International Journal of Oceanography & Aquaculture (IJOAC)
ISSN: 2577-4050
Research Article
Assessment of Population Growth and Fishing Vulnerability
of Helicolenus dactylopterus along the Syrian Coast (Eastern
Mediterranean Sea)
Abstract
Between July 2023 and September 2024, 647 distinct Helicolenus dactylopterus specimens were captured in the coastal waters of Syria in the eastern Mediterranean Sea. Advanced analysis techniques, such as artificial neural networks and fuzzy logic, were applied to these samples. During the study, the largest captured individual was 35.35 cm long and was estimated to be 26 years. By applying the von Bertalanffy growth equation to the total length data, had derived the formula TLt =45.806 (1- e-0.05 (t + 4.144)), which indicates negative allometric growth (b = 2.93). The growth performance index (Φ’) was calculated as 2.01, providing a measure of growth efficiency. The study also estimated various mortality coefficients for Helicolenus dactylopterus. The coefficients were as follows: Z = 0.52 y-1 (total mortality rate), F = 0.31 y-1 (fishing mortality rate), M = 0.21 y-1 (natural mortality rate), and E = 0.60 y-1 (exploitation rate). The survival coefficient (S) was determined to be 0.59 y-1. Analysis of the population growth (FP) of Helicolenus dactylopterus from the Syrian coast, a value of 58.2, indicated a large growth rate within the local marine environment. However, the study also found that fisheries were exploited at a fishing vulnerability of 51.5.
The population dynamics of Helicolenus dactylopterus in Syrian seawater can be gleaned from the findings of this study. The sustainable management of this species requires the implementation of conservation measures, according to them. In addition, the results enrich our knowledge of Helicolenus dactylopterus’ growth, mortality, and vulnerability to fishing, creating the basis for future research and management strategies.
Keywords: Expert System; Growth; Helicolenus dactylopterus; Syrian Water; Vulnerability
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