Population structure of the European anchovy, Engraulis encrasicolus (Linnaeus, 1758) in Lake Manzala, Egypt

European anchovy Age and growth Fishery assessment Mediterranean lagoon

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December 25, 2023

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The present study is to identify the population and stock characteristics of Engraulis encrasicolus in the Mediterranean lagoon “Lake Manzala” of Egypt. A total of 1536 specimens were collected seasonally by a local trammel net (El-Balla), from 2019 to 2021. The length ranged from 4.2 to 12.1 cm, where the dominance was of medium sizes. Two age groups were observed with a short longevity (tmax = 3.16 y). Parameters of Von Bertalanffy, L?, and K, were estimated as 12.52 cm and 0.95 y-1, respectively. The growth performance index (Ø) was estimated as 2.17, expressing liner growth and environmental suitability. The calculated length at first maturity (Lm) = 8.1 cm, compared to 6.9 cm of length at first capture (Lc), expressing high fishing effort. Mortality indices include: total mortality (Z) = 3.71 y-1, and natural mortality (M) = 1.46 y-1. According to biological reference points, Fopt = 0.73 y-1 and Flimit = 0.97 y-1, the fishing mortality (F = 2.25 y-1) indicated overfishing of the anchovy stock in Lake Manzala. The current exploitation rate, E = 0.61 expressed the occurrence of overexploitation. Based on the results, reducing fishing efforts is vital to maintaining stock stability.