Gh. Eskandari - Southern Iran Aquaculture Research Center, Iranian Fisheries Science Research Institute, Agricultural Research Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Ahvaz, Iran
E. Koochaknejad - Iranian National Institute for Oceanography and Atmospheric Science, Chabahar, Iran
S.A. Hashemi - Offshore Fisheries Research Center, Iranian Fisheries Science Research Institute, Agricultural Research Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Chabahar, Iran

Stock assessment of Otolithes ruber was carried out using Virtual Population Analysis (VPA) method in the coastal waters of Northwest area of the Persian Gulf. Catch and length frequency data during ۲۰۰۲-۲۰۱۲ were converted to age frequency. The maximum of stock number and biomass were observed in age group ۱ and ۲, respectively. The minimum stock number and biomass were observed for age group ۶. The maximum and minimum catch numbers were in age groups ۲ and ۶, respectively. The maximum and minimum of weight were in age group ۳ and ۱, respectively. The maximum and minimum of instantaneous fishing mortality were in age groups ۴ and ۱, respectively. The maximum fishing mortality was estimated in ۲۰۱۰-۲۰۱۱ and minimum value was in ۲۰۰۲-۲۰۰۳ and ۲۰۰۸-۲۰۰۹. During ۲۰۱۱-۲۰۱۲ the stock number and biomass were estimated ۲۹۵۵۸ (*۱۰۳) specimens, ۷۳۰۲ tones and the catch number and weight were calculated ۷۵۶۲ (*۱۰۳), ۲۳۶۴ tones and fishing mortality was obtained ۰.۴۷ per year. The calculated parameters showed over-exploitation in age-groups ۳ and ۴. To preserve stocks and to guarantee sustainable exploitation, the prevention of increasing fishing efforts and the control of fishing activities are crucial.  

Virtual population analysis, Stock number and biomass, Catch number, Catch weight, Otolithes ruber