Population Characteristics of Selected Small Pelagic Fish Species along the Tanzanian Coast

Authors

  • Godfrey Fabiani Institute of Marine Sciences, University of Dar es Salaam, P.O. Box 668, Zanzibar, Tanzania
  • Leonard J. Chauka Institute of Marine Sciences, University of Dar es Salaam, P.O. Box 668, Zanzibar, Tanzania
  • Christopher A. Muhando Institute of Marine Sciences, University of Dar es Salaam, P.O. Box 668, Zanzibar, Tanzania

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.4314/tjs.v48i3.6

Keywords:

Population, Small pelagic, Maturity, Tanzania

Abstract

Although small pelagic fishing in Tanzania is rising, lack of information on population structure has been a significant concern in its management. This study aimed to determine the species composition, length-weight relationship and length at first maturity of Amblygaster sirmEncrasicholina heterolobaEncrasicholina punctifer, Stolephorus commersonii, and Spratelloides gracilis landed at Kilwa Kivinje, Kipumbwi and Shangani along the Tanzanian coast. These landing sites were chosen because of their locations and importance in the small pelagic fishery. Sampling was done monthly from October 2018 to June 2020. The catch composition was site specific such that  Eheteroloba dominated at Kilwa Kivinje and Shangani, while Epunctifer dominated at the Kipumbwi site. Further analysis shows allometric coefficient to be greater than 3 for Asirm and Epunctifer, indicating positive allometric growth, while for Scommersonii and Sgracilis, the allometric coefficient was less than 3, indicating negative allometric growth. Our findings showed that length at first maturity (L50) differed, implying that these species start spawning at different sizes, an essential biological reference for sustainable small pelagic fish exploitation. We recommend seasonal closure of the fishery to maintain reproductive seasons since many species are multiple spawners.

Keywords: Population; Small pelagic; Maturity; Tanzania

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Published

30-09-2022

How to Cite

Fabiani, G. ., Chauka, L. J. ., & Muhando, C. A. . (2022). Population Characteristics of Selected Small Pelagic Fish Species along the Tanzanian Coast. Tanzania Journal of Science, 48(3), 585–595. https://doi.org/10.4314/tjs.v48i3.6

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Articles