The study of biological characteristics and heavy metal determination of Cd, Pb, Fe, V, Ni in the muscle, liver and gonad tissues of kingfish Scomberomorus commerson in the coastal waters of the Hormozagan Province (Persian Gulf)

Biological studies and heavy metal (Ni, v, Fe, Pb,Cd) determination in liver, gonad and muscle of Scomberomorus commerson were carried out from Oct 2006 to Sept 2007 in Hormozgan coastal waters. 599 Samples were gutted for reproduction and nutrition studies, fork length and weight were measured to nearest cm and g respectively. Meanwhile 40 samples were also investigated for heavy metal studies. All specimens were collected from two major landing sites (Bandar Lengeh & Bandar Abbas). Minimums & maximum fork length & weight were 29, 128 cm & 235 and 15350 g respectively.Isometric growth was shown according to our study and b was estimated 2.9 (overall), 2.91(male) & 2.89 (female). The average relative gut length was 0.52± 0.007 and it was determined that S. commerson is a carnivorous. More than 99 percent of gut content was different teleost fishes. Gastro somatic index had two peaks in Nov & Jan (before spawning) and with a decreased trend in July, the spawning period. Occurrence of empty stomach was estimated % 65.77. Maximum amount of condition factor was in Dec. Spawning season was started from June. The average of Absolute & relative fecundity (to weight unit) was 1217149±179315 and 178.2±15.58 respectively. Lm50% was estimated 75 cm for females. Sex ratio was 0.97: 1 (male: female). Chi- Square test showed no significant difference (p>0.05). Maximum amount of hepatosomatic index was estimated in March.Metal concentrations were determined using either Flame Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (for Fe) or Graphite Furnace Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (for Pb,Cd,Ni and V). The mean concentration (μg/g dry weight)of Pb,Cd,Ni,V and Fe in the liver were 0.0309, 0.0268, 0.0672, 0.0077, 2.5159 in the gonad 0.0440 ,0.0295, 0.1096, 0.0000, 1.4449 and in the muscle 0.0244, 0.0324, 0.0656, 0.0128, 1.6138 respectively. The maximum metal concentrations were below the maximum permissible limits for human consumption recommended by the USEPA, WHO and the UK. The results of Kendall's Tau-b correlation coefficient were as follows: The Liver tissue: There were significant positive linear relationships between accumulation of V, Fe, and Pb with Fork length, Pb and Fe with weight, GSI with Pb, Cd, V and 109 Fe, and a negative linear relationships between HSI with accumulation of V and Fe, Fork length, weight and GSI. The Gonad tissue: There were significant positive linear relationships between GSI with accumulation of Pb, Cd, Fe, Fork length and weight, a negative linear relationship between HSI with Fork length, weight and GSI. The Muscle tissue: There were significant positive linear relationships between accumulations of V, Fe with Fork length and weight factors and as well as GSI with Cd, V, Fe, Pb, Fork length and weight,a negative linear relationship between HSI with Fork length, weight, Cd, Fe and GSI. The results of Mann-Whitney U tests (P≤0.05) show that there were significant differences between summer and autumn from heavy metal contents in the studied tissues point of view. The only exceptions were for Ni in the liver, gonads and muscle and as well as there were significant differences between male and female from heavy metal contents in the studied tissues. The only exceptions were for Pb in muscle, Ni in liver, gonad and muscle, V in muscle, and Cd and Fe in gonads.

The study of biological characteristics and determination of population dynamic parameters of sawtooth barracuda (Sphyraena putnamae) in the Persian Gulf (Hormozgun Province waters)

The biological characteristics and population dynamisms of Sphyraena putnamae, were studied in the northern Persian Gulf and Oman Sea restricted to Hormuzgan province waters within 13 months period, from November 2006 up to November 2007. Biometrical and anatomical measurements were carried out, and biological surveys were conducted on 486 specimens. On the other hand, the growth and mortality parameters were estimated by using 3096 samples. These samples were collected from 3 landings, namely Bandar Abbas, Bandar Lengeh and Bandar Jask. The measurements of the minimum and maximum Fork lengths and weights were 11.7 to 8.03 cm and 135.0 to 4140.0 g, respectively. The results indicated that this species, having the Relative Length of Gut, RLG=0.34±0.002, is strongly carnivorous (often fish-eater), proven by the fact that more than 98% of its stomach contents were fish pieces. Examining the changes in the index of stomach emptiness by the percentage of CV = 0.47% indicates that this fish is Moderate feeder. The level of feeding increased in March, before spawning and decreased in June and September, simultaneously with the spawning season. There are 2 peaks of reproduction or spawning seasons during the months of April-May and September, of which the prior is assumed as the main spawning. The sex ratio (M:F) was calculated 0.5:1.0(X2 =2.11), which did not show a significant difference with expected level of 1:1 (P>0.05). The average absolute and relative reproduction rates of Sphyraena putnamae is respectively as follows: 1866827.1±255448.9 and 1097.7±94.3. The highest and the lowest diameter of matured egg are from 200 to 750 μ, and its average diameter is 402.10 ± 0.190 μ. A parameter for Saw-tooth barracuda length measurement, Lm50, based on the Fork-length, was calculated as 54.01 cm. In other words, as far as the fisheries management is concerned, the fish whose lengths are less than 54.01 cm should not be caught. The calculated level of (R2) (correlations of total length & weight), indicated strong correlations between length and weight of this fish, and the obtained formula included W =0.007100 FL 2.9295 and reinforced this assumption. The “K” Index for this fish in 3 above mentioned landings (Jask, Bandar-Abbas and Bandar-Length) were 1.24, 0.37 and 0.46 per year, respectively and the FL index for the same landings were estimated as 129, 110 and 134 cm, respectively. The growth coefficient (MONRO) for the above mentioned regions were calculated as 3.601, 3.647 and 3.917, respectively; and in the surveyed regions there were no significant differences in populations. The Total mortality coefficient (Z) was calculated 0.76, 1.12 and 1.07 per year, the Natural mortality coefficient was 0.46, 0.63 and 0.70, and the Fishing mortality coefficient (rate) (F) was found to be 0.30, 0.49 and 0.37 per year. The value of the exploitation rate (E) is equal to 0.39 per year, indicating that this species is an under-exploited resource, and there is no excessive fishing pressure on the fish supply of this species in the afore-said regions. The highest level of exploitation was found for ‘Bandar Abbas’ fishing region and the lowest level of exploitation is in ‘Bandar Lengeh’ waters.

Determination of biological characteristics and blood groups of hilsa shad (Tenualosa ilisha) in the north of Persian Gulf (Bushehr coastal waters)

Hilsa shad, Tenuolosa ilisha, belongs to Clupeidae family and Alsinae subfamily is an euryhaline pelagic and anadromous species living in marine and freshwater waters. Regarding to study the biological characteristics of this species, this study was carried out in the Northern Persian Gulf within Bushehr province waters during years 2006-7. A total of 344 specimens were collected and transported to the laboratory for further different biological measurements consist of: reproduction (GSI, fecundity, maturity stages), feeding (stomach contents, food preference ...), aging; 58 morphometric and ٧ meristic measurements. The results indicate that minimum, maximum and mean body weight are 203, 953 and 481.35±147.64 g, respectively and this values for total length are 26.5, 45.1 and 35.99±3.98 cm. For food regimes, the most abundant phytoplankton foods belong to Bacillariophyta (83.74٪) and zooplanktons of Arthropoda (51٪). The mean RLG was measured about 1.53±0.22 and the mean feeding intensity was about 51.79±38.13. Also, the aging of studied fishes showed that they have 2 to 4 years and most of the samples had 2+ years. The reproduction studies showed that Indian shad is a batch spawner species. The average gonadosomatic index (GSI) is 1.64±1.382 and the main spawning season was determined for April-May.

Investigation on reproduction process in two species of crab, Eriphia sebana and Ocypode saratan in the intertidal zone of Chabahar area

The present study with headline investigation on reproduction in two species of crab Eriphia sebana and Ocypode saratan was carried out in the intertidal zone of Chabahar in thirteen month from December 2004 to December 2005. Checked samplings have been taken, 45 number Crab monthly from any four stations by manual or use trap. During this study the following subjects were measured: temperature range and salinity, measurable coast granule, determination of sex ratio, relations carapace width with carapace length, Carapace width with total body weight, Gonad weight, gonadosomatic index, condition factor, gastrosomatic index, investigation content in stomach, LM50, growth parameters, plenty distribution length and width and gonad weight and total body weight. Studied on measurable coast granule were expressed that Ocypode saratan in Desalination station, were nest in soils equable sand and this quantity were confirmed in Pozm station. Sex ratio were assign in desalination area and Pozm M: F 0/44:0/56 and in Tiss and Chabahar M:F 0/45:0/55. Carapace length and carapace width (cm) and body weight (g) Furthest were designated in Ocypode saratan within carapace width sequential: In female: 5/42-6/15-105/13 and in male: 5/53-6/25-108/91 and in Eriphia sebana within Tiss area sequential: in female: 5/12-5/94-110/21 and in male 5/14-60/01-114/37. Have been linear relationship between carapace length and carapace width and equaled CW=aCL+b. Weight growth in two species were be modal and equaled BW=aCLb And increased crab weight by built up carapace width. Maximum gonad weight in Ocypode saratan within Desalination area in female have been outcome 3/39 and in male 0/84g and in Eriphia sebana extreme within Tiss during may in female were be 4/18 and in male 1/1g. Stomach content in Eriphia sebana were involved a black until half-purplish liquid and yellowish in Ocypode saratan. Stomach contents identifiable were being in four groups: Molluscoid, Crustacean, Plankton and Fish. Carapace width during the first year of maturation have been LM50:3/77 in Desalination area and LM50:3/92 in Pozm for Ocypode saratan and LM50:4/26 in Tiss and LM50:4/62 in Chabahar. Ability spawning in Eriphia sebana within Tiss has been CW=4/17cm and in Ocypode saratan within Desalination area CW=4/23cm. Maximun value of Loo for Eriphia sebana was equal 59/67 and growth factor K=0/68 within Tiss and Loo =61/64, K=0/65 for Ocypode saratan within Desalination area. Maximun GSI and GI have been within Desalination area and Tiss and minimum within Pozm and Chabahar. The maturity stages of two species were classifed into six stages. Review on GSI, CF have been showed that relation with temperature and salinity and definer in two species have been spawned in two period that Maximun in spring premier than autumn.

Population dynamics and management of yellowfin tuna (Thunnus albacares) of the Oman Sea

The Yellowfin tuna was caught more than all other species in the southern waters of Iran (24000 tons in 1998). In order to come up with the responsible fishing pattern, there was a need to identify some of the biological characteristics and population dynamic parameters. This thesis was the first which covered the whole Yellowfin tuna distribution in the Oman Sea, included the fishing grounds of Berris, Ramin, Chabahar, Pozm and Jask. The data during 1998-99 from different fishing grounds were polled. Based on the exponential relationship between length and weight in the size range 38-173 Cm, the relationship (W=aL^ b) was calculated as W=0.000012L ^ 3.0831). The mean fork length,head length,girth and weight were calculated respectively 84.15 Cm, 23 Cm, 53 Cm, and 11828 g. Length infinity was estimated 189 Cm with growth parameters of 0.42 per year. Growth performance index was 4.18 which was in agreement with the findngs of the other studies in the Indian and Pacific Oceans. The mortality parameters and exploitation rate were estimated as below: Z = 1.75-1.85 M=0.6 F=1.25 E=0.68 Occurence of empty stomach was high (60%) in the speciemens obtained from the Oman Sea. Purpleback flying squid (Sthenoteuthis oualaniensis) was the most dominant prey species observed in the study (57% in females and 60% in males), occurrence of teleost fishes were found to be the second (38% in males and 42% in females). Crabs also were identified in the specimens(1-2%). The study on sex ratio indicated that males were predominant at all sizes above 120 Cm fork length. 50.82% of specimens were males and 49.18% females. The monthly gonadosomatic index was deriven higher values during January to June which could be indicated as spawning period.

Fishery biology of Indian mackerel in Sri Lankan coastal waters

The objective of the project was to determine the reproductive biology of Indian Mackerel (Rastrelliger kanagurta) using Gonado-Somatic Index (GSI); length at first maturity; spawning season; morphological characteristics; and stomach contents.

Biology and distribution of grouper (Epinephelus coioides) in province waters (Abadan Bhrakan)

This survay has been done from Januray 2000 till May 2002 in Khouzestan costal waters. Four species of grouper were identified from which orange spotted grouper (Epinephelus coioides) was the dominant species. For studing environmental parameters and reproductive biology, age, growth parameters and mortality rate samples were collected by fishing ship. Samples were taken montly in 4 days by fishing traps and trawls. In addition, some samples were obtained from Khozestan fish landing centres. Environmental factors such as PH, 02, salinity, water temperature and depth of traping areas, were measured. To identify species, morphometric characteries of 452 individal fishes were measured. Stomach contents of 394 fish were has survaid, from which stomach of 226 fish, and 168 fish had empty stomachs. Percentage of empty stomachs (cv) in males was more than females. Food items found in 73 percent of stomach were crab (11%), shrimps (8.8%) , squids (3.9%), gastropods (17%) and bivalves (0.4%). Feeding intensity in year classes did not obay logic trends The importance relatively indicator (I.R.I) were 81, 9.9, 4, 1.5 and 0.3 percent for fish, crab, shrimp, squid, gastropod and bivalve respectively. For age determination, sagita otoliths of 450 fish were taken and countable sections were obtained from 425 specimens. Relative frequency distribution of opaque and transparent rings showed that each opaque growth ring generates once a year from November to September. It seemed that generation of opaque rings is affected by temperature and photoperiod changes. Correlation between length and age was calculated using Von Bertalanffy's least square method. Following equasion was obtaind: L(t) : 122.27 (1 e 0.146 (t+0.482)) Growth parameters were determined through by Ford Walford equasion and Response Surface and Shepherd subcommands in Elefan program and L00 and K amounts were have determined. Correlation between length and age of 635 fish was determined by gender . Length and age correlation was calculated by exponential model and between total length and standard length by straghit line model. Correlation between age and weight of sagita was calculated by total length and age. The most Correlation was between sagita weight and fish age (r=0.876). Total mortality rate (z) was estimated by Length Converthed Method , Jones and Vanzaling and Powel Wetherall. Total mortality rate was z=0.39. Natural mortality rate, using Pauly method was calculated M=0.32. Fishing mortality (F) was 0.08. Gonads of 425 fishes were surveid within 18 month, from which 363 were female, 46 were male and 16 were sex reversing individuals .Total length of females varied from 26 to 95.5 centimeters while males length varied from 56.5 to 107 centimeters. Sex reversing individuals had a length of 47.5 centimeters, when two years old and 62.5 centimeters at age of 3 years. From the mentioned 425 fish, 401 individuals were matured, containing 339 females and 62 males, 5.47 females against each male. Montly changes of Gonadosomatic Index (GSI) by total body weight and standard length and total body length showed that this index increases from march to May and maximum increase was in May . This experiment was adapted in spawning season. Potential, relative, and absoulate fecundity was estimated by counting eggs in three samples. Total amount of traped fish using special traps was 16182.18 kg from which Epinephelus coioides provided catching 15353.43 kg of it (91.27 %) and By catch was 141.18 kg (8.24 %). Total average CPUE for whole catch was 123.33 kg/day/vessel. Total amount of catch was estimated 232.04 tons, considering CPUE of total catch and total Khuzestan trap ships effort.