Stock Assessment of the Common Octopus (<i>Octopus vulgaris</i>) in Monastir; the Mid-eastern Coast of Tunisia

Abstract

The common octopus, ( Octopus vulgaris Cuvier, 1797) is widely distributed through the world. It represents an important resource with high economic value. It is exploited by trawl and by other gears such as trammel net, pots and it is also captured by diving. Although the multitude of assessment techniques, few fisheries cephalopods were well managed. In Tunisia, common octopus ( Octopus vulgaris ) is captured particularly in southern coast and the Sahel defined by three regions (Mahdia, Sousse and Monastir). Our study constitutes the first assessment stock in Monastir situated in the mid of the eastern coasts of Tunisia. Using surplus production models, an under fishing state of Octopus in the East of Tunisia is shown. This study confirms also the necessity of the incorporation of environmental parameters for a better explanation of the variability of common octopus abundance and the importance of these results in the assessment and management of this species.