Abstract
The research provides a comprehensive analysis of Mystus gulio including growth pattern, growth parameters, recruitment patterns, mortality rates, biomass, exploitation rate (E), and the estimation of maximum sustainable yield (MSY) within the southwestern coastal waters of Bangladesh. From January to December 2017, fishers provided around 1200 specimens. FAO-ICLARM Stock Assessment Tool and Excel-add-in-solver were used to assess stock status through length-frequency data. Indeed, the research findings indicated that the population of M. gulio displayed negative allometric for both individuals (b = 2.53 for male, b = 2.50 for female), as demonstrated by the calculated allometric coefficient value. Nonetheless, the population's dynamic characteristics revealed an asymptotic length (L(∞)) of 19.34 cm, 23.28 cm and growth coefficient (K) 0.94 year(-1) and 0.81 year(-1) for male and female M. gulio. The growth performance indexes (Ø') of 2.55 and 2.64 for male and female and maximum lifespan (t(max)) 3.20 years and 3.70 years respectively. This study revealed that the slightly variations in the natural mortality rate (M) for both specimens at 1.55 year(-1) and 1.59 year(-1). The fishing mortality rate (F) 2.75 year(-1) and 1.98 year(-1)and total mortality rate (Z) 4.30 year(-1) and 3.57 year(-1) for male and females, respectively. The maximum permissible exploitation rate (E(max) = 0.421) was lower than the actual exploitation rate (E = 0.63). The MSY was calculated at 67.968 metric tons. Without a doubt, overfishing stands out as the most critical threat to the wild stock. Therefore, it is clear that the existing fishing approach was not efficiently managed the standing stock in a sustainable manner. The findings would be useful for established proper fishing regulations in coastal waters and the surrounding ecosystems.