Population Dynamics of Saddle Grunt Fish, Pomadasys maculatus (Bloch, 1793) from Pakistani Waters

Length frequency data of Pomadasys maculatus (Bloch, 1793) was collected during 2012 and 2014 from Pakistan waters. Total 1387 fish individuals (pooled) were collected ranging from 7-22 cm (total length). Weight ranging 5-105 g. The data were analyzed for the estimation of population dynamics. The power coefficient of 2.532 in 2012 and 2.560 in 2014. The von Bertalanffy growth parameters of 23.10 cm (L∞), 0.480year-1 (K) for 2012 and 23.10 cm (L∞), 0.570year-1 (K) for 2014, were calculated by ELEFAN method. The Z was 2.06years-1 for 2012 and 2.07year-1 for 2014. The M) was1.16 year-1 for 2012 and 1.30 year-1 for 2014 calculated with Pauly’s equation. Therefore, the F was 0.9 years-1 in 2012 and 0.77years-1 in 2014. The exploitation ratio was estimated to be 0.43 and 0.32 respectively. The YPRA (yield-per-recruit analysis) indicated that the estimated Fmax was 1 for both years, when tc was 1. Fcurrent was 0.9 and 0.77 (for 2012 and 2014 respectively) which was less than Fmax. With Gulland method, the BRPs for the fishery (Fopt) was estimated at 1.16 years-1 and 1.30 years-1 respectively, higher than current fish mortality. Accordingly, the Pomadasys maculatus fishery is in managing the condition in Pakistani waters.