Population Parameters of Brackish River Prawn (Macrobrachium macrobrachion, (Herklots, 1851) in the Lower Taylor Creek, Niger Delta, Nigeria

Abstract

The population parameters of Macrobrachium macrobrachion in the Lower Taylor Creek, Niger Delta, Nigeria were estimated using a – 24 month length – frequency data (June 2008 – May 2010). The FAO-ICLARM Stock Assessment Tool (FiSAT II) software was used to estimate the population parameters. The estimated growth parameters were L∞ = 9.68 cm total length, K/year = 1.10, C = 0.10 and WP = 0.10 (February). Using length–converted catch curve, the total mortality (Z) was 2.80/year, the natural mortality (M) was 2.64/year, while fishing mortality (F) was 0.16/year. The exploitation rate (E) obtained was 0.06, suggesting M. macrobrachion is under–fished in the Lower Taylor Creek.

Key Words: FiSAT, ingo, non-return valve basket traps.