Trawl Codend Selectivity in respect of Silver Pomfret Pampus argenteus (Euphrasen, 1788)

Abstract

The silver pomfret Pampus argenteus (Euphrasen, 1788) belonging to the family Stromateidae is an important resource exploited by trawlers in India and is one of the most sought after marine food fish worldwide. Information on trawl selectivity is required in biological investigations, fish stock assessment, fisheries management and fishing gear design and development. The size selectivity for this species in 100 mm diamond mesh codend was estimated using covered codend method and the selectivity parameters were estimated using the software CC 2000 (ConStat, Denmark). The L50, selection range and selection factor were determined as 144.8 mm, 27.3 mm and 1.45 respectively. The optimum mesh size estimated based on the highest reported value of length at first maturity for silver pomfret in Indian waters and the selection factor determined through trawl selectivity experiments was 150 mm, for conventional diamond mesh codends.