Population Parameters of Brackish River Prawn (<i>Macrobrachium macrobrachion</i>, (Herklots, 1851) in the Lower Taylor Creek, Niger Delta, Nigeria

Abstract

The population parameters of Macrobrachium macrobrachion in the Lower Taylor Creek, Niger Delta, Nigeria were estimated using a – 24 month length – frequency data (June 2008 – May 2010). The FAO-ICLARM Stock Assessment Tool (FiSAT II) software was used to estimate the population parameters. The estimated growth parameters were L∞ = 9.68 cm total length, K/year = 1.10, C = 0.10 and WP = 0.10 (February). Using length–converted catch curve, the total mortality (Z) was 2.80/year, the natural mortality (M) was 2.64/year, while fishing mortality (F) was 0.16/year. The exploitation rate (E) obtained was 0.06, suggesting M. macrobrachion is under–fished in the Lower Taylor Creek.

Key Words: FiSAT, ingo, non-return valve basket traps.