Analyzing the distribution pattern of the Skipjack tuna (Katsuwonus pelamis) in the Persian Gulf during 2002-2013

Document Type : scientific research article

Authors

1 University of Tehran

2 Department of Fisheries, Faculty of Natural Resources, University of Tehran, Karaj, Iran.

3 Department of fisheries, University of Tehran,

Abstract

The Skipjack tuna (Katsuwonus pelamis) is one of the important commercial species in the Iranian waters of the Persian Gulf. Understanding the distribution patterns of this migratory species is necessary for the sound management of its stocks. Hence, the present study aimed to investigate the distribution patterns of this fish using logistic regression modelling. Due to the lack of data, the remotely sensed satellite data were used for 2002-2013. The fitted models showed good predictive performances (AUC > 0.786). The environmental variables with the highest importance scores in explaining fish distribution were particulate organic carbon (48.76%), daily sea surface temperature (42.36%), and particulate inorganic carbon (39.17%). The predicted presence locations for the fish depicted spatial fluctuations over the Persian Gulf waters during the studied period. However, the offshore areas were the most probable presence points. The F function was used to find the distribution pattern of the fish. In most years, the Skipjack tuna showed a cluster distribution pattern, while random distribution patterns were obtained for 2004, 2005, and 2007. The present study indicated that modelling fish presence probability and using the F function could be practically used to understand species distribution patterns with limited fish catch data and a vast distribution extent. The findings of this study could help obtain a more detailed identification of Skipjack tuna distribution and have better stock management programs.

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Journal of Utilization and Cultivation of Aquatics
Volume 14, Issue 1
April 2025
Pages 143-159

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