Population Structure, Growth and Mortality Rates of Jinga Shrimp, Metapenaeus affinis in Fishing Grounds of Hormozgan Province, Iran

Monthly sampling data of Metapenaeus affinis was analyzed to determine the age, growth and mortality rates form January 2010 to February 2011. The asymptotic total Carapace length was estimated to be 35mm for males and 47mm for females. The growth parameter K was calculated 1.1 Y-1 for females and 1.2 Y-1 for males while the average water temperature was26.5 ? C. The total mortality rate, natural mortality rate and fishing mortality rate was estimated (4.04, 1.95908 and 2.08) for males and (4.93, 1.74954 and 3.18) for females, respectively. Furthermore, the exploitation rate was 0.51 for males and 0.64 for females. Maximum age was 16-17 months and 15-16 months for females and males, respectively. According to the results, Metapenaeuss affinis growth is rapid from summer to autumn and slight from winter to spring. Natural mortality in males and females were close together but males were more vulnerable to fishing from females. A result showed M.affinin was overexploited in Hormozgan fishing grounds. Fishing effort of M.affins must be reduced in Hormozgan fishing grounds and nursery areas should be protected.