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Stock assessment of Asp (Leuciscus aspius Linnaeus, 1785) in the Aras Dam Reservoir
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Ali Haghi Vayghan    , Mehrnaz Ghanbarzadeh |
| Urmia University , a.haghi@urmia.ac.ir |
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Abstract: (20 Views) |
Background and Objectives: The Aras Dam Reservoir is the largest reservoir in northwest Iran, hosting important commercial and non-commercial fish species. The Asp (Leuciscus aspius) is one of the key commercial species inhabit in this lake. In recent years, clear signs of overexploitation of this species have been observed in the Aras Dam Reservoir, with its catch significantly declining over the past decade. The objective of this study was to determine the catch limit and assess the stock status of Asp in the Aras Dam Reservoir.
Methods: This study was conducted using catch data from 2013 to 2022 and employed the latest Catch-MSY (CMSY++) model alongside biometric sampling during the 2023 fishing season to determine the catch limit and assess the stock status of Asp in the Aras Dam reservoir.
Findings: According to the model results, both reference point B/BMSY and F/FMSY were estimated to be below 1.0, indicating poor stock status and high fishing pressure on this species. The maximum sustainable yield (MSY) for Asp was estimated at 1.92 tons. Until 2016, the catch exceeded the MSY significantly, leading to a decline in the biomass in subsequent years and a resulting catch below the optimum level. The Kobe plot further demonstrates that overfishing has pushed most of the stock into the overfished region, signaling a critical condition for the species.
Conclusion: The modeling results of this study emphasize the necessity for management of fishing and illegal fishing activities, adherence to the allowable annual harvest limit, implementation of stock management policies, and protection of nursery areas in the Aras Dam Reservoir. These recommendations are made for the provincial executive authorities to ensure sustainable fisheries of Asp in the Aras Dam reservoir. |
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| Keywords: Asp fish, Stock management, Stock modeling, Illegal fishing, Sustainable fisheries, Aras Dam |
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Type of Study: Research/ Original/ Regular Article |
Subject:
Fisheries and Aquaculture
Received: 2025/08/5 | Revised: 2025/09/27 | Accepted: 2025/09/6
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