JOURNAL OF APPLIED ICHTHYOLOGY, cilt.34, sa.3, ss.568-580, 2018 (SCI-Expanded)
Present study evaluated the population status of the Bluemouth (Helicolenus dactylopterus)
population distributed in the Antalya Bay for the first time, within the scope of
two different surveys carried out in monthly basis, between September 2009 and June
2011 (200–900 m). In accordance with the major availability of the food, 80.9% of the
total catch (in number) of the species at the upper slope (200–499 m). The 80.8% of all
recruits’ specimens inhabits between 200 and 399 m while 72% of the total spawner
specimens (TL ≥ 20 cm) inhabits at depths of between 600 and 799 m. Highest average
abundance of the species was estimated 1,060 n/km2 (400 m), while the highest
average biomass was 93 kg/km2 (600 m). Lengths of individuals ranged from 4 to
36 cm, and estimated ages from 0 to 27 years. Parameters of the von Bertalanffy
growth curves were L∞ = 34.14 cm, K = 0.09 year−1, and t0 = −1.28 years. Margin band
analysis confirmed the formation of a single growth annulus per year. In the central
part of the otolith, close to the nucleus, a strongly marked check ring is formed which
presenting first time for this species in the literature. The duration of the spawning
stage for the females was observed between December and February. Selectivity rate
of the commercially used 44 mm diamond codend mesh, with a 7.4 cm catch size,
found to be very low for the species (a first spawning size of 17–20 cm). The stock of
Bluemouth in the Antalya Bay was considered in above reference levels and in high
abundance status due to estimated low fishing mortality (0.067−1), exploitation rate
status below reference level (0.207−1) and Fcurr is very low than reference point
(0.219−1).