Geographical variability of length-age structure of the Black Sea sprat Sprattus sprattus phalericus (Risso) (Pisces: Clupeidae) and intraspecific differentiation

• Main Authors: G. V. Zuyev, V. A. Bondarev, Yu. V. Samotoi
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: A. O. Kovalevsky Institute of Biology of the Southern Seas of RAS 2016-03-01
• Series: Морской биологический журнал
• Subjects: sprat; length and age structure; abundance; variability; fishery; Black Sea
• Online Access: https://mbj.marine-research.org/article/view/3

Investigations of the Black Sea sprat intraspecific differentiation are the basis for the scientific substantiation of rational exploitation of its resource potential. This work is devoted to the study of spatial variability of length and age structure of sprat as specific population parameter reflecting its intraspecific differentiation. Our own data and materials of Scientific, Technical and Economic Committee for Fisheries (STECF) of the European Commission have been used. The first time long-term dynamics (2007–2012) and interannual variability of length and age structure of sprat in different geographical regions of the Black Sea (coastal waters of Bulgaria – Romania, Turkey and the Crimea) have been investigated. Differences of the long-term dynamics and interannual variability of length and age structure in these regions have been found. Sprat population from Bulgaria – Romania region is in better conditions (mean length 8.59 ± 0.01 cm; mean age 1.79  year), sprat population from Crimea region is in worse conditions (mean length 7.64 ± 0.01 cm; mean age 1.38 year). It has been shown that the main factor determining the interregional biological heterogeneity of sprat is the different fishery regulations. This fact disagrees with concept of united commercial sprat stock in the Black Sea.