Growth and mortality of indian squid, Loligo duvauceli (d'Orbigny) (Mollusca/Cephalopoda/Teuthoidea) from Mumbai waters, India

The growth, mortality and exploitation ratio of Loligo duvauceli estimated by employing FiSAT Programme are reported. The asymptotic length (L∞) and growth coefficient (K) were estimated as 385 mm and 0.85 y -1 respectively. The total, natural and fishing mortality co-efficients were calculated as 4.29, 1.82 and 2.47 per year respectively. The present exploitation ratio is around 0.57. Relative yield per recruit analysis shows that the E max is 0.49. Yield isopleth diagram reveals that yield per recruit can be maximized at the exploitation ratio of 0.5 and Lc/L∞ values of 0.4. Reduction in fishing effort is required to maximize the yield per recruit of Loligo duvauceli in Mumbai waters. Increase in cod end mesh size of trawls and reduction in the present level of effort are suggested to sustain the fishery of Loligo duvauceli in Mumbai waters.