ISSN: 2577-4050
Authors: Hamwi NI*, Ali-Basha NA, Altajer H and Salem J
A total of 1115 random samples of Siganus luridus were collected over a one-year period (January 2023 - December 2023) from the Syrian coast in the eastern Mediterranean Sea. These samples were obtained through fishing activities carried out by local fishermen. Advanced techniques, including artificial neural networks and fuzzy logic, were used to analyze the collected samples. The age composition analysis revealed the presence of 5 distinct age groups, with the second age group being the most dominant, comprising 32.29% of the total individuals. The largest individual measured had a total length of 21.09 cm and was estimated to be 5 years old. The von Bertalanffy growth equation for total length was derived as TLt = 29.99 (1-e- 0.21 (t+0.779)), indicating negative allometric growth (b = 3.23). The growth performance index (Φ’) was calculated as 2.28. The estimated mortality coefficients were as follows: total mortality rate (Z) = 0.89 per year, fishing mortality rate (F) = 0.32 per year, natural mortality rate (M) = 0.57 per year, and exploitation rate (E) = 0.36 per year. The survival coefficient (S) was determined to be 0.41. The population growth of S. luridus from the Syrian coast (FP = 33) indicated a moderate growth pattern within the local marine environment. The fishing vulnerability was determined to be 50.1 FV. Consequently, these fish face a significant threat along the Syrian coast. This study provides valuable insights into the population dynamics of S. luridus along the Syrian coast and highlights the importance of conservation measures for sustainable management of this species. The results contribute to our understanding of the growth, mortality, and vulnerability to fishing of S. luridus and serve as a foundation for future research and management strategies.
Keywords: Expert System; Growth; Siganus luridus; Syrian Coast; Vulnerability
