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Rregarding the potential and capabilities of different socio-economic, ecological and recreational, Hurolazim wetland is allocated as a special place in the collection of ecosystems and environment and the study of existing ecological conditions is necessary to protect and restoring management. In this study, monthly Samples of four stations (stations north of the road, Imam Reza (1) and south of the road, Imam Reza (2), in the Rofayeh area and stations Tabor (3) and the Shatt Ali (4), in the Shatt Ali area) were taken during the year from April to March 2012. Samples included physical and chemical parameters, phyto and zoo planktons, benthos, fish, and fishing status. Phytoplankton samples using sampling bottles from 0.5 meters below the surface were taken and counted based on alive unit. Zooplankton samples were collected by 100 micron mesh size plankton net from a depth of 1.5-2 meters. Benthic animals and sediment were sampled by Van Vin grab(0.125 square meters). One sample for benthos and one sample for grain size analysis and percentage of organic matter were sampled from each stations. In order to estimate the monthly depleted catches, data collected from the census in place and sampling was done at the time. Three fishing area has inspected randomly once every 15 days and active fishermen and caches were recorded in the prepared forms during the day. In this way, the number of observed boats, the average boat per day, the catches of the boats and CPUE were registered and total fishing effort was calculated monthly. In this study, 194 species of phytoplankton were identified. Diatoms with 85 species, Cyanophyta with 59 species, Chlorophyta with 31 species, Euglenophyta and Dinophyta with 18 and one species were observed respectively. The highest abundance frequency of phytoplanktons with 38.96 percent were observed in Tabar station (3), Diatoms with 46% has shown the highest frequency and then Cyanophyta (34.17%), Chlorophyta (16.39%), Euglenophyta (1.6 %) and Dinophta (1.58%) were included of the total abundance respectively. In the summer colonies of Cyanophyta were in high density. A total of 35 species of zooplankton have been identified. from Rizopoda, the species of Arcellidae and Centripyxidae families, from Rotifera, the species of Brachionidae, Lecanidae, Asplanchnidae and Philodinidae families, from Cladocera ,the species of Daphnidae, Sisidae and Chydoridae families and from copepods, Cyclopoda families have been observed that included about 98 percent of identified zooplankton. Respectively, Copepoda (39.9 %), Rotifera (34.71 %), Cladocera (22.38 %) and Rizopoda (0.843 %) were dominant groups. The species Brachionus urceolaris with average density of 7.29 individual per liter, is the most abundant species that included 17 % of total abundance frequency in the wetland. The higher frequency of crustacean zooplankton such as Copepoda and Cladocera could be indicated an environment more favorable conditions and expected to be good status of food in the Horolazim wetland. Among the known benthic groups, families, Tephritidae (85%) and Chironomidae (7 %) of the order Diptera and Ostracoda (2 %) from crustacean, were the dominant macrobentic groups Among the studied stations, Station South Road Imam Reza (2), and the station Shatt Ali (4), were the highest and the lowest abundance respectively. The mean abundance of macrobenthos in different seasons showed the lowest and the highest abundance frequency in summer and winter respectively. According to diversity indices, The stations Tabar (3) was the highest and the Station South Road Imam Reza (2), was the lowest value of diversity index. The results showed the higher than 71.84 % of Silt-Clay percentage in all stations, The highest value of sediments TOM in the Station South of the Road Imam Reza(2) in the winter and the lowest in station Shat Ali(4) in summer were recorded. Based on HFBI index the stations north of the road Imam Reza (1) and the station Shatt Ali (4) in moderate status and the stations south of the road Imam Reza (2) and Tabar (3) in good status were classified. In this study, 15 species of fishes belonging to 8 genera and 3 families were identified. It was noticed that 87.4 percent of all identified species in the wetland belonged to the Cyprinidae family. The results of previous studies in 2006 and 2008 in the Iraqi part of Hawizeh wetland showed that the most common fish species belonged to Biah, Karas, Hemry and Shelej that included 89.3 percent of total fishing in the current study .Finally, It is evaluated that changes in water regime of freshwater wetlands, controlled the environmental characteristics and conditions. That means water plays a decisive role in the vital characteristics of wetlands. Changes of quantity and quality of water may be associated with changing the quantity and quality of biotic fauna in wetland system. In the management and protection of a wetland system, it is necessary to adopt measures based on scientific principles and reasonable methods in order to protect water quality.

Rregarding the potential and capabilities of different socio-economic, ecological and recreational, Hurolazim wetland is allocated as a special place in the collection of ecosystems and environment and the study of existing ecological conditions is necessary to protect and restoring management. In this study, monthly Samples of four stations (stations north of the road , Imam Reza (1) and south of the road, Imam Reza (2) ,in the Rofayeh area and stations Tabor (3) and the Shatt Ali (4), in the Shatt Ali area) were taken during the year from April to March 2012. Samples included physical and chemical parameters , phyto and zoo planktons, benthos, fish, and fishing status. Phytoplankton samples using sampling bottles from 0.5 meters below the surface were taken and counted based on alive unit. Zooplankton samples were collected by 100 micron mesh size plankton net from a depth of 1.5-2 meters . Benthic animals and sediment were sampled by Van Vin grab(0.125 square meters). One sample for benthos and one sample for grain size analysis and percentage of organic matter were sampled from each stations. In order to estimate the monthly depleted catches, data collected from the census in place and sampling was done at the time. Three fishing area has inspected randomly once every 15 days and active fishermen and caches were recorded in the prepared forms during the day. In this way, the number of observed boats, the average boat per day, the catches of the boats and CPUE were registered and total fishing effort was calculated monthly. In this study, 194 species of phytoplankton were identified. Diatoms with 85 species, Cyanophyta with 59 species, Chlorophyta with 31 species, Euglenophyta and Dinophyta with 18 and one species were observed respectively. The highest abundance frequency of phytoplanktons with 38.96 percent were observed in Tabar station (3), Diatoms with 46% has shown the highest frequency and then Cyanophyta (34.17%), Chlorophyta (16.39%), Euglenophyta (1.6 %) and Dinophta (1.58%) were included of the total abundance respectively. In the summer colonies of Cyanophyta were in high density. A total of 35 species of zooplankton have been identified. from Rizopoda, the species of Arcellidae and Centripyxidae families, from Rotifera, the species of Brachionidae, Lecanidae, Asplanchnidae and Philodinidae families, from Cladocera ,the species of Daphnidae, Sisidae and Chydoridae families and from copepods, Cyclopoda families have been observed that included about 98 percent of identified zooplankton. Respectively, Copepoda (39.9 %), Rotifera (34.71 %), Cladocera (22.38 %) and Rizopoda (0.843 %) were dominant groups. The species Brachionus urceolaris with average density of 7.29 individual per liter, is the most abundant species that included 17 % of total abundance frequency in the wetland. The higher frequency of crustacean zooplankton such as Copepoda and Cladocera could be indicated an environment more favorable conditions and expected to be good status of food in the Horolazim wetland. Among the known benthic groups, families, Tephritidae (85%) and Chironomidae (7 %) of the order Diptera and Ostracoda (2 %) from crustacean, were the dominant macrobentic groups Among the studied stations, Station South Road Imam Reza (2), and the station Shatt Ali (4), were the highest and the lowest abundance respectively. The mean abundance of macrobenthos in different seasons showed the lowest and the highest abundance frequency in summer and winter respectively. According to diversity indices, The stations Tabar (3) was the highest and the Station South Road Imam Reza (2), was the lowest value of diversity index. The results showed the higher than 71.84 % of Silt-Clay percentage in all stations, The highest value of sediments TOM in the Station South of the Road Imam Reza(2) in the winter and the lowest in station Shat Ali(4) in summer were recorded. Based on HFBI index the stations north of the road Imam Reza (1) and the station Shatt Ali (4) in moderate status and the stations south of the road Imam Reza (2) and Tabar (3) in good status were classified. In this study, 15 species of fishes belonging to 8 genera and 3 families were identified. It was noticed that 87.4 percent of all identified species in the wetland belonged to the Cyprinidae family. The results of previous studies in 2006 and 2008 in the Iraqi part of Hawizeh wetland showed that the most common fish species belonged to Biah, Karas, Hemry and Shelej that included 89.3 percent of total fishing in the current study .Finally, It is evaluated that changes in water regime of freshwater wetlands, controlled the environmental characteristics and conditions. That means water plays a decisive role in the vital characteristics of wetlands. changes of quantity and quality of water may be associated with changing the quantity and quality of biotic fauna in wetland system. In the management and protection of a wetland system, it is necessary to adopt measures based on scientific principles and reasonable methods in order to protect water quality. Iranian Fisheries Science Research Institute Published

Biomass estimation of fishes were done by depletion method in Shadegan Wetland in 2011-12. Fishing effort and landing catch amount per unit effort was done via random oversea in fixed landing area monthly. Fishermen and catch statistics were obtained from census. Total catch was calculated from multiplication of effort and average catch. Fishes biological characteristics survey indicated that Golden barb (Barbus luteus) and Berzem (Barbus pectoralis) has maximum (62 kg/ha) and minimum (4 kg/ha) biomass respectively. Maximum and Minimum biomass was in spring (380 kg/ha) and in winter (58 kg/ha) respectively and mean biomass was estimated 249 kg/ha in whole area during one year. Number of fishermen were about 1317 and maximum fishing effort was in April, May and June. Total fish landing was 4300 tons per year in which 1119 tons was calculated in April. Large scaled barb (Barbus grypus) and Abu mullet (liza abu) had maximum and minimum mean length and weight. The range length of most of fishes was low and their spawning season was in winter and spring. Length- weight relationship indicates their isometric growth. Despite of 45% decrease of number of fisherman to previous time (2008), catch effort and exploitation was increased (20%). Regarding fish living area (70000 ha), total biomass was 17430 tons.

Biomass estimation of fishes were done by depletion method in Shadegan Wetland in 2011-12. Fishing effort and landing catch amount per unit effort was done via random oversea in fixed landing area monthly. Fishermen and catch statistics were obtained from census. Total catch was calculated from multiplication of effort and average catch. Fishes biological characteristics survey indicated that Golden barb (Barbus luteus) and Berzem ( Barbus pectoralis ) has maximum (62 kg/ha) and minimum (4 kg/ha) biomass respectively. Maximum and Minimum biomass was in spring (380 kg/ha) and in winter (58 kg/ha) respectively and mean biomass was estimated 249 kg/ha in whole area during one year. Number of fishermen were about 1317 and maximum fishing effort was in April, May and June. Total fish landing was 4300 tons per year in which 1119 tons was calculated in April. Large scaled barb ( Barbus grypus) and Abu mullet (liza abu) had maximum and minimum mean length and weight. The range length of most of fishes was low and their spawning season was in winter and spring. Length- weight relationship indicates their isometric growth. Despite of 45% decrease of number of fisherman to previous time (2008), catch effort and exploitation was increased (20%). Regarding fish living area (70000 ha), total biomass was 17430 tons. Iranian Fisheries Science Research Institute Published

This study was carried out in continuation of previous studies on artificial reefs monitoring in Khozestan coastal waters. The main purpose was the zoo species composition on and around the artificial reefs. Sampling was done from May 2012 to April 2013, from 4 stations in artificial reefs area. Reef structures were sampled by scuba diving. Physical and chemical parameters were measured and water quality status was determined by using WQS index. Zooplankton and macrozooplankton communities were sampled by 100 and 300 micrometer mesh size nets respectively. Benthic animal's samples from sediments around of the reefs body were collected by Ekman grab. Sediment characters, TOM and grain size were analyzed by using ignition loss and size series sieves methods respectively. Secondary production of macrobenthic animals based on dominant species length classes was estimated. Ichthyological information recorded by diver (census and video recording) and Gargoor traps were used for fishing effort calculation .Except for nitrite parameter (p

This study was carried out in continuation of previous studies on artificial reefs monitoring in Khozestan coastal waters. The main purpose was the zoo species composition on and around the artificial reefs. Sampling was done from May 2012 to April 2013, from 4 stations in artificial reefs area. Reef structures were sampled by scuba diving. Physical and chemical parameters were measured and water quality status was determined by using WQS index. Zooplankton and macrozooplankton communities were sampled by 100 and 300 micrometer mesh size nets respectively. Benthic animal's samples from sediments around of the reefs body were collected by Ekman grab. Sediment characters, TOM and grain size were analyzed by using ignition loss and size series sieves methods respectively. Secondary production of macrobenthic animals based on dominant species length classes was estimated. Ichthyological information recorded by diver (census and video recording) and Gargoor traps were used for fishing effort calculation .Except for nitrite parameter (p

This research was done to study on communities' strucure of benthic animals' growth on artifitial reefs, constructed in Hendijan coastal waters in khozestan in Nort west Persian Gulf. The seasonal sampels of attached organisms were collected from spring to winter during 2010 year study.One station (D) in older and three stations (A, B, C) in newer reef site were selected.Random sampling was carriedout by using quadrat (25×25) via diving. During survey, the number of 59 species of attached animals belong to 13 animal groups, including, 9 species of cnidarian, 8 species of spoges, 7 species of Gastropoda, 8 species of Bivalve, 4 species of polychaet and 17 species of Crastacean were identified. In studied artifitial reef apoint of biomass, softcoral were dominant group which include 92% of total biota, and the species Plumarella sp. is the dominant species. However, apoint of abundance the species pisidia sp. from anomura crabs was the most abundant species especially in station A and D. Different kind of Cnidarian such as Dendronephthya sp., Sarcophyton sp. And Lobophyllia sp. was observed in station D for the first time. The polychates, Mollusk and some of crustacean and Echinodermata species were observed in lower abundance in comparision with previous studies. This results show that communities have been changed along time. According to MDS analysis, based on Bray-Curtis similarity, different stations presented seasonal variation based on identified species-biomass. Clustering analysis based on mean biomass indiffernt seasons explained that. Station D in 55%, station B in 75% and staton A and C in 80% similarity were Seperated. According to obtained results, there were not signifidant differences between station that can be caused by similarity in structural characteristics such as bottom slope and age of reefs. The mean abundance in spring was significantly high than other seasons. Which can be caused due to bioticfactos such as life cycle and reproduction season? In this research, fish communities accord to recorded information by visual consus and fisheries Traps arund the reefs, hare been increasing. In present study with increasing biomass in the biotic communities on artificial reefs enhancement of fish stock most be expected. These substrates can be reduced the pressure on destructed which is the opportunity for rehabilitation. In present study with increasing biomass in the biotic communities on artificial reefs enhancement of fish stock most be expected. These substrates can be reduced the pressure on destructed which is the opportunity for rehabilitation. The most frequent and abundant fish species was Epinephelus sp. This species was presented in all stations and seasons. The other abundant fish species were Scolopsis sp.,Epinephelus coioides, Diplodus sargus and Neopomacentrue sp..

This research was done to study on communities' strucure of benthic animals' growth on artifitial reefs, constructed in Hendijan coastal waters in khozestan in Nort west Persian Gulf. The seasonal sampels of attached organisms were collected from spring to winter during 2010 year study.One station (D) in older and three stations (A, B, C) in newer reef site were selected.Random sampling was carriedout by using quadrat (25×25) via diving. During survey, the number of 59 species of attached animals belong to 13 animal groups, including, 9 species of cnidarian, 8 species of spoges, 7 species of Gastropoda, 8 species of Bivalve, 4 species of polychaet and 17 species of Crastacean were identified. In studied artifitial reef apoint of biomass, softcoral were dominant group which include 92% of total biota, and the species Plumarella sp. is the dominant species. However, apoint of abundance the species pisidia sp. from anomura crabs was the most abundant species especially in station A and D. Different kind of Cnidarian such as Dendronephthya sp., Sarcophyton sp. And Lobophyllia sp. was observed in station D for the first time. The polychates, Mollusk and some of crustacean and Echinodermata species were observed in lower abundance in comparision with previous studies. This results show that communities have been changed along time. According to MDS analysis, based on Bray-Curtis similarity, different stations presented seasonal variation based on identified species-biomass. Clustering analysis based on mean biomass indiffernt seasons explained that. Station D in 55%, station B in 75% and staton A and C in 80% similarity were Seperated. According to obtained results, there were not signifidant differences between station that can be caused by similarity in structural characteristics such as bottom slope and age of reefs. The mean abundance in spring was significantly high than other seasons. Which can be caused due to bioticfactos such as life cycle and reproduction season? In this research, fish communities accord to recorded information by visual consus and fisheries Traps arund the reefs, hare been increasing. In present study with increasing biomass in the biotic communities on artificial reefs enhancement of fish stock most be expected. These substrates can be reduced the pressure on destructed which is the opportunity for rehabilitation. In present study with increasing biomass in the biotic communities on artificial reefs enhancement of fish stock most be expected. These substrates can be reduced the pressure on destructed which is the opportunity for rehabilitation. The most frequent and abundant fish species was Epinephelus sp.. This species was presented in all stations and seasons. The other abundant fish species were Scolopsis sp.,Epinephelus coioides, Diplodus sargus and Neopomacentrue sp.. Iranian Fisheries Science Research Institute Published

Without industrial and urban development and their effects on marine ecosystem, due to high biotic potential, Khure-Mussa would be one of the productive coastal areas. Because of sensitivity and vulnerability to environmental changes this area are classified in sensitive ecologic area. This study was conducted to evaluation ecological health status in Khure-Mussa in the Northwest of Persian Gulf by using benthic indices. Twenty creeks in Khure-Mussa area were set up for study and sampling in four seasons from winter 2008 to autumn 2009. Monthly water sampling for physico-chemical parameters was done by bottle sampler and seasonal samples of surface sediment were collected by Peterson grab sampler (0.125m^2) .At each station three samples for macrobenthic study and one sample for grain size analysis and organic matter determination were obtain. Totally, 187589 macrobenthic individual were collected and separated. Among identified groups, Polychaetes with total number108906, Crustacean with total number 46561, Bivalve with total number 14156 and seapen with total number 9841 were the dominant groups and were included 58, 25, 8 and 5 percentage of total number respectively. The highest abundance in the spring and the lowest abundance in the summer were observed. According to mean abundance, Somaily creek and Khure-mussa (3) station showed the highest and the lowest abundance respectively. Seapen is included more than 90 % of total biomass. The range of Shannon diversity index was (1.95-3.58) which the minimum and the maximum values were found in Shipping and Patil station respectively. Significance benthic biological parameters (abundance and richness) in different creeks explained the variation of benthic community structure in studied creeks. In addition, seasonal significant differences were found in these parameters due to seasonal changes in benthic animal s succession. The results of grain size analysis showed that the range of siltclay was (63.6-95.59). According to AMBI index values, all of the studied creeks are classified in slightly pollution level and disturbed condition except for Petrochemical station that placed in moderate pollution level. The BOPA index values in all stations showed more than threshold level (0.19) that means bad and weak ecological condition. The highest and the lowest ITI index values were observed in Oil exporting port station (64.92) and Ghazaleh creek (29.53) respectively. The others were grouped in 30-60 range that means moderate pollution level and disturbed ecological status. The values of ABC (Abundance Biomass Curve) that explained the relation between macrobenthic biomass and abundance, were calculated near zero from 0.1 to -0.1 in all studied creeks that show moderate condition for living animals. In general the studied creeks showed pollution potential and benthic biological parameters indicated downward trend in ecological quality and health status.

Without industrial and urban development and their effects on marine ecosystem, due to high biotic potential, Khure-Mussa would be one of the productive coastal areas. Because of sensitivity and vulnerability to environmental changes this area are classified in sensitive ecologic area. This study was conducted to evaluation ecological health status in Khure-Mussa in the Northwest of Persian Gulf by using benthic indices. Twenty creeks in Khure-Mussa area were set up for study and sampling in four seasons from winter 2008 to autumn 2009. Monthly water sampling for physico-chemical parameters was done by bottle sampler and seasonal samples of surface sediment were collected by Peterson grab sampler (0.125m2) .At each station three samples for macrobenthic study and one sample for grain size analysis and organic matter determination were obtain. Totally, 187589 macrobenthic individual were collected and separated. Among identified groups, Polychaetes with total number108906, Crustacean with total number 46561, Bivalve with total number 14156 and seapen with total number 9841 were the dominant groups and were included 58, 25, 8 and 5 percentage of total number respectively. The highest abundance in the spring and the lowest abundance in the summer were observed. According to mean abundance, Somaily creek and Khure-mussa (3) station showed the highest and the lowest abundance respectively. Seapen is included more than 90 % of total biomass. The range of Shannon diversity index was (1.95-3.58) which the minimum and the maximum values were found in Shipping and Patil station respectively. Significance benthic biological parameters (abundance and richness) in different creeks explained the variation of benthic community structure in studied creeks. In addition, seasonal significant differences were found in these parameters due to seasonal changes in benthic animal s succession. The results of grain size analysis showed that the range of siltclay was (63.6-95.59). According to AMBI index values, all of the studied creeks are classified in slightly pollution level and disturbed condition except for Petrochemical station that placed in moderate pollution level. The BOPA index values in all stations showed more than threshold level (0.19) that means bad and weak ecological condition. The highest and the lowest ITI index values were observed in Oil exporting port station (64.92) and Ghazaleh creek (29.53) respectively. The others were grouped in 30-60 range that means moderate pollution level and disturbed ecological status. The values of ABC (Abundance Biomass Curve) that explained the relation between macrobenthic biomass and abundance, were calculated near zero from 0.1 to -0.1 in all studied creeks that show moderate condition for living animals. In general the studied creeks showed pollution potential and benthic biological parameters indicated downward trend in ecological quality and health status. Iranian Fisheries Science Research Institute Published

Aquatic animals possess specific biological characteristics and lifecycle. Without knowing about their biology and complete lifecycle, planning about their conservation can not be effective. Following the previous studies on fish larvae in Khuzestan coastal waters this study was done to determination catch composition and density of juvenile fishes in Khuzestan coastal waters during 2007 to 2008. Studied area included two main fisheries ground, Lifeh-Busafe in west and Bahrekan in east coasts. Monthly random sampling was carried out by using shrimp trawl net with Akhtar vessel. Juvenile fish's means the fishes that completed their larval cycle and are look like their parents but have not been matured yet. The catch mean, biomass, CPUA and the stock size of different species were estimated by using Swept Area Method. Totally 101485 caught fishes included 38 families and 63 species. The most abundant trawled fishes were Thryssa vitriostris Leiognathus bindus Ilisha melastoma Penahia macrophthalmus and Johnius belangerii .These five species contain about 80 %, the species Arius dussumieri and Cynoglossus arel 4.5% and 3.2 % respectively and the others 12% of total caught fishes. In the east coasts the species L. bindus I. melastoma T. vitriostris P. macrophthalmus and in the west coasts the species P. macrophthalmus T. vitriostris J. belangerii and I.melastoma were the most abundant. Among 63 identified fish species , juvenile fishes of 23 species were observed which contain 26.4 % of total caught fishes .the fishes Arius dussumieri and Acantopagrus latus 100%, Liza subviridis, Leiognathus lineolatus and Triacantuhus biaculeatus more than 80 % and Pomadasys stridens Lagocephalus inermis Saurida tumbil and Thryssa vitrirostris more than 50 % were observed as juvenile stage. The most abundant juvenile fishes were T. vitrirostris L. bindus and Arius dussumieri respectively. The maximum (1852 kg/km2) and the minimum (165 kg/km2) values of CPUA were estimated in west coasts in July and December respectively. The maximum (2677 kg/km2) and the minimum (153 kg/km2) values of CPUA were estimated in east coasts in June and August respectively. The biomass showed a distinct peak in June and July in east and west coasts respectively. The highest diversity index in east (2/22) and west (2.36) coasts were obtained in July. In present study the number of identified fishes is more than previous studies. Juvenile fishes spend their sensitive period of lifecycle in Khuzestan coastal waters. After growing in late spring, fish larvae enter to the juvenile stage and select this productive area as nursery ground. Increasing of juvenile fishes in July is accordance with their reproduction season in studied area. The east coasts are deeper than the west and there are some differences in hydrological characteristics due to discharging of the rivers Bahmanshir and Arvandrood in west coasts. The peaks of abundance in east and west coasts were observed with a clear time interval. The higher CPUA in east coasts can be caused due to gradual migration of juvenile fishes from west to east during cold season. Iranian Fisheries Science Research Institute Published

Aquatic animals possess specific biological characteristics and lifecycle. Without knowing about their biology and complete lifecycle, planning about their conservation cannot be effective. Following the previous studies on fish larvae in Khuzestan coastal waters this study was done to determination catch composition and density of juvenile fishes in Khuzestan coastal waters during 2007 to 2008. Studied area included two main fisheries ground, Lifeh-Busafe in west and Bahrekan in east coasts. Monthly random sampling was carried out by using shrimp trawl net with Akhtar vessel. Juvenile fish's means the fishes that completed their larval cycle and are look like their parents but have not been matured yet. The catch mean, biomass, CPUA and the stock size of different species were estimated by using Swept Area Method. Totally 101485 caught fishes included 38 families and 63 species. The most abundant trawled fishes were Thryssa vitriostris Leiognathus bindus Ilisha melastoma Penahia macrophthalmus and Johnius belangerii .These five species contain about 80 %, the species Arius dussumieri and Cynoglossus arel 4.5% and 3.2 % respectively and the others 12% of total caught fishes. In the east coasts the species L. bindus I. melastoma T. vitriostris P. macrophthalmus and in the west coasts the species P. macrophthalmus T. vitriostris J. belangerii and I.melastoma were the most abundant. Among 63 identified fish species , juvenile fishes of 23 species were observed which contain 26.4 % of total caught fishes .the fishes Arius dussumieri and Acantopagrus latus 100%, Liza subviridis, Leiognathus lineolatus and Triacantuhus biaculeatus more than 80 % and Pomadasys stridens Lagocephalus inermis Saurida tumbil and Thryssa vitrirostris more than 50 % were observed as juvenile stage. The most abundant juvenile fishes were T. vitrirostris L. bindus and Arius dussumieri respectively. The maximum (1852 kg/km^2) and the minimum (165 kg/km^2) values of CPUA were estimated in west coasts in July and December respectively. The maximum (2677 kg/km^2) and the minimum (153 kg/km^2) values of CPUA were estimated in east coasts in June and August respectively. The biomass showed a distinct peak in June and July in east and west coasts respectively. The highest diversity index in east (2/22) and west (2.36) coasts were obtained in July. In present study the number of identified fishes is more than previous studies. Juvenile fishes spend their sensitive period of lifecycle in Khuzestan coastal waters. After growing in late spring, fish larvae enter to the juvenile stage and select this productive area as nursery ground. Increasing of juvenile fishes in July is accordance with their reproduction season in studied area. The east coasts are deeper than the west and there are some differences in hydrological characteristics due to discharging of the rivers Bahmanshir and Arvandrood in west coasts. The peaks of abundance in east and west coasts were observed with a clear time interval. The higher CPUA in east coasts can be caused due to gradual migration of juvenile fishes from west to east during cold season.

In recent years MPAs (Marine Protected Areas) have been known as a flexible tool to improve fishery management as well as to preserve biodiversity in valuable coastal waters habitats. This study was conducted to selecting the sensitive and high potential area that are impacted by several environmental stress and associated habitats are being damaged in Mahshahr creeks in Northwest of Persian Gulf. Study was done in eight creeks from October 2005 to September 2006. Different biotic parameters such as phytoplanktons, zooplankton, macro zooplankton, benthic animals and fishes (trawled species) communities and also physico-chemical parameters and sediments heavy metals were investigated. Different parameters were sampled monthly or seasonal from each creek. Water samples with bottle sampler and sediment were collected by Peterson grab. Several ecological and biological indices based on heavy metals and benthic communities were used. Concentrations of heavy metals were measured by using voltammetric plarography method (Methrom 797). The range and mean concentrations obtained in mg/kg were 35.16-15.03 (27.01) for Cu, 171.41-65.57 (102.672) for Ni, 20.06-4.63 (13.22) for Co, 0.78-0.093 (0.22) for Hg, 379-65.07 (113.7) for Zn, 1.00-0.27 (0.559) for Cd and 29.72-7.09 (14.66) for Pb. To evaluate the levels of sediment contaminations, the background values of the different heavy metals were calculated and contamination factor for each metals and degree of contamination for each creek determined as well. Measured concentrations were compared with International standards. Ultimately the heavy metals contamination factors (Cf) can be arranged as follows: Hg> Zn> Cu≥ Ni> Pb≥ Co > Cd and according to contamination degree (Cd), different creeks can be arranged as follows too: Ghannam> Ahmady≥ Zangy> Doragh≥ Darvish> ghazaleh> Patil> Bihad Regarding the results some elements such as Hg, Zn and Ni, are at risk level and all of the studied creeks are classified in moderate degree of pollution except Ghannam showing considerable degree of pollution. The benthic invertebrates are a well-established target in evaluations of environmental quality status. The AMBI (AZTI,s Marine Biotic Index) was developed to determine the impacts and the quality status in softbottom marine benthic communities. All creeks are characterized by muddy bottom. Macrobenthic animals, according to their sensitivity to an increasing stress gradient, classified in five ecological groups. In present study due to appearance of dominant species such as Capitella sp and nematodes (as opportunist species), diversity values was reduced. Two way ANOVAs showed only seasonal significant differences in mean abundance (P

In recent years MPAs (Marine Protected Areas) have been known as a flexible tool to improve fishery management as well as to preserve biodiversity in valuable coastal waters habitats. This study was conducted to selecting the sensitive and high potential area that are impacted by several environmental stress and associated habitats are being damaged in Mahshahr creeks in Northwest of Persian Gulf. Study was done in eight creeks from October 2005 to September 2006. Different biotic parameters such as phytoplanktons, zooplankton, macro zooplankton, benthic animals and fishes (trawled species) communities and also physico-chemical parameters and sediments heavy metals were investigated. Different parameters were sampled monthly or seasonal from each creek. Water samples with bottle sampler and sediment were collected by Peterson grab. Several ecological and biological indices based on heavy metals and benthic communities were used. Concentrations of heavy metals were measured by using voltammetric plarography method (Methrom 797). The range and mean concentrations obtained in mg/kg were 35.16-15.03 (27.01) for Cu, 171.41-65.57 (102.672) for Ni, 20.06-4.63 (13.22) for Co, 0.78-0.093 (0.22) for Hg, 379-65.07 (113.7) for Zn, 1.00-0.27 (0.559) for Cd and 29.72-7.09 (14.66) for Pb. To evaluate the levels of sediment contaminations, the background values of the different heavy metals were calculated and contamination factor for each metals and degree of contamination for each creek determined as well. Measured concentrations were compared with International standards. Ultimately the heavy metals contamination factors (Cf) can be arranged as follows: Hg> Zn> Cu≥ Ni> Pb≥ Co > Cd and according to contamination degree (Cd), different creeks can be arranged as follows too: Ghannam> Ahmady≥ Zangy> Doragh≥ Darvish> ghazaleh> Patil> Bihad Regarding the results some elements such as Hg, Zn and Ni, are at risk level and all of the studied creeks are classified in moderate degree of pollution except Ghannam showing considerable degree of pollution. The benthic invertebrates are a well-established target in evaluations of environmental quality status. The AMBI(AZTI,s Marine Biotic Index) was developed to determine the impacts and the quality status in softbottom marine benthic communities. All creeks are characterized by muddy bottom. Macrobenthic animals, according to their sensitivity to an increasing stress gradient, classified in five ecological groups. In present study due to appearance of dominant species such as Capitella sp and nematodes (as opportunist species), diversity values was reduced. Two way ANOVAs showed only seasonal significant differences in mean abundance (P

Following studies on the identification and estimation of fish larvae density in Khoozastan Creeks study was carried ouu in East coast of Khoozestan to completely cover the area, from Dec. 1999 till Nov, 2000. Monthly samplings were carried out in 4 stations in East coasts of Khoozestan watere (Eastern side of Khor e - Mosa channal), using 500 micron Bongo net and oblique haules from bottom to the surface. From a total No. of 4765 observed larvae, 24 families were identified. Gobiidae (29,670) Clupeiformes Per Flexion (21.3%), Leiognathidae (10.6%), Clupeidae (163%) and Callionymidae (4.45%) were the dominate families. Other families such as Cynoglossidae, Scianidai, Engraulidae. Bregmacerotidae, etc,. were scarce. Half of the obser.red larvae were common in all the sampling stations Except serimeh station that showed a, higher larval frequency, other Stations were similar in this regurd.Mean diversity index was highest in May, June, July and Auguest and was lowest in Aprill, Octa and NOV. Analysis of variance only showed significant differences of diversity indices between seasons, and Spring and Summer were different from Autumn and Winter. Analysis of averge values of these two indices in the studied areas only showed the significance of evenness in various areas, and grouping searated the East coast from other two areas (Creeks and the West coasts), Non significance of diversity index in the studies areas shows that they could be similar. All the identified larvae were also present in Creeks and the west coasts, and most of the families present in West coasts were also observed in the East coast. Iranian Fisheries Science Research Institute Published

In this study 401 specimens of Gattan (Barbus xanthopterus) caught by drifting and set gillnets, cast nets and forks were studied. Samples were collected monthly (October 1996 to September 1997) from Hamidieh Dam to Hour-Al-Azim Lagoon. Morphometric and meristic parameters and biological characteristics were studied in the laboratory. The Highest frequency of Gattan in the river was in March and in Hour-Al-Azim was in December. The length range of the fish in the river was broader than in the hour, and fishes with lengths more than 700mm were only observed in the river. Sharp decrease in GSI in May and occurence of spawning in May and June showed that reproduction of this species occurs in spring (in a two month period) and is relatively short. Minimum and maximum ova diameter were 0.01mm and 2.25mmin stages II and IV of gonad maturity respectively. An increasing trend in ova diameter up to April and decreasing in June showed one time spawning of this species. Surface water temperature in the spawning season was between 25.5oC and 28.65oC and turbidity was in its lowest level in this period. Sex maturation in males occurred in length of 151-200mm (one year old), and in females in 501-550mm (3 years old). Average sex ratio (male to female) was 1:1.31 which is not significantly different from 1:1 (95% confidence limit).

During one year survey (1992-1993) 47 different species of fishes were caught by drift gill net from Bahmanshir, Karoon and Dez rivers. Distribution, frequency, ecological indices (diversity, richness and dominance), salinity coefficient (for Karoon and Bahmanshir rivers) were also calculated. In Karoon Rivers 32 species, in Bahmanshir 25 species and in Dez 12 species were identified. Freshwater fishes of Karoon include 17.9%, Bahmanshir 5.9% and Dez 14.6% of total freshwater fishes in Iran. Among identified fishes 4 nor endemic species, 2 anodermus species and the rest are dwelled and one species is rare. The most frequent species were: Clupeidae (3 genus and 3 species) in Bahmanshir river, and Cyprinidae (10 genus 16 species) in Dez river and (12 genus and 19 species) in Karoon river. Also the maximum fish abundance was in autumn, in Bahmanshir and Dez rivers and in spring in Karoon River. The similarity percentage of species between Karoon and Bahmanshir was very low. The maximum diversity and evens also belong to Bahmanshir and the maximum species richness and dominance belong to Karoon River.