Catch study of fishes in the north west of Persian Gulf, Iranian waters (2002-2005)

Commercial catch data in Khouzestan Province (North West Persian Gulf) landing centers were used in this study. Total number of active fishing dows and boats in 2004 were 601 and 1440 respectively. Abadan area head the maximum number of boats (%49) of the province in this year and it was calculated %70 for dows. A total catch of 19950 tons was landed in 2004 which showed 40 percent decrement comparing to previous year in which 33508 tons had been recorded. This decrement occurred after a series of increments in catch during the last years. 71 Percent of total catch of the province belonged to Abadan area. Total catch of Silver pomfret (Pampus argenteus) in 2002 was 182 tons and increased to 408 tons in 2004. L∞, condition factor (K), M. and E. were estimated for this species 32.62 cm, 0.54 per year, 1.06 and 0.64 respectively. Total catch of Tiger tooth croaker (Otolithes rubber) increased from 942 tons in 2002 to 2300 tons in 2004. L∞, K, M. and E. were estimated for this fish 62.12 cm, 0.5 per year, 0.92 and 0.6 respectively. Tenualosa ilisha had a landing of 6841 T in 2003 and showed a steep decrement (%82) in 2004. Abadan Landing places had the most percentage of catch for O. rubber (%72) and T. ilisha (more than %82). Less economically important species landings were increased during last years. Catch statistics of Lizard fish Saurida tumbil in 1993 was 81 T and reached to 318 T in 2004 and for Thread fin bream Nemipterus Japonicus it increased from 80 to 972 tons. Iranian Fisheries Science Research Institute Published