Length-weight relationships (LWRs) of target fish turbot, Scophthalmus maximus (Pleuronectiformes: Scophthalmidae) and non-target fish thornback ray, Raja clavata (Rajiformes: Rajidae) caught by turbot gill net fishery in the Black Sea, Turkey

Abstract

The present study was conducted to determine the length weight relationships (LWRs) of turbot, Scophthalmus maximus and thornback ray, Raja clavata caught by bottom turbot gill net in the Black Sea, Turkey and to compare the LWRs parameters of S. maximus and R. clavata from different geographical locality for contributing fisheries management of these two fish species in the Black Sea. the LWR of S. maximus samples collected from the Rize coast in the Black Sea highlighted that S. maximus showed isometric growth characteristics for female and combined data (Pauly's test, P > 0.05) and negative allometric growth for male (Pauly' t test, P < 0.05). the LWR of R. clavata showed that R. clavata has positive allometric growth characteristics for female and combined data (Pauly's test, P < 0.05) and isometric growth for male (Pauly's test, P > 0.05). in addition to this, to compare the estimations calculated from the present study with other studies, log (a) values were plotted against values of b, proved to be consistent with previous studies data for R. clavata and S. maximus. This study provides basic information on the LWRs both S. maximus and R. clavata populations, in support of sustainable fisheries management of these two fish species and especially of the sea coastal waters in the Black Sea, Turkey.