Investigating the selectivity of gillnet used for catching the Crimson snapper (Lutjanus johni Bloch, 1792) by length-girth relationships in the coastal waters of Bandar Abbas

Abstract

Crimson snapper (Lutjanus johni Bloch, 1792) is the most important commercial species in the Persian Gulf and the Oman Sea. This species is caught by gillnets in the coastal waters of Bandar Abbas. In the present study, the gillnet with 17 cm stretched mesh size (knot to knot) is used for investigating the selectivity of gillnet used for catching the crimson snapper by length-girth relationships in the coastal waters of Bandar Abbas. Sampling was performed in May and July 2017. The total numbers of 1107 specimens were caught after 210 times of gillnetting. The weight, total standard length and girth of 4 points of body (locations of eyes, operculum, beginning of the dorsal fin and maximum girth) were measured for all specimens. Regression of length-girth, length-weight and selectivity curve were drawn based the data. Results showed that the total length was increased by increasing the body girth and weight of fish. Based on the body girth of two points including branch girth and maximum body girth, the selectivity of gillnet ranged from 62 to 76 cm in which the optimum length was 69 cm that is higher than Lm50. Therefore, it can be concluded that gillnet with 17 cm mesh size is suitable for catching crimson snapper.