Growth and mortality parameters of Pagellus bellottii (sparidae) in the Cape Coast area of Ghan

Abstract

Estimates of the growth and mortality parameters of the red pandora, Pagellus bellottii,in the Cape Coast area were obtained from length-frequency data compiled over two years (November 1993 to October 1995) using the ELEFAN computer programmes. The asymptotic length (Loo) was estimated at 34.2 cm total length, and the growth constant (K) as 0.53yr-1; the total mortality (Z), natural mortality (M) and fishing mortality (F) were determined as 3.74yr-1, 1.12yr-1 and 2.61yr-1, respectively. Over exploitation of the stock is suggested by the calculated exploitation ratio (E) of 0.7.

JOURNAL OF THE GHANA SCIENCE ASSOCIATION Volume 1 Number 2, January (1999) pp. 53-62