Frequency distribution of Penaeus semisulcatus and Penaeus merguiensis in the catch of breeder shrimp trawlers in Jask and Sirik area, Oman Sea

Abstract

Collection of breeder shrimps in important fishing grounds of Hormozgan province was started in 1994. In this research which was carried out in March, April, June and July 2001 and 2002, we aimed at identifying shrimp species, determining frequency distribution of the species in the catch and evaluating caught maturity stages. We collected data on the catch of artisanal shrimp trawlers on a biweekly basis. Result showed that Penaeus indicus was dominant in the catch while P. semisulcatus and P. merguiensis comprised 20.5-20% and 13.5-19.5% of the catch in Jask and Sirik areas respectively. A Tukey test showed that average carapace length in P. merguiensis and P. semisulcatus caught in Jask were significantly larger than those from Sirik area (p< 0.05). Maximum abundance of P. semisulcatus and P. merguiensis spawners was found during March to June in Jask and June to July in Sirik fishing grounds.