Estimation of Growth and Population Parameters using Age and Length Composition of Allis shad (Alosa immaculata Bennett, 1835) captured in the Black Sea

In this study, growth and population parameters were estimated using age and length composition of allis shad (Alosa immaculata) captured in Middle Black Sea coasts. The study was carried out between October 2011 and May 2012. A total 2265 fish for length composition and 233 fish for age composition were investigated in the study. According to results, length-weight relationship, average length and weight of allis shad were determined W=0.0044L3.1494, 19.5±0.09 cm, 58.8±1.09 g respectively. Growth, mortality and exploited rates for length and age composition of allis shad were estimated L∞ = 40.06 cm, K= 0.32 year-1 , t0= -1.82 and Z= 1.20 year-1 , M= 0.51 year-1 , F= 0.69 year-1 , E= 0.57; L∞ = 33.76 cm, K= 0.29 year-1 , t0= -2.73 and Z= 1.28 year-1 , M= 0.52 year-1 , F= 0.76 year-1 , E= 0.59 respectively. It can be concluded that there is high over-fishing on allis shad stocks in the Black Sea for E rate estimated to age and length composition, when the optimum exploitation rate for pelagic species is considered (E=0.5)