Assessing the exploitation status of main catfish Eutropiichthys vacha based on length based stock assessment models in the Kaptai Lake from Bangladesh

The current study focuses on the detailed data on stock assessments including population structure, growth parameters, mortality, recruitment pattern, exploitation rate (E), maximum sustainable yield (MSY) and relative yield per-recruit of Eutropiichthys vacha (Hamilton, 1822) based on 2512 specimens through regular monthly sampling using gill net, cast net, and square lift net in the Kaptai Lake, located in the hilly region of Bangladesh during January to December 2017. Total length (TL) and body weight (BW) were measured using digital slide calipers and electronic balance with 0.01 cm and 0.01g accuracy for each individual. The asymptotic length (L(∞)) was 44.40 cm and growth coefficient (K) was 0.70 year(−1). The growth performance index (Ø′) was 3.14. The age at zero length (t(0)) was 0.027 year and life-span (t(max)) was 2.73 year. We estimated total mortality (Z), natural mortality (M) and fishing mortality (F) as 4.23, 1.27 and 2.96 year(−1), respectively. The recruitment pattern was throughout the year with two pick-events during May and September. Length at first capture (L(c)) was 20.65 cm TL. The E was 0.70 where the E(max) (exploitation rate producing maximum yield) was 0.45 which indicates 25% over fishing. The MSY was estimated as 34257 metric ton. In conclusion, the results of this study would be very operative to execute specific management for E. vacha in Kaptai Lake, Hilly region of Bangladesh.