Population structure of Nile tilapia and its impact on fisheries of a tropical impacted reservoir, Central India

Length-frequency data of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) was studied using 1250 specimens of both sexes combined with maximum length and weight of 44.5 cm (TL) and 1050 g respectively through gill net catch at different landing sites of Halali Reservoir, Madhya Pradesh. The data were grouped into classes of 10-mm intervals and various parameters of population dynamics of fish were analysed and computed using the FiSAT-II software package (FAO-ICLARM Stock Assessment Tools). The length-weight parameters were found to be at W = 0.001 L ^2.96 where b = 2.96 and a = 0.001. Growth parameters L∞ and K of the species were L∞ = 46.73 cm and K = 0.63/year respectively; the annual rates of natural (M) and fishing mortality (F) were found to be 0.60 and 0.72 respectively. The estimated values for the exploitation rate (E) using the length-converted catch curve and virtual population analysis were 0.54 and 0.42 respectively. The recruitment pattern shows that O. niloticus was recruited in the fishery during April with one peak. Based on the data analysis, the stock in the Halali Reservoir does not exceed the maximum fishing pressure (Emax = 0.55) and there is selective mortality towards adult fish sizes. The introduction of Nile tilapia improved the total catch per unit of effort (CPUE), as well as increased the number of active fishers. Conversely, a significant reduction in the CPUE of other commercially important indigenous species was observed after the introduction of Nile tilapia in the reservoir. Therefore, for management purpose, this study suggests that the existing effort in terms of gill net mesh size which target size (TL—15.0 to 25.0 cm) individuals of length group is to be increased to exert more fishing pressure on Nile tilapia population in the reservoir to decline its abundance in the long term.