Data-limited stock assessment of red mullet (Mullus barbatus) from the Iskenderun Bay, the north-eastern Mediterranean Sea

Stock size and status of red mullet Mullus barbatus were assessed via virtual population analysis yield prediction using on-board observed length-frequency catch data from the north-eastern Mediterranean Sea. The von Bertalanffy growth parameters obtained L∞ = 35.4 cm, k 0.42, t0 0.64, tanc 0.59 Φ′ 2.72. Trawl-type selectivity ogive was calculated as 1.57 years corresponding to 17.1 cm TL. M. indicated that minimum maximum fishing mortalities 0.01 yr–1 11.1 for mid-length groups 8.5 21.5 respectively. estimated lowest mean biomass 3.541 t 31 at length 8.5, highest 13.880 22.5 46.086 Biological reference points FMSY 5.85, F0.5 2.3, EMSY 0.89, E0.5 0.77. values current mortality coefficient (Fcur) exploitation rate (Ecur) 5.3 0.89 present biological indicate stock in investigated area is overexploited needs urgent management considerations.