Stock assessment and exploitation status of Lethrinus nebulosus (Lacepede, 1802) exploited off Thoothukudi coast, Tamil Nadu, India

Abstract

<em>Lethrinus nebulosus</em> (Lacepede, 1802), although a commercially important fish species, has not been studied (population studies) in Thoothukudi coast of Tamil Nadu, India. Research on recruitment pattern, virtual population analysis and exploitation status of <em>L. nebulosus </em>off Thoothukudi coast was conducted from July 2011 to June 2012. During the study period, 4590 specimens of <em>L. nebulosus</em> were collected for studying the above said parameters by using FiSAT software. Recruitment pattern of the species expressed continuously with one peak each in April and August. The fishing pressure occurred more in the length group of 43 cm onwards. The results revealed that the total annual catch of 7566.28 tonnes was obtained from 52210 boat days. The maximum catch per unit was during December and January. The maximum sustainable yield (MSY) was estimated at 12203.68 tonnes. The discrepancy between MSY and annual catch was 4664.399. The present fishing effort may be increased to 61.29% to achieve MSY with 19310 boat days. It was revealed that <em>L. nebulosus</em> is underexploited in this region.