Carangid fishery of veraval coast with special reference on the biology and population dynamics of Megalaspis cordyla (Linnaeus)

Abstract

Annual average carangid landing was 304.2 t which constituted 0.9% of the total fish catch in Veraval during 1901 -84. The trawlers landed 172.3 t (56.6%) and the drift gillnet units 131.9 t (43.4%). The canngid fishery by trawlnet was sustained by Aropus atropus(34.5%). Caranx spp. (27.9%). Decapterus russelli (15.7%), Chorinemus spp (12.9%) and Megalapsis cordyla (8.9%) and in the drift gillnet by M. cordyla (67.2%), Chorinemus spp. (30.0%). Caranx spp. (2.1%) and A.atropus (0.6%). The results on morphometric relationship, length-weight rlationship. sex ratio, stages of maturity, food and feeding of this species is also discussed. The Lα, K and to of M. cordyla have been estimated to be 554 mm, 1.0337 (annual basis) and - 0.0078 yr respectively and it atains 216, 358,438.485 and 515 mm of fork length in 0.5, 1.0, 1.5.2.0 and 2.5 year respectively. The estimated avenge annual standing stock is 167.1 t and the average standing stock is 38.8 t. The MSY is estimated to be 8 1.8 t. Higher fishing mortality ntes and exploitation ntes indicate that this species is exposed to higher fishing pressure by both the gears, bait used by a boat, biology of baitfishes to understand their recruitment and culture potential are some of the management options discussed.