Population dynamics of coastal species under multiple varying management strategies: A case study of Silver pomfret (Pampus argenteus) in China

Abstract

In the recent decades, the Chinese Government has proposed several fisheries management policies to promote the conservation and sustainable development of coastal fisheries resources. What’s the performance of these strategies and how is the dynamics of Chinese coastal fisheries? In this research, a typical coastal commercial fish, Silver pomfret Pampus argenteus in the East China Sea, was selected as a case study to preliminary explore the performance. Based on fisheries statistical data and independent survey data, multiple methods were used to understand the life history traits and population dynamics of Silver pomfret. The growth, maturity and mortality characteristics have all greatly changed, i.e smaller size and faster growth, in recent years compared with the previous period. Two length-based models LBSPR and LIME estimated different parameter values, but both suggest an overfished status of Silver pomfret in the East China Sea in 2020, with high fishing mortality and low spawning potential ratio. The catch-based surplus production models BSM and SPiCT, estimated an unrealistically healthy situation of this stock. Considering many other influencing factors affecting the population and fishery dynamics of Silver pomfret, the population has not yet recovered, despite the implementation of multiple management strategies that have reduced fishing pressure. We also strongly advocate for species-specific management of Silver pomfret, e.g. increasing minimum landing size by 10 g and 1 cm, and setting total allowable catch as the 90 % of the three-year average historical catch.