Title:

Biomass distribution of kingklip (Genypterus capensis) species in the Benguela Ecosystem of Namibia

Publication Year:
2013
Abstract:

The biomass distribution of kingklip in bottom trawling was investigated in the Namibian waters between Oranjemund and Kunene river area. A systematic transects design; perpendicular to the coast was used for sampling along latitude gradients (29°S-17°S) at different seafloor depths (100-700 m). In total 2323 stations were sampled for a period of ten years. At each trawled station the whole catch were sorted to species level and the total body mass (kg) of each fish was recorded. Environmental factors, consisting of bottom water temperature, salinity and dissolved oxygen were recorded automatically by the Conductivity and Temperature Depth instrument. Results indicated a non-significant difference in the kingklip biomass over the years, while a significant result was observed with changes in depths and latitudes. Environmental factors significantly influenced kingklip biomass distribution. It was concluded that biomass distribution of kingklip species is influenced by depths, latitudes and environmental conditions although not significant with years

Publication Title:

Journal of Research in Ecology

Volume:
2
Issue:
1
Pages:
067-074
Item Type:
Journal Article
Language:
en