Biology of red mullet,Mullus barbatus (L. 1758), in the Gulf of Castellammare (NW Sicily,Mediterranean Sea) subject to a trawling ban

Under‐or non‐exploited areas are useful to aid in evaluating the potential productivity of fish stocks for sustainable fisheries. The Gulf of Castellammare (NW Sicily), where trawling has been banned since 1990, is a good site to study the biology and dynamics of low impacted fish populations. A total of 661 (595 female and 66 male) specimens of red mullet Mullus barbatus (95–245 mm total length, TL) obtained by monthly sampling from trammel net artisanal fishery, was collected in the Gulf of Castellammare from April 2006 to June 2007. Mature females occurred from April to September, with a peak in May. The mean Gonado‐somatic index (GSI) also showed a May peak for both sexes. From Sagittae (642) readings the age structure ranged from age class I to VII in females and I to V in males. Female growth parameters, estimated according to the classic von Bertalanffy model, were: L_∞ = 221.2 ± 11.51 mm standard error (SE), k_y^?1 = 0.38 ± 0.09 SE, t₀y = ?0.94 ± 0.38 SE. The growth performance index (ø’ = 2.27) was included in the range of values obtained by hard structure readings in the Central Mediterranean. Natural mortality (M_y^?1) of females estimated by different methods ranged between 0.62 and 0.87 (mean value = 0.71 ± 0.06 SE).     

Description of growth by simple versus complex models for Baltic Sea spring spawning herring

The objective was to find a length–growth model to help differentiate between herring stocks (Clupea harengus l.) when their length–growth shows systematically different patterns. The most essential model restriction was that it should react robustly against variations in the underlying age range which varies not only over time but also between the different herring stocks. Because of the limited age range, significance tests as well as confidence intervals of the model parameters should allow a small sample restriction. Thus, parameter estimation should be of an analytical rather than asymptotic nature and the model should contain a minimum set of parameters. The article studies the comparative characteristics of a simple non‐asymptotic two‐parameter growth model (allometric length–growth function, abbreviated as ALG model) in contrast to higher parametric and more complex growth models (logistic and von‐Bertalanffy growth functions, abbreviated as LGF and VBG models). An advantage of the ALG model is that it can be easily linearized and the growth coefficients can be directly derived as regression parameters. The intrinsic ALG model linearity makes it easy to test restrictions (normality, homoscedasticity and serial uncorrelation of the error term) and to formulate analytic confidence intervals. The ALG model features were exemplified and validated by a 1995 Baltic spring spawning herring (BSSH) data set that included a 12‐year age range. The model performance was compared with that of the logistic and the von‐Bertalanffy length–growth curves for different age ranges and by means of various parameter estimation techniques. In all cases the ALG model performed better and all ALG model restrictions (no autocorrelation, homoscedasticity, and normality of the error term) were fulfilled. Furthermore, all findings seemed to indicate a pseudo‐asymptotic growth for BSSH. The proposed model was explicitly derived for of herring length‐growth; the results thus should not be generalized interspecifically without additional proof.     

Modelling the growth of Japanese eel Anguilla japonica in the lower reach of the Kao-Ping River, southern Taiwan: an information theory approach

Information theory was applied to select the best model fitting total length ( L _T)-at-age data and calculate the averaged model for Japanese eel Anguilla japonica compiled from published literature and the differences in growth between sexes were examined. Five candidate growth models were the von Bertalanffy, generalized von Bertalanffy, Gompertz, logistic and power models. The von Bertalanffy growth model with sex-specific coefficients was best supported by the data and nearly overlapped the averaged growth model based on Akaike weights, indicating a similar fit to the data. The Gompertz, generalized von Bertalanffy and power growth models were also substantially supported by the data. The L _T at age of A. japonica were larger in females than in males according to the averaged growth mode, suggesting a sexual dimorphism in growth. Model inferences based on information theory, which deal with uncertainty in model selection and robust parameter estimates, are recommended for modelling the growth of A. japonica .     

Notes on the biology of Spratelloides lewisi (Wongratana, 1983), a recently described species of sprat from Papua New Guinea waters

The biology of two populations of Spratelloides lewisi , one from the Ysabel Passage and the other from Cape Lambert, were studied during 1980 and 1981. A total of 2201 specimens of S. lewisi were collected from a regular sampling programme of tuna bait-fish catches. The annual length frequency distributions for both populations indicated differences in the full recruitment length and maximum size attained between the two populations. The age and growth of S. lewisi was described at both locations by von Bertalanffy growth curves fitted to length-at-age data obtained by reading the daily growth increments of the sagittae. Ovarian maturation data suggested there was no distinct spawning seasonality for this species: spawning was either protracted or markedly reduced over several months. The total annual mortality rates for both populations of S. lewisi were high, but consistent with those of other short-lived fishes. An estimate of the natural mortality rate for the Ysabel Passage population of S. lewisi by an empirical method corresponded very closely to another estimate based on the relationship between total mortality and fishing effort.     

Growth characteristics of freshwater pearl mussels,Margaritifera margaritifera (L.)

• 1 Shell growth in the freshwater pearl mussel, Margaritifera margaritifera, was investigated. Three non‐linear growth models (i.e. power, logistic and von Bertalanffy) were fitted to Scottish length‐at‐age data sets and compared.
• 2 Overall, the von Bertalanffy model outperformed the other two approaches, generating the smallest residuals in eight out of 11 samples (the logistic model provided slightly better fits to the other three). It was concluded that individual M. margaritifera appear to grow in an approximately asymptotic fashion and that the von Bertalanffy equation is an appropriate growth model to fit to freshwater pearl mussel length‐at‐age data.
• 3 The ranges in von Bertalanffy parameter estimates observed (k = 0.023–0.075 year^‐1, L_∞ = 77–158 mm, t_o = ‐3.93–4.33 years) are typical of those reported in northern European populations.
• 4 Most of the populations investigated had relatively low k‐values and high maximum age (A_max) estimates. This feature, which suggests high long‐term productivity and less vulnerability to decline (i.e. larger, longer‐living mussels produce more offspring), may be a reason why these populations have survived until now. The population which appears to be the most vulnerable (i.e. which has the highest k and lowest A_max) is probably not recruiting adequately at present.
• 5 An index of absolute growth (mean shell length‐at‐age) was also used for comparing different populations. Observed between‐ and within‐river differences in mussel growth patterns may be associated with a number of environmental factors, particularly water temperature and productivity.
• 6 A significant positive relationship between river length and mean mussel length‐at‐age was observed. In general, mussels grow large in large, cold rivers and vice versa, although there are exceptions which suggest that additional factors may be involved.

     

The importance of incorporating age and sex when backcalculating length in bullhead Cottus gobio

The present study backcalculated body length for a data set of a bullhead Cottus gobio population located at different sampling sites in a river network. Model comparison between various growth models, which included successively new parameters, showed the effect and importance of taking sex, age and the location in the river network into account. The data sets obtained by backcalculation were fitted by the von Bertalanffy growth function, which revealed the effect of the backcalculation formula on the estimation of the von Bertalanffy growth parameters. Fitting results and parameter estimates showed again the importance of incorporating age and sex when backcalculating body length in the C. gobio population studied.     

Population parameters of Mullus barbatus in Izmir Bay (Aegean Sea), using length frequency analysis

The growth and mortality of Mullus barbatus from Izmir Bay (Aegean Sea) was investigated based on length frequency data using the fisat software. Total length of the sampled 110 891 fish ranged from 5.0 to 23.0 cm. The seasonalized von Bertalanffy growth resulted in parameter values of L_∞ = 24.26 cm, k = 0.565, t₀ = ?0.305, C = 0.27 and WP = 0.45. Potential lifespan was estimated to be 5.3 years. Total mortality (Z) based on the length converted catch curve was 3.70 (seasonal data) and 3.85 (non‐seasonal data). Natural mortality (M) was 1.07 and the exploitation ratio (0.71–0.72) revealed an overfished stock.     

Age and growth of the sandbar shark, Carcharhinus plumbeus, in Hawaiian waters through vertebral analysis

Age and growth estimates were determined for the sandbar shark, Carcharhinus plumbeus, from Oahu, Hawaii in the central Pacific Ocean. Age estimates were obtained through vertebral centra analysis of 187 sharks. We verified our age estimates through marginal increment analysis of centra and oxytetracycline marking methods of at liberty sandbar sharks. Sizes of sampled sharks ranged from 46 to 147 cm pre-caudal length. Four growth models were fitted to length-at-age data; two forms of the von Bertalanffy growth model, the Gompertz growth model, and a logistic growth model. Males and females exhibited statistically significant differences in growth, indicating that females grow slower and attain larger sizes than males. Growth parameter estimates revealed slower growth rates than previously estimated (based on captive specimens) for Hawaiian sandbar sharks. The von Bertalanffy growth model using empirical length-at-birth provided the best biological and statistical fit to the data. This model gave parameter estimates of L _∞ = 138.5 cm PCL and k = 0.12 year⁻¹ for males and L _∞ = 152.8 cm PCL, k = 0.10 year⁻¹ for females. Male and female sandbar sharks mature at approximately 8 and 10 years of age, respectively.     

On the dynamics of the stocks of blue mussels (Mytilus edulis L.) in the Danish Wadden Sea

As biological basis for the monitoring programme for the commercially exploited stock(s) of mussels (Mytilus edulis L.) in the Danish Wadden Sea, samples of mussels have been collected regularly since 1986, both from sub-tidal and inter-tidal mussel beds. These samples are the basis for the estimation of total biomass. They also provide data on size frequency distributions, which have been analysed for cohort identification resulting in length at age data, which again have been used for estimating parameters (L and K) for the von Bertalanffy growth equation (VBGE) as well as mortality parameters. By applying these in the Beverton & Holt model, estimates of average biomass and annual production (P) of the mussels have been obtained together with possible fisheries yields from the beds. The growth and mortality parameters and the figures for annual production and P/B are compared with figures from other investigations. These analyses have been the basis for annual assessments of the mussel stocks, which again are used in the current management of mussel fishery in the Danish Wadden Sea.     

Estimation of growth parameters from published data for several Mediterranean fishes

Two sets of von Bertalanffy growth parameter (VBGP) estimates are provided for several Mediterranean fish stocks. All estimates are based on the non‐linear least square regression and accompanied by uncertainty measures (i.e. standard errors). The first set consists of growth parameters estimated from 73 published length‐at‐age data with no previous VBGP estimations; in this case, fitting was possible for 30 length‐at‐age sets, corresponding to 22 species, two estimates of which (Mycteroperca rubra and Myctophum punctatum) are the first for the Mediterranean. The second set refers to the re‐estimation of VBGPs from 69 published length‐at‐age data with available original VBGP estimates derived from linear methods (i.e. Ford‐Walford, von Bertalanffy and Gulland‐Holt plots); in this case, fitting was possible for 50 sets. Overall VBGP estimation was not possible for 43 and 19 cases for the first and second sets, respectively. This was because either (a) <4 mean length‐at‐age data were available, or (b) fitting was not possible because of an exponential or a very slow linear increase of length with age, or (c) estimates were unrealistic (i.e. L_max/L_∞ < 0.7) mainly because of unrealistic length‐at‐ages and/or insufficient sampling of older individuals. These estimations and re‐estimations enrich the available data on growth parameters of Mediterranean fishes, both in terms of quantity and quality of information.     

Vital population statistics based on length frequency analysis of the exploited Japanese eel (Anguilla japonica) stock in the Kao‐Ping River,southern Taiwan

Vital statistics such as growth, mortality, and maturity parameters are crucial in understanding the population dynamics of a species. A total of 7 074 Japanese eels (Anguilla japonica) in the lower reach of the Kao‐Ping River, southern Taiwan, were collected with eel tubes in 1998 ～ 2004 and shrimp nets in 2004 ～ 2007. Data from 2004 were excluded due to mixed gear information and escapement of cultured eels; in subsequent years escaped cultured eels were identified and excluded from analyses. The estimated asymptotic length in the von Bertalanffy growth function (84.5–110 cm) was smaller, while the Brody growth parameter (0.30–0.44 year^?1) was higher using electronic length frequency analysis (ELEFAN) than when using Shepherd’s length composition analysis (SLCA). The total instantaneous mortality rate (Z) was around 1 for periods 1998–2003 and 2 year^?1 for 2005–2007 using length‐converted catch curves. The 95% confidence intervals of Z did not overlap for two of the periods, suggesting that the mortality rates were significantly higher during 2005–2007, possibly due to the introduction of shrimp nets. The maturity function differed significantly between sexes, indicating that females become silver eels at a larger size. The Japanese eels in the lower reach of the Kao‐Ping River were likely heavily exploited, thus management and conservation actions are strongly recommended.     

Female‐biased dimorphism in size and age at maturity is reduced at higher latitudes in lake whitefish Coregonus clupeaformis

Female‐biased sexual dimorphism in size at maturity is a common pattern observed in freshwater fishes with indeterminate growth, yet can vary in magnitude among populations for reasons that are not well understood. According to sex‐specific optimization models, female‐biased sexual size dimorphism can evolve due to sexual selection favouring earlier maturation by males, even when sexes are otherwise similar in their growth and mortality regimes. The magnitude of sexual size dimorphism is expected to depend on mortality rate. When mortality rates are low, both males and females are expected to mature at older ages and larger sizes, with size determined by the von Bertalanffy growth equation. The difference between size at maturity in males and females becomes reduced when maturing at older ages, closer to asymptotic size. This phenomenon is called von Bertalanffy buffering. The predicted relationship between the magnitude of female‐biased sexual dimorphism in age and size at maturity and mortality rate was tested in a comparative analysis of lake whitefish Coregonus clupeaformis from 26 populations across a broad latitudinal range in North America. Most C. clupeaformis populations displayed female‐biased sexual dimorphism in size and age at 50% maturity. As predicted, female‐biased sexual size dimorphism was less extreme among lower mortality, high‐latitude populations.     

Age,growth, mortality,and abundance of lake sturgeon in the Grasse River,New York,USA

An increased understanding of lake sturgeon (Acipenser fulvescens) population dynamics is a key requirement for successful management efforts. Little is known regarding the Grasse River population of lake sturgeon except that it is one of a few populations in New York State where spawning has been documented. Thus our purpose was to assess the current status of lake sturgeon in the Grasse River system, including age, growth, mortality, and abundance. Age was determined for 196 of 211 lake sturgeon by examination of sectioned pectoral fin rays. Ages ranged from 0 to 32 years and the annual mortality rate for fish between ages 7 and 14 was 16.8%. The weight (W, g) to total length (TL, mm) relationship was W = 1.281 × 10^?6TL^3.202. The von Bertalanffy growth equation was TL = 1913(1?e^{?0.0294(t+9.5691)}). While the range of observed ages was similar to that of nearby St. Lawrence River populations, mean weight at age for an individual at 1000 mm TL was lower than that observed for lake sturgeon within Lake St. Francis of the St. Lawrence River. Predicted growth based on von Bertalanffy parameters was similar to that observed for the nearby Lake St. Francis. An open population estimator using the POPAN sub‐module in the Program MARK produced an abundance estimate of 793 lake sturgeon (95% CI = 337–1249).     

Length–weight relationship,parameters of growth and mortality for the hardhead halfbeak Chriodorus atherinoides Goode & Bean, 1882 (Beloniformes: Hemiramphidae) from Yucatan Peninsula,Mexico

This study reports length–weight relationships and growth parameters for Chriodorus atherinoides from La Carbonera, a karstic tropical coastal lagoon on the northwestern coast of the Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico. A total of 667 specimens were collected between April 2009 and March 2010. The length‐weight relationship obtained was W = 0.0034Lt^3.22. This study presents the first estimation of the model parameters of the von Bertalanffy growth equation (L_∞ = 27.30 cm, k = 0.76 year^?1 and t₀ = ?0.178 years), the instantaneous total mortality (2.51 year^?1) and the maximum length record (26.0 cm total length), which is greater than previously recorded.     

Some biological characteristics of the garfish (Belone belone L., 1761) in Izmir Bay, Aegean Sea

The present work was aimed at determining the growth parameters of the garfish, Belone belone, a commercially important pelagic fish species in Izmir Bay (Aegean Sea). A total of 347 garfish specimens was collected during the period January–December 1997 from purse‐seine boats operating in Izmir Bay. Fork length and total weight of the specimens ranged from 26.0 to 54.5 cm and from 16.51 to 281.73 g, respectively. Maximum age group determined was V for females and IV for males. Female : male ratio was 1 : 0.45. Most specimens belonged to age group II. The von Bertalanffy growth equations for length and weight were for both sexes.     

Growth, mortality, age composition and fisheries yields of fish from the Gulf of Aden

Tropical fish were collected by trawling in Yemeni waters. Age determinations were made on sections of vertebrae which were cross checked with scales. The values for the von Bertalanffy growth constants K were in the range 0.08–0.31. Total mortalities ( Z ) calculated from age compositions were in the range 0.31 to 0.67 for 11 species. The mean of 0.46 agreed closely with that derived from the formula of Pauly (1980 a ) of 0.45. Since the former included fishing mortality ( F ) in addition to natural mortality ( M ) it was suggested that a lower value be used in the Gulland (1968) yield formula: Y = 0.5 M Bo . Recruitment to the fishery for most species occurred by 3 years of age. The demersal fish stocks in Yemeni waters may not exceed 109×10³ tonnes at the present time. Using a value for M of 0.3, the annual sustainable yield may be in the region of 16×10³ tonnes.     

Growth and derived life-history characteristics of the Brazilian electric ray Narcine brasiliensis

The majority of batoids are listed as Threatened (20.4%) or Data Deficient (41%) by the IUCN Red List. A key challenge to assessing Data-Deficient species is obtaining estimates of key life-history characteristics. Here, a Bayesian approach was used to estimate derived life-history characteristics from a growth model applied to the Data-Deficient Brazilian electric ray Narcine brasiliensis. The age of 170 specimens (107 females, 63 males) was estimated from vertebral centra, and total length, disc width, total weight and birth size were used in a joint estimation of sex-specific length-weight models and two-dimensional von Bertalanffy growth models. Estimates of age at length zero, age at maturity, longevity and mortality at age were derived simultaneously. The Bayesian joint modelling approach was robust to small sample sizes by adding a likelihood to constrain L₀ and sharing parameters, such as Brody growth coefficient between length measurements. The median growth parameter estimates were a shared L₀ = 38.8 mm, female L_∞ = 515 mm, 𝑘 = 0.125 and male L_∞ = 387 mm, 𝑘 = 0.194. Age at maturity was estimated to be 7.40–7.49 years for females and 4.45–4.47 years for males, whereas longevity was 22.5–22.6 years for females and 14.2 years for males depending on length measurement. Age-1 natural mortality was estimated to be 0.199–0.207 for females and 0.211–0.213 for males. The derived life-history characteristics indicate N. brasiliensis is earlier maturing, but slower growing relative to other Torpediniformes. These characteristics along with the species’ endemism to southern Brazil and high by-catch rates indicate that one of the IUCN Red List threatened categories may be more appropriate for the currently Data-Deficient status. The Bayesian approach used for N. brasiliensis can prove useful for utilizing limited age-growth data in other Data-Deficient batoid species to inform necessary life characteristics for conservation and management.     

Growth and reproduction of the north-eastern Atlantic keystone species <Emphasis Type="Italic">Patella aspera</Emphasis> (Mollusca: Patellogastropoda)

The growth and reproductive biology of the limpet Patella aspera were studied in the north-eastern Atlantic, Madeira archipelago, to enhance the knowledge concerning biological parameters and population dynamics of this species. This study comprised the estimation of growth rates, sexual maturity, reproduction, recruitment patterns, mortality coefficients and the exploitation rate, and yield-per-recruit (Y/R) based on monthly shell-length frequency data. A total of 16,941 specimens were sampled from January to December 2015. The relative growth pattern exhibited a negative allometric nature of growth for both sexes. The estimated von Bertalanffy growth parameters showed an asymptotic length of 84.15 mm for females and 80.51 mm for males with a growth coefficient of 0.36 and 0.32 year^?1 respectively. P. aspera in this geographical area is a moderately long-lived limpet with a predominance of specimens younger than 3 years old. This species is a winter breeder with a reproductive cycle encompassing three main periods namely development, spawning and resting with a synchronous gametogenesis for both sexes. Gonadal development lasts from October to December, spawning likely occurs from January until April and resting occurs from May to September. The mean size at sexual maturity was determined as 41.78 mm for females and 38.29 mm for males and the length at first capture as 42.62 mm. The recruitment pattern was continuous throughout the year with a major peak identified in March. The natural, fishing and total mortalities were similar between sexes, with fishing mortality exerting greatest pressure on this resource. However, yield-per-recruit analysis showed that the stock of P. aspera, in the study area, is exploited at levels below the fishing mortality that returns maximum sustainable yield. This study revealed that currently the stock of P. aspera is under-exploited, nonetheless due to it’s slow growth and long life, continuous monitoring and the enforcement of the existing harvest regulations must be accomplished if future over-exploitation is to be avoided. Further genetic studies are necessary to establish connectivity of the populations and improve present conservation strategies.     

Growth with seasonally varying temperatures: an expansion of the von Bertalanffy growth model

The von Bertalanffy growth function has limitations for describing the growth of fishes in seasonal climates. In the present work, a new equation is proposed where the growth parameter k is substituted by a function related to monthly water temperatures. The computer program GROWTHS was developed to fit and simulate the growth for seasonally varying temperatures. Examples for natural populations of Barbatula barbatula and Cottus gobio are presented.