Growth Heterogeneity of Chub Mackerel (Scomber japonicus) in the Northwest Pacific Ocean

Abstract

Chub mackerel (Scomber japonicus) is a pelagic fish widely distributed in temperate and subtropical zones throughout the Indian and Pacific Oceans and is commercially exploited, particularly in the North Pacific. Although highly targeted in this region, little is known about their life history aspects. The objectives of this study are to evaluate the growth heterogeneities and ageing analysis of this species. We describe the length-at-age, weight-at-length, relative condition factor relationships, spatiotemporal heterogeneity and compare estimated growth parameter values to those reported from other regions. This study used data obtained from Chinese fishing vessels collected from 2016–2020 in the northwest Pacific Ocean. Length–weight data from 2686 specimens (40–294 mm, fork length; 0.8–311.8 g body weight) were analyzed, and the length–weight relationship was W = (1.41 × 10−6) × FL3.37. Seven linear mixed-effects models (LMEM) were used to analyze the heterogeneity of length-weight relationships of Chub mackerel. The length–weight relationships for Chub mackerel were best described by a model with random effects with both year and season (spring, summer, autumn) with the scalar parameter a. Age estimates were obtained from 175 specimens, and the length-at-estimated ages relationship was described using three non-linear candidate growth models. The von Bertalanffy growth model fit the data best for Chub mackerel in the northwest Pacific Ocean. Comparing the results to that of previous studies, we observed that individual Chub mackerel exhibited a slower growth rate than that observed in previous studies. In addition, relative condition factors varied among years, seasons, and regions. Information presented in this study provides an effective scientific basis for stock assessment and fishery management of Chub mackerel in the northwest Pacific Ocean.