Seasonal Variation in Catchability of Penaeid Prawns in the Night-time Prawn Fishery in Albatross Bay, Gulf of Carpentaria, Australia

Abstract

A correction index of catchability (CIC) was derived using a 6 year research data set to examine the seasonal variation in catchability for the night time prawn fishery in Albatross Bay. CIC reflects the composite effect of the monthly variation in size selectivity, emergence­burying behaviour and population density variation of prawn populations. The values of CIC for four dominant species, Metapenaeus endeavouri, M. ensis, Penaeus semisulcatus and P. esculentus, were examined. The value of CIC for M. endeavouri varied substantially and was the highest in August. The values of CIC for M. ensis were high during November to March and the seasonality was weaker than that for M. endeavouri. The monthly variation in CIC for P. semisulcatus reflected the seasonal variation in population density, being high during November to February. These results suggest that the catch ability of P. esculentus is steady throughout the year but it varies greatly on a seasonal basis for M. endeavouri.