relationships between LJFL and both PDL and PAL for swordfish, sailfish, and black marlin (R² > 0.85), confirming their reliability for length estimation. In contrast, blue marlin exhibited weaker correlations, with PDL moderately related to LJFL (R² = 0.73) and PAL poorly correlated (R² = 0.46), indicating higher variability in body proportions. These findings demonstrate that PDL and PAL provide robust conversion tools for most billfish species in the Indian Ocean, but highlight the need for additional sampling and refinement before their application to blue marlin. However, the relationship between LJFL and PDL can be considered reliable, and therefore PDL can be used to derive LJFL. The same approach can be recommended for other fisheries that face issues similar to those encountered by Sri Lanka in billfish stock assessments. However, species-specific validation is also essential when applying morphometric proxies to address data deficiencies in billfish fisheries. Key Words: Billfish, Indian Ocean, Stock assessment, Morphometric data, Fisheries Management
DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.18627314
Language: English
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7128765943
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