Age, Growth, and Mortality of Pontic Shad, Alosa immaculata Bennett, 1835, in the Danube River, Romania

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the growth, mortality parameters, and exploitation rate of Pontic shad, Alosa immaculata Benett, 1835, in the Danube River, Romania (km 169–197). The sampling collection started with the first signs of Pontic shad migration, on 4 March 2023, and continued weekly until the beginning of June 2023, when the last specimens were caught in the nets. The estimation of the growth, mortality parameters, and exploitation rate was done in FiSAT (FAO-ICLARM Stock Assessment Tools). The von Bertalanffy growth equation was estimated at L∞ = 36.75 cm, the growth coefficient was k = 0.68 year−1, and the theoretical initial age was t0 = −0.67 year−1. The total mortality rate (Z) estimated was 2.76 year−1, with a natural mortality rate (M) and fishing mortality rate (F) of 0.89 year−1 and 1.87 year−1, respectively. The Z/k ratio was found to be 4.11 and the exploitation rate (E) was estimated at 0.68 year−1, indicating the overexploitation of Alosa immaculata stocks. In conclusion, this study provides valuable insights into the population dynamics of Pontic shad in the Danube River, Romania. The assessments of the growth parameters, mortality rates, and exploitation rates highlight a level of overexploitation of Alosa immaculata stocks. These findings underscore the importance of applying effective fishery management strategies to ensure the sustainability and conservation of this valuable fish species in the Danube River ecosystem.