Dormitator lebretonis (Pisces: Eleotridae) is the dominant eleotrid in the Benin coastal waters, where this species constitutes an important fisheries component. The current fisheries survey investigates demographic parameters and the exploitation of D. lebretonis from the Benin coastal waters to contribute to species conservation and sustainable use. Individuals of D. lebretonis have been sampled monthly for 18 months at four locations in the Benin coastal waters. Overall, D. lebretonis showed moderate asymptotic length (L∞) ranging between 11.55-12.08 cm. The growth rate (K) ranged between 0.74yr-1 and 3.1yr-1. The species exhibited moderate longevity ranging between 0.968 and 4.054 years. The growth performance index (φ’) varied between 1.994-2.617, indicating that D. lebretonis is a relatively slow-growing eleotrid. Annual mortalities dominate population growth (Z/K>1), and lengths at first capture (3.80≤L50≤5.05cm) indicated that D. lebretonis was exploited at immature stages. Nevertheless, the exploitation rate (E) was under 0.5, showing the stock was underexploited. The species showed two peaks of recruitment, except in Lake Ahémé. Sustainable exploitation of D. lebretonis in the coastal waters requires a holistic management scheme that should include fisheries regulation enforcement, spawning ground protection, ecosystem restoration, and follow-up.
Coastal waters, Dormitator lebretonis, Exploitation rate, Growth parameters, Lengths at first capture, Recruit-ment/Management
Primary Language | English |
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Subjects | Hydrobiology |
Journal Section | Research Articles |
Authors |
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Supporting Institution | UNIVERSITE D'ABOMEY-CALAVI |
Project Number | 5-2017 |
Thanks | We thank all the fishermen of Lake Nokoué, Lagoon of Porto-Novo, Coastal lagoon, and Lake Ahémé for their assistance in fish samplings. We also thank the staff of the Laboratory of Ecology and Aquatic Ecosystem Management (LEMEA) at “Université d’Abomey-Calavi” (Benin) for their assistance during laboratory work. |
Publication Date | April 12, 2023 |
Submission Date | January 28, 2023 |
Acceptance Date | March 15, 2023 |
Published in Issue | Year 2023Volume: 6 Issue: 2 |
APA | Sonon, P. , Sıdı Imorou, R. , Adjıbade, N. , Arame, H. & Adıte, A. (2023). Demographic characteristics and exploitation rate of Dormitator lebretonis (Pisces: Eleotridae: Steindachner, 1870) from four coastal lagoons of Southern Benin, West Africa . Aquatic Research , 6 (2) , 97-108 . DOI: 10.3153/AR23010 |
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